First Major City Imposes Soda Tax
Philadelphia is now the first major US city to approve a tax on regular and diet soda.
FOX’s Gurnal Scott has the story.
The new measure imposes a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the carbonated beverages. The tax could raise approximately $90 million for city Pre-K and recreation programs.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney praised the 13-to-4 vote and the strategy he employed to get it passed:
(Kenney) “Acknowledge that it is a good thing to drink less sugar-sweetened beverages, but tie it to things that the community cares about.”
A coalition against the tax accused the Mayor of ignoring a majority of residents who say the tax is regressive. The soda industry is expected to sue to stop it.
To that Mayor Kenney says if there is a legal battle:
(Kenney) ”We’ll fight the next fight when it comes.”
Gurnal Scott, FOX News.
