Philadelphia could become 1st major US city with soda tax
Photo by AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Opponents of a proposed sugary drink tax demonstrate outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016.
(Philadelphia) — A Philadelphia City Council committee has voted to approve an amended version of a soda tax proposal that would set a 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax on sugary and diet drinks.
Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney’s initial proposal was for a 3-cent tax on sugary beverages only, but he lacked the votes to secure it. He wants the tax to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements.
A council vote is scheduled for Thursday. A final vote is expected next week.
Opponents at a public hearing before Wednesday’s vote shouted “No new tax!” Supporters countered with “Kids can’t wait.”
The soda industry has spent millions of dollars on a campaign to stop Philadelphia from becoming the first major U.S. city with a sugary-drinks tax.
Berkeley, California, is the only U.S. city to approve such a tax.