Even though an overwhelming number of Consumerist readers thought NY state’s proposed “soda tax” on high calorie beverages was nothing but a cash grab, NYC Mayor ad eternum Michael Bloomberg says he’s all for it, calling it an easy fix.

“In these tough economic times, easy fixes to our problems are hard to come by,” Bloomberg said during his weekly radio address. “But the soda tax is a fix that just makes sense. It would save lives. It would cut rising health care costs. And it would keep thousands of teachers and nurses where they belong: in the classrooms and clinics.”

The measure before the State Assembly is whether or not to impose taxes on soft drinks containing more than 10 calories per 8 ounces. Among the beverages included would be just about all non-diet sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened coffees and teas (only in bottles), and fruit and vegetable juices containing less than 70% natural juice. Milk, milk products, milk substitutes, dietary aids, and infant formula are exempt from the tax.

Bloomberg Says a Soda Tax ‘Makes Sense’ [NY Times]

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