Astroturfers Fight NY Gov. Paterson’s Proposed Beverage Tax

NY Gov. David Paterson’s controversial beverage tax, which is meant to fight obesity (and help balance the budget), is facing vigorous opposition from soft drink manufacturers. The astroturf group New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes has been running the below ad on NYC television every hour for the last few days. The proposed tax is one cent per ounce of sugared beverage, which includes colas, most sports drinks, powdered mixes, and some fruit juices.