National Alliance for Hispanic Health Statement on Introduction of SWEET Act in 114th Congress

Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 26, 2015

"The SWEET Act is an important step to invigorate the beverage industry to make healthy options more available and help parents who are working to reduce sugar in their family diet. The penny tax is a reasonable approach to support public health, and we will continue to stand on the right side of this issue for the health of all families," said Dr. Jane Delgado President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health on the introduction of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax (SWEET) Act by Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro.

The SWEET Act introduced today in the 114th Congress would amend the U.S. Internal Revenue Code to institute a tax of 1 cent per teaspoon of caloric sweetener, such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, on sugar sweetened beverage products to be paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of such products. The revenue would support prevention and treatment, research, and nutrition education to reduce the human and economic costs of diabetes, obesity, dental caries, and other conditions related to consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

The Alliance joined a group of health leadership today in supporting the SWEET Act. Other groups announcing their support include the: American Heart Association, American Public Health Association, California Center for Public Health Advocacy, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, Center for Science in the Public Interest, ChangeLab Solutions, Consumer Federation of America, Healthy Food Action, Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, National Center for Health Research, National Consumers League, Partnership for Prevention, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Prevention Institute, Public Health Institute, and Shape Up America!

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The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation's foremost science-based source of information and trusted non-partisan advocate for the best health outcomes for all. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year. For more information, visit http://www.hispanichealth.org, call the Alliance's Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645, or find us on Facebook at healthyamericas or on Twitter at health4americas.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/SweetACTCongress/prweb12612446.htm

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