Philly Councilmember David Oh introduces legislation to end city’s sugary beverage tax

Philadelphia City Councilman David Oh has introduced a bill to repeal the city’s tax on sugary drinks.

The lawmaker claims that only 36% of the funds raised by the soda tax, which taxes Philadelphians 1.5¢ per fluid ounce on sugar and artificially sweetened beverages, has benefited pre-K programs and improving community facilities as intended.

Instead, the councilman charges that the majority of the revenue has gone into the general fund, where it can be spent without being tracked.