For the second time this year, New York Governor David Paterson proposed a tax on non-diet soft drinks to help the state close its $3 billion budget gap.

In addition to raising much needed funds, the tax has the support of health advocates who believe fewer people will consume the sugary drinks if prices go up.

On the other hand, companies like Coca-Cola (KO) and Pepsi (PEP) reject the claim that soda is to blame for obesity, and argue that it’s unfair to single out soda.

But what do New Yorkers think?

Join Josh Lipton for a closer look.