Hillary Clinton is fully supportive of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s plan to put a 3-cent tax on a 20-ounce bottle of soda, she told supporters Wednesday night. Why would the presidential candidate be so gung ho about the highest soda tax in the country? It’s for the children, she insists.
“I’m very supportive of the mayor’s proposal to tax soda to get universal preschool for kids,” she said. “We need universal preschool and if that’s a way to do it, that’s how we should do it.”
Once again, liberals are resorting to raising taxes to solve problems. In a rally introducing his plan, Kenney said he strongly believes that the steep tax will result in decreased poverty and more students gaining degrees.
Kenney claims a tax of 3 cents per ounce of soda, iced-tea and other sugary drinks — levied on beverage distributors — would generate more than $400 million over the next five years. The money would help fund a plan for universal pre-K and community schools that offer services like health care, as well as major renovations to parks, recreation centers and libraries.
Not everyone agrees. The American Beverage Association has launched a social media campaign wondering how the mayor can place a "grocery tax on the kind of drinks we buy for our family."
Will Clinton’s pledged support of the Kenney’s proposal hurt her in Tuesday’s Pennsylvania primary?
The Philadelphia city council will rule on Kenney’s proposed tax in June.