If you are a member of the Wright College community you might have heard of the Cook County beverage tax.
The tax was applied on August 2 and pushed a $0.01 per ounce tax on all sweetened beverages. While this tax was put into place to try and encourage healthier habits and push for less consumption of sugary drinks, some people were not happy.
“I used to go into a gas station with random small change in my pocket and buy an Arizona with just that. Now it’s not enough, or I have to break a whole other dollar. Sometimes I’m super broke and can’t spare that extra change. The tax is complete garbage,” said Wright College student Alex Love.
The dislike of the tax seemed to be a re-occuring theme among students. Another student, who chooses to remain anonymous stated “The soda tax is a poor excuse for politicians caring about people's health.”
While negative opinions of the tax seem to be popular, they aren't the only ones that exist. Jennifer Kujawa, a staff member at Presence Resurrection Medical Center, believes it can be of help to many, not just students.
“People underestimate how much soda and sugary drinks affect someone's health. Diabetes is common and even before that soda can make you sluggish and tired. Even though this tax may be something people don't like, I think it’s a good first step in getting people more aware of what they’re putting in their bodies,” argued Kujawa.
Regardless of the intent behind the tax, it seems it has caused a big outbreak of frustration on social media. It has been common in the last month for people to post their receipts from grocery stores after making a beverage run. This outcry from the public has even caused for a vote to repeal the new tax. The Cook County Board, and Board President Toni Preckwinkle, will soon be entering a meeting to decide whether the new tax will be overturned or not.
With the words of the people being heard, hopefully Cook County residents and Wright College students can look forward to a future where they will not have to throw in another dollar for a Pepsi.