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SSB Forum in the News
Forum Press Releases and Media Advisories |
On Monday, March 8, 2010, NYAM convened a symposium on Governor David Paterson’s proposed tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as part of his overall 2010-11 budget proposal. The forum was held with the assistance and support of state and city health officials and numerous community partners. Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford began the forum by addressing the general issue of the proposed tax and harmful links between the consumption of SSBs and obesity.
Governor Paterson, State Health Commissioner Richard Daines, and New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley also spoke about the seriousness of the issue and the importance of enacting a tax that would eventually influence New Yorkers’ choices when it comes to consuming healthier beverages. The event, which drew close to 100 participants, was held in the Blue Room of the State Capitol. One result of the forum was a major editorial on the heels of the event by The New York Times supporting the tax.
The event also drew scores of regional and national/international media outlets including The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France Press, The New York Times, The Daily News, the New York Post, New York 1, WCBS 2, WNBC4, FOX5, WABC7, and New York State Public Radio. Other outlets included numerous print and broadcast outlets from throughout the state. Additionally, the event was televised live through the New York State News Service (NYAM will receive a copy of this broadcast).
The event, which ran from 2-4 p.m. also featured several advocates of the tax, including Kelly Brownell, Ph.D., Co-founder and Director of the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Nancy Huehnergarth, Director of the New York State Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Alliance, and Jennifer March-Joly, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Citizen’s Committee for Children.
NYAM worked closely with its state lobbying firm, Malkin & Ross to develop press materials and to promote the event through the New York State Legislative Correspondents Association and individual reporters who cover health and state politics.
In a statement to the media, Boufford said the evidence linking SSBs to obesity was too serious to be overlooked. She said the tax was a good first step but must be part of an overall strategy that includes education and awareness about the consumption of SSBs.
"The proposed surcharges on sweetened beverages alone are not enough," said Jo Ivey Boufford, President of The New York Academy of Medicine. "Food policies like the Governor's proposed tax must be supported by educational programming in schools and communities, and by policies that increase the options available to families who want and need better access to fresh, healthy foods."
Boufford said the beverage industry can play an important role in this overall strategy by promoting their own products such as natural juices and other products like water, skim milk, and other low calorie drinks that do not contribute to overweight and would not be subject to the tax.
3/09/10 The Daily News: Gov. Paterson gulps, pushes for soda levy: Senators say move will fall flat
3/09/10 The Gothamist: Soda Tax Gathering Momentum
3/08/10 The Atlantic: Only You Can Encourage Soda Taxes
3/08/10 The New York Times: Healthy Solution: Taxing Sodas
3/07/10 The Daily News: Health officials ready to make push for statewide soda tax
DASH-NYThe DASH-NY campaign aims to help all New Yorkers stay fit and healthy. Join the DASH-NY Action Team!
NYAM’s Ruth Finkelstein Honored by Metropolis Magazine as One of Ten Game Changers in 2012
Ruth Finkelstein, ScD, Senior Vice President for Policy and Planning at NYAM, has been selected as one of ten “Game Changers” by Metropolis Magazine for her leadership on the Age-friendly NYC initiative.
The New York Academy of Medicine with support from the New York State Heath Foundation released a new report, Federal Health Care Reform in New York State: A Population Health Perspective.
This report identifies opportunities that build on both the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) and New York’s ongoing efforts toward improving the health of its 19 million residents.
Read press release
Read report
