Grand Canyon Times

Calley Means, co-founder of TrueMed, said Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ veto of a bill that aimed to remove taxpayer funding for soda purchases by children was “unconscionable and indefensible,” in a post on X.

"Governor Hobbs vetoed a bill that passed the Arizona legislature that simply removed taxpayer funding of soda for lower income kids," said Means, ann entrepreneur, author, and health policy advocate. "This is unconscionable and indefensible."

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed HB2165, which sought to prevent food stamp recipients from using their benefits to purchase soda. Despite its passage in both the Arizona House and Senate, Hobbs rejected the bill on April 15. According to the Arizona Capitol Times, she acknowledged the public health intentions behind the legislation but argued it would unfairly restrict the purchasing power of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants.

Means' post on X | X

Hobbs said that the bill would create a "new underclass of grocery shoppers," as noted in her veto message.

While rejecting the soda ban, Hobbs signed another bipartisan bill prohibiting certain artificial dyes and chemicals in food sold at public schools, including vending machines. This legislation received unanimous support. Proponents of HB2165, such as Rep. Leo Biasiucci and new Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., asserted that the measure was an initial step toward addressing sugar-sweetened beverages' impact on public health.

According to Children's Health Defense, Calley Means has been outspoken about the negative effects of soda and ultra-processed foods on children's health. He said that sugary drinks like soda contribute to metabolic dysfunction in children, leading to conditions such as prediabetes and obesity. Means explained that these beverages overwhelm the body's ability to process sugar, causing cellular damage and long-term health issues. He pointed out that today's children consume sugar at significantly higher levels than in previous generations, worsening these health concerns.

Means is an American entrepreneur and health advocate focused on reforming the U.S. healthcare system. As per his website, he has experience as a consultant for both the food and pharmaceutical industries. In 2022, he co-founded TrueMed with his sister Dr. Casey Means; a company designed to facilitate tax-advantaged spending on health-promoting expenses like supplements, exercise, and nutritious food. Together they authored "Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health," released in May 2024, which explores metabolic health's connection to overall well-being while advocating lifestyle changes to prevent chronic diseases.