Philadelphia could become 1st major US city with soda tax

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia City Council committee has voted to approve an amended version of a soda tax proposal that would set a 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax on sugary and diet drinks. Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney's initial proposal was for a 3-cent tax on sugary beverages only, but he lacked the votes to secure it. He wants the tax to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. A council vote is scheduled for Thursday. A final vote is expected next week. Opponents at a public hearing before Wednesday's vote shouted "No new tax!" Supporters countered with "Kids can't wait." The soda industry has spent millions of dollars 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.