IN OP-ED, KENNEY AND CLARKE STAND BEHIND BEVERAGE TAX FUNDING OF PRE-K, REBUILD

In Council News, Darrell L. Clarke, News by admin

Mayor Jim Kenney and Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) recently wrote a commentary in the Philadelphia Inquirer in defense of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax and the programs it funds.

Read the commentary in its entirety on philly.com. An excerpt is posted below:

“The loss of funding for these programs would unfairly set back children already benefiting and those on track to participate. This tax went through a lengthy, public debate before it was passed. All of the arguments being aired by some of our colleagues in Harrisburg and by the beverage industry in a costly advertising and lobbying campaign were already carefully considered for months and weighed against the alternatives. It was not a decision we made lightly. We listened to those arguments and met with and heard the personal stories of many people who opposed the tax for four months before we made our decision, and our doors continue to be open for those wanting to discuss concerns.

But we’d like to make one thing clear: It has been a year and half since the tax passed and it has funded programs benefiting thousands of Philadelphia families. We will not repeal this tax and turn our backs on them.”

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Council President Darrell L. Clarke is serving his second term as the President of Philadelphia City Council. He represents Philadelphia’s 5th Council District. More information at phlcouncil.com/DarrellClarke