Philadelphia

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney Could Propose Soda Tax

Mayor Jim Kenney opposed the soda tax when former Mayor Michael Nutter introduced it. But now Kenney is on board with a tax on sugary beverages, according to multiple reports that say the controversial tax will be a part of the first budget proposal of his four-year term.

Details on the rate and structure of the tax are unknown, but both PhillyMag.com and Philly.com reported it will be part of Kenney's budget plan, set to be introduced to City Council and his constituents on Thursday.

When Nutter proposed the soda tax – twice during his eight years in office, Kenney was one of several City Council members opposed to the idea. At the time, Nutter cited the potential benefits to the health of city residents and the need to fill a budget gap – reasons likely to be resurfaced by Kenney who ran his campaign on implementing a universal pre-K program but never got into specifics on how it would be funded.

Along with opposition from some City Council members and the general public when the soda tax was considered in 2010 and 2011, beverage industry lobbyists and Teamsters worked against Nutter. Read more about the plan on PBJ.com.


For the latest business news check out PBJ.com.

Contact Us