Navajo Council to consider junk food tax pr..

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FARMINGTON, N.M. • A proposed sales tax on junk food is headed to the Navajo Nation Council for consideration.

The legislation calls for an additional 2 percent tax on sweetened beverages, chips, candy, cookies and pastries bought on the reservation, which spans parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

The revenue would be used to build wellness centers, parks, basketball courts, trails, gardens and picnic grounds. It would also help to sponsor health education classes.

Supporters tell The Daily Times (http://bit.ly/1iSQjtP ) the tax would help reduce diabetes and encourage people to buy healthy foods.

Opponents argue the tax would push consumers to buy junk food in stores off the reservation.

The measure is sponsored by Delegate Danny Simpson. He's also sponsoring legislation to remove the sales tax on vegetables, fruit, water and other foods.

Navajo Council to consider junk food tax proposal