"And while taxes aren't an easy sell to voters, especially in a red county like Kern, it's important to consider all options, said Amy Travis, executive director of First 5 Kern County. "We know it (tax) works," said Travis. "We know tobacco use is declining, so I think it's a matter of asking what's next? Is that alcohol, marijuana, sugary beverages?""


How convenient. The only "options" are to raise taxes on other products!

Taxes work? Like providing additional incentives for people/businesses to leave the state when they are enacted and/or increased? People changing their purchasing decisions to avoid the tax? It's important to consider that residents already paying some of the highest taxes in the nation could now be forced (not "asked") to "help families with young children" whenever they choose to purchase a 12 pack of soda.

Additional funds should come from philanthropy only. If you have kids, don't expect the taxpayers (already struggling to pay their own bills) to cover your childcare expenses.