Bay Area Proponents Of Soda Tax Measures Battle 'Tidal Wave' Of Beverage Industry Money
SAN FRANCISCO/BERKELEY (KCBS)— The campaign over San Francisco and Berkeley's so-called 'soda-tax measures' is taking on a David versus Goliath theme with the amounts of money being invested.
San Francisco's Yes on E campaign, which claims to promote healthy foods and wants to reduce soda consumption, is struggling with a quarter million dollars to put out mailers. Meanwhile, according to the latest campaign disclosure papers, the anti-soda tax camp, largely funded by the American Beverage Association, has $7.7 million dollars as evidenced by radio and TV ads.
In Berkeley, where proponents are pushing a one-cent an ounce tax on sugary beverages, the No on Measure D campaign is getting $1.4 million or $20 for every registered Berkeley voter.
The Yes on D campaign has raised $85,000. San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener wrote Prop E that he says the two-cent an ounce tax on soda will raise $54 million a year with specific designations.
"We know that we're fighting for the public health of our city and we need to see through this tidal wave of corporate money," Wiener said.
Roger Salazar, California spokesman for the American Beverage Association is unapologetic for the millions being spent saying someone needs to stand up for the small business owner and the consumer.
"This is not the right way to conduct a health policy. Taxing customers and small businesses is not the best way to approach a health policy," Salazar said.