By Olivia Scheck
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has not immediately backed a proposal by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. David Paterson to ban the use of food stamps to buy sugary drinks, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The plan, which would require food-stamp users to pay cash for drinks containing "more than 10 calories per 8 ounces (except fruit juices without added sugar, milk products and milk substitutes)," is part of a lager effort to improve New Yorkers' health, which Gillibrand has supported in the past.
But the Senator, who will go up against Republican challenger, Joe DioGuardi, for her seat in November, indicated to the Journal that she would not support the most recent proposal.
"I think giving parents and families the tools they need to make the right choices is a better approach," Gillibrand reportedly explained.
"I'm just still looking at it."
Though the restriction on sugary drinks would apply only to New York City, Gillibrand may have some say over whether it comes to pass. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, she helps oversee the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will have to approve the measure before it goes into effect, according to a statement by the mayor.
Gillibrand, who fought to eliminate junk food from public schools, has also made headlines for her own weight loss, losing between 15 and 20 pounds, according to one estimate.
