At-large Councilmember David Oh launched laws Thursday to repeal the soda tax, which offers cash by taxing Philadelphians 1.5 cents-per-ounce of sugary drinks.
“The proposal from Councilman Oh is disappointing, although not stunning on condition that he has opposed the Beverage Tax from the beginning. If enacted, his measure would do nothing lower than deprive households of transformative packages which have — since 2017 — given tens of hundreds of Philadelphians new hope for the longer term,” Mayor Jim Kenney stated.
The hundreds of thousands of {dollars} collected for the reason that tax was applied in the direction of Philadelphia’s pre-kindergarten packages and Rebuild. Rebuild invests in enhancing group services similar to recreaction facilities, public playgrounds, parks and libraries.
Though the cash from this tax was marketed for rebuilding and schooling, 36% of the cash collected has gone to pre-kindergarten and 6% to Rebuild, based on information from Metropolis Controller Rebecca Rhynhart’s workplace.
“I totally help funding pre-Ok and Rebuild, however not by means of this discredited, regressive tax that disproportionately harms low-income residents,” Oh stated.
“The vindictive and self-serving motivations behind the origins of the ‘soda tax’ have been dropped at gentle by federal prosecutors of their convictions of Councilmember Bobby Henon and (former union chief) John Dougherty. This proof requires the fast revocation of this tax,” Oh stated.
Kenney stated that Oh is aware of that Dougherty had no affect on the administration’s choice to maneuver ahead with the beverage tax.
“His (Oh’s) insistence on perpetuating this falsehood is abhorrent,” Kenney stated. “As he is aware of, the tax started with figuring out the wants — poverty, an insufficient schooling system, and struggling neighborhoods — after which making a funding mechanism that was the least onerous to taxpayers. The advantages of the packages are the one causes the Administration proposed — and 13 members of Metropolis Council authorized — the Beverage Tax.”
The proposal to repeal the sugar tax goes to the Committee on Finance subsequent for consideration.
In different enterprise, At-large Metropolis Councilmember Kendra Brooks launched a public well being emergency invoice Thursday.
The proposed laws will present reduction for sick staff or mother and father who have to take care of sick youngsters.
Brooks stated that the invoice protects low-income staff who can’t afford to overlook work once they’re sick. That is her third invoice to guard staff. The earlier two handed, however every expired as a result of provisions beneath the sundown clause.
“The purpose of this invoice is to stop low-wage staff from feeling strain to report back to work sick and to maintain companies open safely and to scale back the unfold of this extremely contagious variant,” Brooks stated.
With federal paid go away laws provisions within the Construct Again Higher invoice unable to be handed, Brooks deems it essential to advocate for and defend Philadelphians.
“With COVID-19 instances surpassing report highs (and) some hospitals within the area nonetheless at capability, we have to work collectively to proceed discovering methods to maintain Philadelphians protected, supported and wholesome,” Brooks added.
At-large Councilmember Derek Inexperienced launched a number of items of laws round voting and inspiring civic engagement.
In final November’s election, Philadelphia’s voter turnout was 21.8%.
Inexperienced’s Civics Legislative Agenda contains altering the age to run for mayor in Philadelphia from the age of 25 to 21, additionally altering the age to run and maintain a seat in Metropolis Council from 25 to 18.
Inexperienced stated he additionally needs to make the Workplace of the Inspector Common a everlasting place.
“At present, I launched a package deal of payments I’m calling the Civics Legislative Agenda,” Inexperienced stated. “And that’s based mostly on the priority based mostly on final November’s election. Solely 22% turnout in our metropolis. We all know 2022 goes to be an important election: we’re electing a brand new governor, senator, and all of the state representatives.”
Inexperienced stated his plan would assist present a greater alternative to get Philadelphians extra concerned civically. He burdened the significance of being concerned on town, state and nationwide ranges.
Three payments within the councilmember’s agenda would:
• Make clear conflicts of curiosity and supply larger disclosure for non-city sources of earnings.
• Create a public financing program for metropolis elections.
• Outline metropolis candidates’ single-account rule to make sure correct spending and disclosure.