Let's tax caffeine, legislator argues

[Jolie77]

Have a Coke and a tax.

That's what Rep. Craig Frank wants his colleagues in the Legislature to consider.

Frank, R-American Fork, has asked lawmakers over the next year to study the potential for taxing caffeine, a response to proposals this session to hike the tax on cigarettes - all of which failed.

Frank said his intent initially was just to target caffeinated sodas and other cold beverages, but he has decided to look at the substance more broadly.

"Some feel [the cigarette tax is] a tax on those who are addicted to a substance that frankly they enjoy [but] we say that's a harmful thing to do.

At the same time, the government is addicted to the fee revenues," said Frank. "So in light of that, if we're really going to find a revenue stream on something addictive, why not cold caffeine?"

His proposal is contained in a master study resolution approved unanimously Thursday by lawmakers.

Frank said he has seen research that caffeine can cause spontaneous abortion, psychological abnormalities and other disorders.

"We're going after people who have problems with addiction for a revenue stream, only caffeine would be one that is more broad-based," said Frank, who calls himself a "social caffeine drinker."

Most of Utah's population and more than 80 percent of the Utah Legislature belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which discourages its members from drinking "hot drinks." Some Mormons have interpreted that to extend beyond coffee and tea to caffeinated beverages.

Let's tax caffeine, legislator argues - Salt Lake Tribune

I can see an uproar about this IF IF IF this were to be passed but I doubt it will be passed though. What will they try to tax on next? Water?

 

[Babyblue]

They want to tax anything that contains a drug. Especially the addictive ones.

alcohol=booze

Nicotine=cigarettes

Caffeine= coffee or caffeinated drinks.

all the above are addictive. The government knows it is hard for people to live without the items they are addicted to, so they will collect money on those items.

So that is why they are targeting those things.

 

[Jolie77]

They want to tax anything that contains a drug. Especially the addictive ones.

alcohol=booze

Nicotine=cigarettes

Caffeine= coffee or caffeinated drinks.

all the above are addictive. The government knows it is hard for people to live without the items they are addicted to, so they will collect money on those items.

So that is why they are targeting those things.

I agree, That is why they are trying to tax on anything that they can think of not only because of how addictive these stuffs are but because of how the current economic crisis are which results into taking a desperate measure.

 

[Babyblue]

I agree, That is why they are trying to tax on anything that they can think of not only because of how addictive these stuffs are but because of how the current economic crisis are which results into taking a desperate measure.

Yup. While they are taxing these items. I really would like to know how our tax money will be spent.

 

[Jolie77]

Yup. While they are taxing these items. I really would like to know how our tax money will be spent.

I would like to know that too but as we both know - It'll always be a hush-hush thing, unfortunately.

 

[Babyblue]

I would like to know that too but as we both know - It'll always be a hush-hush thing, unfortunately.

As of April 1st. They will tax a carton of cigarettes up to 7 dollars, give or take a few more cents.

Stores all over, have signs posted warning people to stock up.

 

[chris' mom]

Here so far they are 54.45 for a cartoon of smokes..next month they will be up to 60 bucks!! Last time I bougt smokes it was 45 bucks and the time before that 34..WTH...I say tax alcohol.

 

[Pepsi]

I can't wait to see what they come up with next :roll:

 

[ncff07]

I can't wait to see what they come up with next :roll:

there gonna tax sex next. that seems the logical next step. cigarettes...caffeine... alcohol... sex... things people enjoy...

"and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

i guess it has perished. seems now its just for a select few people and not the entire country.

 

[netrox]

Let's tax caffeine, legislator argues - Salt Lake Tribune

I can see an uproar about this IF IF IF this were to be passed but I doubt it will be passed though. What will they try to tax on next? Water?

It's stupid. I hope they never pass that law.

Unlke nicotine or alcohol, caffiene has NEVER been shown to cause any epidemic of mental or physical problems despite it being highly addictive so there is absolutely NO reason to tax a drug that's perfectly safe.

 

[Foxrac]

Craig Frank need get stripped from republican party for act like big government.

Tax on caffeine is joke...

 

[SeanB]

How about taxing the hell out of THEIR luxery pastimes such as high end fancy dinners, yachts, homes/condos above a certain value considered "excess", luxery cars, private planes, imported luxery clothing, etc.

 

[ASLGAL]

Our Governor is pushing again to tax any and all grocery items. :roll:

My coffee is nearly my only vice in life - Ratz!!

Argh!

How about taxing the hell out of THEIR luxery pastimes such as high end fancy dinners, yachts, homes/condos above a certain value considered "excess", luxery cars, private planes, imported luxery clothing, etc.

Sadly, when the exceptionally high tax on luxury items was imposed it cost average joe jobs. I think it was Florida - someone correct me if it was somewhere else - Some government guru decided "Lets tax yahts high, those darn rich people" and so they did. What happened was this: people who would have bought new yachts didn't because of the exhorbinate prices, yacht builders didn't have work, yacht sellers didn't sell yachts, marina workers didn't have new moorings to accomodate. Lots of average people lost jobs so it had the opposite affect.

 

[Maria]

I believe they are scammin' people for taxin' on everythin'. Fraud and dishonesty. Why more money to tax ? I don't see if, there's any reason for them to tax people more. The only thing I can see them that they are greedy for money and more power to control people over their freedom to buy. And, also they are tryin' to cause problems in people's lives for not be able to afford to buy. Will they cause people to increase crime ?

I don't think they will tax on people for sex. Sex helps to get rid of runny nose ( colds ), easy to sleep, less high blood pressure and many more. It is healthy, not like nicotine or caffeine. It's natural. IF, they DO tax on people for sex, then I will say they are for makin' no sense.


Globalization Tax is nonsense to me. I mean, for every little thing they had to tax -- gee, it makes no sense to me. I mean, for what ?

 

[Royale]

The excessive use of caffeine causes high cholesterol so perhaps the tax will help cover the health costs, I assume.

 

[Jolie77]

This just came in my mind - as a wild thought -

If things are continued to be taxed for no apparent reason just like this; I have to wonder, Would it be a repeat of the 'Boston Tea Party'?

Also, What good would come out of this?

 

[Jiro]

How about taxing the hell out of THEIR luxery pastimes such as high end fancy dinners, yachts, homes/condos above a certain value considered "excess", luxery cars, private planes, imported luxery clothing, etc.

they do. it's called LUXURY TAX.

 

[Jiro]

Let's tax caffeine, legislator argues - Salt Lake Tribune

I can see an uproar about this IF IF IF this were to be passed but I doubt it will be passed though. What will they try to tax on next? Water?

They want to tax anything that contains a drug. Especially the addictive ones.

alcohol=booze

Nicotine=cigarettes

Caffeine= coffee or caffeinated drinks.

all the above are addictive. The government knows it is hard for people to live without the items they are addicted to, so they will collect money on those items.

So that is why they are targeting those things.

lol.... when i read the article - i was thinking "oh..... he must be a Mormon" and turned out that he is!

 

[Jiro]

I agree, That is why they are trying to tax on anything that they can think of not only because of how addictive these stuffs are but because of how the current economic crisis are which results into taking a desperate measure.

aka SIN TAX

 

[Jiro]

This just came in my mind - as a wild thought -

If things are continued to be taxed for no apparent reason just like this; I have to wonder, Would it be a repeat of the 'Boston Tea Party'?

Also, What good would come out of this?

just nitpicking - the cause of Boston Tea Party was to rebel against British Empire by refusing to pay tax to them. but I get your point - a repeat of Boston Tea Party on caffeine products.. I doubt it. we're too HOOKED on it and I don't think you want to see what will happen to Jiro if he does not get his coffee in the morning