Wisconsin Budget Provision Shows Contempt for NYC Soda Ban

MADISON, Wis.Wisconsin lawmakers have let New York City's mayor know what they think of his ban on sodas that are larger than 16 ounces. It reeks of government overreach.

A provision in the state budget is said to bar municipalities from restricting sales of beverages and food based on such nutritional criteria as calories and size.

Gov. Scott Walker must decide whether to veto the budget provision.

State Rep. Patricia Strachota authored the provision in response to the Big Apple's restriction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

"In Wisconsin, we're not going to dictate what businesses can or can't sell or what people can or can't buy, based on size, calories or other nutritional factors," the Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper quoted Strachota as stating. 

Wisconsin is not the only state that has shown contempt for the regulation in New York City. Earlier this year, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed a bill that prohibits local governments from restricting food and beverages.

A Manhattan judge has invalided the soda ban, ruling the health board exceeded its authority and issued an "arbitrary and capricious" regulation. However, an appeals court is reviewing the case.