Last week, City Council held a hearing on the future of the city’s sweetened beverage tax, with some members suggesting it should be reversed. As health policy researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, we have studied this tax since its 2017 debut. The data on its effects are clear: The tax improves residents’ health while generating game-changing revenue for schools, libraries, and construction jobs.
Repealing the tax would be a grave mistake that would harm Philadelphia’s children and put a wrecking ball to a host of rebuilding efforts that have helped transform city neighborhoods.