Looking to raise millions for a bold expansion of early childhood education, Philadelphia City Council on Thursday approved a 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened and diet beverages, the first such tax imposed in a major U.S. city.
City Council officially passes a 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened and diet beverages, making Philadelphia the first big city in the nation to do so Thursday, June 16, 2016.
The 13-4 vote put to bed months of speculation and at-times tense negotiations, but also ensured the national spotlight will stay turned to Philadelphia for months, if not years, to come. Critics quickly vowed to fight it in court. And as Mayor Kenney rolls out the unprecedented levy -- and its economic and public health impacts come into view -- experts, advocates and legislators will surely be watching closely.
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