ND0621116

Title: Philly Council Again Nixes Soda Tax

Description: The mayor once more couldn?t garner enough support for his proposed tax on soft drinks.

Page Content:

PHILADELPHIA ? The Philadelphia City Council shut down Mayor Michael Nutter?s plan to tax soda, Politics PA reports. The mayor wanted to add 2-cents-per-ounce to all sugary drinks, including coffee, iced tea, sports drinks and soft drinks.

This mirrors what happened a year ago when Nutter advocated the same tax. This year, however, the mayor said the tax would fund school budget gaps. Last week, groups rallied in the city against the tax.�

Nutter campaigned hard for the tax, visiting local schools to drum up support. He said the soda tax would be better than raising property taxes, besides giving more money for schools.

But the council disagreed, deciding to raise property taxes for the funds instead. Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds said the council, ?had to do something ? soda [tax] fell flat,? and they chose to increase property taxes by 3.85 percent.

Content Subject: Operations

Formatted Article Date: June 21, 2011

really good amazing stories article online