Heard in the Hall

Poll finds some public support for soda tax

Philadelphia City Hall and political coverage from the Philadelphia Inquirer City Hall bureau.

26 comments

Poll finds some public support for soda tax

POSTED: Thursday, April 29, 2010, 10:43 AM

Patrick Kerkstra

A poll of 400 Philadelphia likely voters commissiond by coalition of anti-obesity organizations found that 53 percent of voters would support the two-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks proposed by Mayor Nutter, so long as some of the funds raised were used for anti-obesity programs.

The poll found that the proposed soda tax - which appears to have nowhere near enough support in City Council to pass - is a somewhat more popular option than the other revenue raising options the city is considering this budget cycle, such as higher property taxes, a garbage collection fee or adjustments to the business privelege tax.

It is not clear the poll will revive the soda tax's political prospects.

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26 comments

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Comments (26)

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 11:48 AM, 04/29/2010

wrong lever? there is no right lever, and that's the problem. the Republicans in Philly are run by a corrupt hack.

— dreinterests

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:11 PM, 04/29/2010

I find it hard to believe that there are idiots out there that have no problem with a additional tax when the City is owed over 500 million dollars by deadbeats.

— ALJ

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:13 PM, 04/29/2010

Cuts, cuts and more cuts. Its time to cut all entitlement programs in the city. Only essential services need to be funded. They should also cut down the size of Philly government. That is the fat that needs to be trimmmed. What the idiots who support the tax don't understand is that they will pay the tax. Most businesses will just apply the tax across all of their stock, not just soda (sugary drinks).

— psyrus

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:45 PM, 04/29/2010

All fat/obese people as you ignorant people have put do not have diabetes nor are they lazy. I work hard and numerous hours contributing to society. I did not become obese until I became ill. I was not born this way. I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Most of you complaining are probably sitting at home collecting benefits from my tax dollars. Grow up and keep your non sense to yourself. If there are taxes on drugs there can be taxes on sodas. For all homeowners you choose to own homes so pay the taxes or start renting. Live by the choices you make and stop including those who choose to live by the choices they make. Silly government, maybe but the people elected them. Keep stealing the money in Philly its the right thing to do just like overpaying the people in office.

— PENDOVIES0701

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 1:23 PM, 04/29/2010

I am not fat and tired of paying for big fat people charge them just like the stores 2 dollars extra for bigger sizes. there should not be free lunches either. I don't like the calories on menus if fat people are fat that is there choice. why should everybody have to pay because of a certain group of obese people ..... this is not equality what is next....lay off city workers there are to many with jobs that are not necessary/ and you are descriminating against thin or average weight people.. like in classrooms one students behavior the class had to pay the price.. even at home on sib did something we all got punished. let the parents deal but there are fat also.

— bellan

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 1:26 PM, 04/29/2010

I give up on you people. Why raise taxes when we are owed all that back money? Oh by the way, I drink diet soda. So I am not against the tax because it would effect me. I am against because of all the back money owed.

— ALJ

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 3:24 PM, 04/29/2010

"I'd rather have them tax items sold in stores that I don't have to buy than increase my property tax yet again." --- Why pay any new tax at all? Why not force the government to cut? Oh that's right we can't. The Dems are in charge. At least the NJ Dems get to blame Christie for forcing them to do what's right. Here in Philly we are stuck with Democratic tax and spend leadership.

— psyrus