News

Actions

Philadelphia considering soda tax

Posted

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A City Council showdown over a proposed soda tax in Philadelphia got off to a stormy start.

Hundreds of people showed up Wednesday for a public hearing and planned key vote. Opponents shouted "No new tax!" and supporters countered with "Kids can't wait."

Mayor Jim Kenney has proposed a 3-cent-an-ounce tax on soda and other sugary beverages to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. But the council appears to want something different.

An alternative proposal for a tax on non-reusable containers is up for consideration. It also would cover bottled water and even some vegetable juices.

The soda industry has spent millions 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.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Sunday

08/31/2025

Sunny

104° / 75°

0%

Monday

09/01/2025

Sunny

106° / 78°

0%

Tuesday

09/02/2025

Sunny

103° / 75°

3%

Wednesday

09/03/2025

Sunny

102° / 75°

0%

Thursday

09/04/2025

Sunny

102° / 75°

0%

Friday

09/05/2025

Sunny

100° / 73°

0%

Saturday

09/06/2025

Sunny

98° / 71°

3%

Sunday

09/07/2025

Sunny

95° / 69°

0%