The tax would help fund obesity prevention programs.
According to an Associated Press report, New York state Assemblyman Felix Ortiz has proposed a 1 percent tax increase on video games, junk food, and TV commercials, citing that these things are responsible for the growing obesity problem in New York. Ortiz said that the final proposal may include additional items as well. The money raised from the tax would be used to fund obesity prevention programs and establish additional health programs for schools. However, the proposal"s chances of passing appear to be slim since Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said he would not support the tax.