Create a national 1% consumption tax on junk food and alcoholic beverages to partially fund medicaid

Poor diet and nutrition pose a significant burden on America's ability to field a globally competitive economy. The high rates of obesity, diabetes and other health conditions caused by poor diet and exercise are bankrupting the medicaid program. A national 1% consumption tax on foods and beverages that contribute to America's poor nutritional health would provide much needed solvency to the nation's largest health program servicing economically disadvantaged and impoverished citizens and an economic wake-up to consumers through their pocketbook to consider and make more healthy dietary choices. Medicaid should not be funded principled by income taxes that are disproportionately burdened to the middle class. We need a new approach based on a blend of tax revenue sources.