It takes a lot for Bernie Sanders to oppose a tax of any kind. The Vermont Senator’s socialist brand of government dictates that he push to dramatically raise taxes across the board, especially on those he deems to be “wealthy”. However, there is one tax that even a socialist like Bernie Sanders opposes.
The tax that Bernie Sander has spoken out against – likely the only tax he has ever spoken out against – is the controversial “soda tax” such as the tax that was recently written into law by the city of Philadelphia. The soda tax is a heavy tax that applies to all purchases of soft drinks, and in the case of Philadelphia, the money it raises will go towards education funding.
There are several problems with this tax, though. For one, it directly hurts business owners who are under it, as it forces them to charge much higher prices for the soft drinks that they sell. When customers are unwilling to pay these high prices, they simply go to a business outside the city limits where the tax is not enforced.
The soda tax also disproportionately affects poorer individuals, who purchase sodas in higher numbers than any other income bracket. The fact that this tax is being paid for by the poor is the reason that Bernie Sanders has opposed it.
Whatever the reason, though, it’s a historic moment when Sanders opposes a tax of any kind. To learn more about the soda tax and why Bernie Sanders is against it, be sure to check out the video below.
