In response to vote Yes on 1

To the editor:
    In his letter to the editor two weeks ago, Dean Clukey urged citizens to vote Yes on Question 1 – which will ask voters to veto a law enacted this spring that increases taxes on beer, wine and soft drinks (excluding coffee, tea, fruit or vegetable juices with more than 10 percent natural fruit or vegetable juice, infant formula, water, dietary aids, consumer mixes and milk products).
    Clukey seems to be coming from the perspective that an increase in any tax is something that should be opposed. Yet taxation is one of the most effective ways to curb costly public health problems. Beer, wine and high sugar soft drinks are all major contributors to significant health problems in the County and in Maine.
    According to Maine’s Office of Substance Abuse, the estimated cost of substance abuse in Maine in 2005 was $898 million, or about $660 for each Maine resident. A high percentage of that cost came from alcohol abuse and its associated consequences. Moreover, consumption of high sugar soft drinks are a significant contributor to the pediatric obesity epidemic sweeping our state and nation. Remember — these taxes are very similar to Maine’s tobacco tax. They are taxes intended to curb significant public health problems that cost Maine taxpayers millions of dollars per year in health care, criminal justice, child welfare, and mental health treatment expenses. Remember, the strongest opponents to the increased tax are wealthy, out-of-state alcohol companies who are not paying the bills for problems caused by their products – but we are.
    So, what will voting “No” on Question 1 really cost you? 1 cent for a glass of wine; 3 cents for a bottle of beer; 4 cents for a can of soda. How will it benefit you? Decreasing alcohol and soft drink consumption has the potential to decrease the public health problems, and related costs, caused by their consumption. The taxes will also decrease the number of uninsured, working adults and their children by allowing more people to join and benefit from the Dirigo Health Care program.
    Maine is one of the few states that has lowered its rate of uninsured citizens in recent years. When children get preventive care to make them healthier, and when businesses can count on healthy employees, health costs go down and Maine’s economy can thrive. Remember: 1 cent for a glass of wine; 3 cents for a bottle of beer; 4 cents for a can of soda. More health care coverage for working Mainers. Decreased alcohol and soft drink consumption. Make your decision.
Clare Desrosiers, project director
Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition