National Alliance for Hispanic Health Statement on Introduction of SWEET Act
Washington, DC (PRWEB) July 30, 2014 -- “Today, we have said ¡Basta! (enough) to the unhealthy onslaught of sugary drinks that are being promoted to our children and our families. The SWEET Act is an important step to invigorate the beverage industry to put the health of people first and make healthy options more available,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health on the introduction of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax (SWEET) Act by Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro.
The SWEET Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to institute a tax of 1 cent per teaspoon of caloric sweetener, such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, on sugar sweetened beverage products to be paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of such products. The revenue would support prevention and treatment, research, and nutrition education to reduce the human and economic costs of diabetes, obesity, dental caries, and other conditions related to consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
“The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is proud to be one of the original endorsers of the SWEET Act. The penny tax is a reasonable approach to support public health and we will continue to stand on the right side of this issue for the health of all families,” concluded Dr. Delgado.
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The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation's foremost science-based source of information and trusted non-partisan advocate for the best health outcomes for all. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year. For more information, visit http://www.hispanichealth.org, call the Alliance’s Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645, or find us on Facebook at healthyamericas or on Twitter at health4americas.
Abigail Hernandez, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, +1 202-797-4357, [email protected]
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