This, from an article in Parade magazine (Nov. 8): "Recent studies have shown that for every 10 percent increase in poverty, obesity rises 6 percent. One reason is lack of access to healthy food. Nutritious food is expensive. … For people with limited income, it is out of their reach."

So tell me why Lyle Hillyard and Howard Stephenson are insisting on putting a hike on the food tax? If you want to tax food, tax the junk food and soda pop.

Speaking of tax increases, increase the tax on cigarettes. In New York City and New York state, the tax is $4.25 per pack. Utah legislators, take a lesson.

Ann Jones

Taylorsville