"This adjustment in excise tax rates is long overdue," declared Richard Dutton, BATS Director. "Last year's raise of alcohol taxes to $120 per gallon, and of tobacco to $9 per pack, promptly had the desired effect of reducing youth consumption of these substances. It's sugar's turn now. Moreover, these three excise increases will enhance Government revenue by about $250 billion per year, which will help cut the huge debt burden the nation inherited from the Bush years."

"This measure will go far toward reducing obesity and diabetes in our country," declared President Sanchez, "As the father of two daughters who between them weigh a quarter of a ton, I deplore the grip that the sugar oligarchs have upon our youth. I urge all the States to follow the lead of California, and raise to 16 the legal age for purchase of sugar-added drinks. If we work together, we can at last turn the corner in America's battle on the bulge."

"It's important that we have agencies like the Community Epidemiology Work Group to keep an eagle eye on the Nation's substance use," concluded the President. "Our enjoyment of alcohol, tobacco and sugar should always be tempered by a clear understanding of the consequences."