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Monday, December 26, 2016

Philly's Soda Tax Declared Valid By State Judge

Philadelphia's tax on sweetened drinks is legal, a state judge ruled Monday, delivering a significant triumph to Mayor Jim Kenney's controversial law that has for months been under siege in court.

"It is a victory for Philadelphians, who have waited far too long for investment in their education system in their neighborhoods," Kenney said of the tax, the cornerstone of his first year in office.

"I urge the soda industry to accept the judge's ruling and do the right thing for the children of Philadelphia, many of whom struggle in the chilling grip of pervasive poverty."

Common Pleas Judge Gary Glazer dismissed all of the arguments presented by attorneys for the American Beverage Association who sought to dismantle the soda tax by claiming it would unfairly hit lower-income consumers the hardest and duplicate the state sales tax.

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15 comments:

Anonymous said...

This stupid law only helps big government chisel more money from American industry.

Anonymous said...

This is evil infringement on basic rights of commerce.
Taxation without representation.

Anonymous said...

Sickening lottery & taxes pay for education. The officals have wasted squandered or abused the current fiscal base. So they seek extortion ..nice

Anonymous said...

Does the MD Lottery Commission still pay the Bay Bridge TOLLS during the holidays? So glad Maryland considering School vouchers

Anonymous said...

Another its for the Kids BS. Poor little ones so deprived of the commie indoc centers they call schools these days.

Zorro said...

What? are you one of the those gun clinging, church going, Constitutionalist??? Im am too....agree with your comments

Anonymous said...

The tax will be levied beginning Jan. 1 on distributors of sweetened beverages, not on consumers at the time of purchase says the article, but you know the price of sodas will go up.

Anonymous said...

All governments are extortion rackets.
Period

Anonymous said...

They got tired of taxing alcohol and tobacco. What's next from these tax and spend idiots ?

Anonymous said...

Speaking of extortion - anyone remember the days on the OC boardwalk where you had to pay a dime to go to the bathroom???

21st century and charging tax on sodas - we sure have come a long way!!!!

(sarcasm button now OFF!)

Anonymous said...

thanks 9:57 now they might just implement again w cc readers on stall doors swipe to wipe fee

Anonymous said...

Like everything else, people will cross state lines and purchase these items, or make them, themselves, like the product soda stream. It's very easy to make pop. Baking Soda and water and the syrup flavoring of your choice, or inject Carbon Dioxide into tap water for the fizz. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to make soda pop.

Anonymous said...

Maryland needs the same tax on sugar drinks also.

Anonymous said...

If they truly wanted to help the children to avoid sugary drinks all they would have to do is to not allow them to be purchased with EBT cards. They will still purchase them and pay the tax with the EBT card. It's not there money so they don't care.

Anonymous said...


Judge Glazer upheld the sugar tax? Sweet!

/sarc off