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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Three city council members have come out against a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney wants to use to fund a universal pre-kindergarten program and other initiatives.
Republican Council member Al Taubenberger joined Democrats Jannie Blackwell and Maria Quinones-Sanchez at a rally Wednesday outside City Hall. The event was staged by Philadelphians Against The Soda Tax, a group funded by the soft-drink industry.
Kenney wants to tax the drinks at the rate of 3 cents per ounce at the distributor level, meaning a six-pack of 12-ounce sodas could go up $2.16 if all of the new tax were passed on to the consumer.
Kenney says he knew some council members would oppose the measure, but is confident he can get nine votes needed for the 17-member council to pass the measure.
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