Dear Senator Cornyn,

No new taxes for socialized medicine!

One of the ideas being proposed by the Senate Finance Committee is to pay for government-run health care by raising taxes on beverages. This tax scheme is a bad one, and would cost everyone that enjoys soda, sports drinks or alcoholic beverages. Raising taxes on the American people during a recession is bad policy, regardless of what the money will supposedly be spent on.

Leaders in the Senate are planning on paying for the government takeover of healthcare with massive taxes on soda and alcoholic beverages. It’s a hefty chunk of change: beer would be up 145% per six pack, the liquor tax would increase $2.54 per fifth, and the soda tax could be raised as well.

Those who want to see a Canadian-style socialized health care system have managed to sneak reconciliation language into the budget which means that Senator Reid and his allies can limit debate of this monumental decision and pass sweeping changes to our health care system with only 51 votes. That’s why every vote counts to preserve the choice and freedom we have.

This is something America just can’t afford right now – these tax hikes mean less money in our own pockets and a severe hit to the already suffering restaurant business and their employees.

I'd like to see you publicly state your opposition to the beverage tax idea.

Sincerely,

Dr. Chris Albritton