A proposed new tax on sugary drinks appears unlikely to pass the state Senate, despite passionate campaigning by New York Gov. David Paterson and his health commissioner.

Supporters have pushed the tax as a way to combat obesity while bolstering funding for state health programs. But a number of Democratic senators are opposed, along with the entire Republican conference. With a 31-30 Democrat-Republican split in the chamber, the measure isn’t expected to draw the minimum 32 votes needed for passage.

All year long, newscasts have been filled with stories on healthcare reform and obesity in America. There’s no doubt that our current medical care delivery system is in need of some repair and refinement. And, most agree that we have an obesity epidemic on our hands. We need funds to implement critical changes, but from where? Taxes, of course.

Gov. David Paterson’s proposed budget sin-taxes on cigarettes and soda won’t cause taxpayers to repent, they’ll just drive New Yorkers across the border to indulge for less, state Sen. Diane Savino said.

And while Staten Islanders are in New Jersey stocking up on those items, they’ll buy liquor (it’s cheaper), fill up their cars (gas is less there, too) and shop for clothes and shoes (no tax, ever), she said.

Gov. David Paterson’s proposed soda tax is another ill-advised attempt to solve the state’s spending woes with a tax that will burden both hard-working New Yorkers and our business community. In these tough economic times, we need to reduce burdens, not create them.

The soda tax generated the most heated debate Tuesday at a hearing on the proposed health budget.

The health budget cuts state funding to hospitals, nursing homes and medical education, but the soda issue bubbled to the top.

Nick Vaugh, Ogdensburg City Councilor, today introduced new legislation opposing Governor Paterson’s plan for a “Soda Tax” on soft drinks and beverage syrups.

Last year, Governor David A. Paterson put forward a proposal that outraged Queens citizens. He tried to pass an 18-percent tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, which would have cost all New Yorkers an additional 55 cents when purchasing a 12-pack of soda.

Last year, Gov. David A. Paterson tried to pass an 18-percent tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, which would have cost New Yorkers an additional 55 cents when they purchased a 12-pack of soda. New Yorkers were so outraged that they fought hard against this ridiculous tax – until the governor pulled back his proposal.

I read the Jan. 22 News piece about Gov. David Paterson’s budget proposal. I’m familiar with the New York State budget crisis, and appreciate his intent. But as a registered dietitian, I take issue with his suggestion to tax sugar-sweetened beverages.

Many public health advocates and scientific researchers have suggested that increasing the tax consumers pay when purchasing soda would be an effective way to help stem the growing rate of obesity in America. Most vocal among them in recent years has been Kelly Brownell, Director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University.