Jim Kenney’s first big move as Philly mayor is the soda tax. The 1.5-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary beverages also includes things like iced tea and sports drinks. Critics say the tax is regressive, and will hit the city’s lowest income residents hardest. The tax goes toward new initiatives like universal pre-K, but also toward the city’s fund balance.
Philly’s soda tax
Philadelphia’s sugary drink tax is in effect as of Jan. 1, 2017
So far, Philly has only spent around 26% of soda tax revenue on schools
Most 💵 went to the General Fund, per City Controller.
Philly soda tax year one: The finances, fights and its future
Collections were lower than expected but still enough to start the pre-K and Rebuild programs.
You can buy tax-free soda at the new Center City Target — for now
12-packs are going for $2 less than the typical Philadelphia price.
Why so many people are still fighting Philly’s soda tax months later
The controversial levy is being challenged on four fronts.
Soda tax ‘killing’ corner stores that rely on summer sales
Water has been a major boon but not enough to make up for the decline in sugary beverages.
Big Soda appeals the Philly beverage tax to the PA Supreme Court
They’ve already been shut down by two courts.
Philly soda tax fans shut down Senate committee hearing with vuvuzelas, chants
It was so loud in City Council chambers Sen. Scott Wagner couldn’t even announce he was canceling the hearing.
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court upholds Philly soda tax
Yes, there could still be another appeal.
Philly admits it will earn less money from the soda tax than it planned
The city is about to lower projections — it would need about $20 million in May and June to reach its previous projection of $46 million.