Philly Soda Tax: City Council debating years-old tax on sugary beverages

Philadelphia City Council is reviewing the city's so-called ‘Soda Tax’ eight years after the 1.5 cents per ounce fee on sugary drinks was instituted. 

The once-heated debate was re-ignited by Councilmember-At-Large Jim Herrity who called the soda tax into question after having a conversation with an avid soda drinker. 

Supporters of the tax say it has helped make the city healthier, and has generated over $480M in revenue that's been used for children's programs and activities. While opponents claim it's forced Philadelphians out of the city to buy their favorite taxed drinks and groceries. 

What they're saying:

The Soda Tax, first introduced in 2017, places a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on sugary beverages, like soda and some energy drinks. Officials say its responsible for making the city $481M in tax revenue since its inception. 

Philadelphia City Councilmember Jim Herrity forged a recent debate among his peers about the nearly decade-old tax after he says he had a conversation with a neighbor who is an avid soda drinker. 

"She told me how she went from paying 99 cents for a 2-liter bottle of soda at the corner store to 5 dollars," Herrity, an at-large member representing all of Philadelphia, told FOX 29's Jeff Cole. 

"I believe that it should be looked at just for the general principle that when we take money from people’s pockets we have to make sure there is good use of that money," he added. 

Supporters, meanwhile, say the soda tax has "improved lives" and helped upgrade nearly 80 of the city's recreation centers, ball fields, and basketball courts. Donna Cooper, Executive Director of Children First, says parents are advocates too.

"The special interests want to argue this is bad, but the parents of the 5,000 kids who are in Pre-K, they will tell you it’s a worthwhile thing to do," Cooper said.

What's next:

Herrity has not set a date for Philadelphia City Council to review the soda tax.

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