To respond to the Do Now, you can comment below or tweet your response. Be sure to begin your tweet with @KQEDEdspace and end it with #KQEDDoNow

For more info on how to use Twitter, click here.

Do Now

Would you vote yes or no on a higher tax for sugary beverages and energy drinks? Tell us your thoughts, or take it a step further and make a creative representation of how you would vote on Measure N.

Introduction

In the Bay Area city of Richmond, there is a Soda Tax campaign in full swing. Supporters of the campaign have created art to represent their stance on Measure N, including the mural pictured above.

City Councilman Jeff Ritter has proposed an increase in the cost of sodas to discourage young people from overloading on sugar, which can cause health problems. Local small businesses and restaurants argue that the tax will only hurt their profits, and raise the prices of grocery bills for families.

Resource

KQED California Report segment Richmond's Proposed Soda Tax Will Go To Voters - Aug. 6, 2012
When New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a ban on super-sized sodas and sugary drinks, he touched off a debate on government's role in preventing obesity. That same debate is now taking place in one California city that will ask voters to raise the tax on sugar-sweetened drinks

Continue reading »