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Should soda be banned for food-stamp users?
In an anti-obesity push, New York’s Mayor Bloomberg has floated a proposal to ban the use of food stamps for soda and other sugary beverages. Supporters argue that the government shouldn’t buy things that make people ill because taxpayers ultimately foot the health care bills. But critics say the government already intrudes on people’s lives too much. How far should the government go in restricting what people buy with food stamps? Should California pursue a policy similar to the one being considered in New York?
In an anti-obesity push, New York’s Mayor Bloomberg has floated a proposal to ban the use of food stamps for soda and other sugary beverages. Supporters argue that the government shouldn’t buy things that make people ill because taxpayers ultimately foot the health care bills. But critics say the government already intrudes on people’s lives too much. How far should the government go in restricting what people buy with food stamps? Should California pursue a policy similar to the one being considered in New York?