Repair the World: Philadelphia

In response to Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposal to tax sugar-sweetened beverages, Repair The World: Philadelphia (https://www.facebook.com/RepairTheWorldPhiladelphia/) is hosting Repair The World Presents: What’s The Soda Tax? This free community event will take place on May 9th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at our offices located at 4029 Market St. The event will feature a communal sit-down dinner with conversation on issues surrounding the tax and a panel discussion led by experts familiar with key aspects of the proposal. The panel will include: Cheryl Bettigole, Division Director for Chronic Disease Prevention with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health; Dwayne Wharton, Director of External Affairs with The Food Trust; Otis Hackney, Philadelphia’s Chief Education Officer; and Marc Stier, Director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center.

Seating is limited, so we ask that those interested in attending RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/repair-the-world-presents-whats-the-soda-tax-tickets-24634371067

Any questions about the event can be directed to Kevin Beck (kevin.beck@werepair.org) or Sarah Horwitz (sarah.horwitz@werepair.org).

Background on the proposal:

This March, Mayor Jim Kenney introduced his spending plan for the city of Philadelphia’s 2016 – 2017 budget, which includes a proposal to tax sugar-sweetened beverages (such as soda, sports drinks containing sugar, and sweetened teas) at three cents per ounce. The revenue generated by the tax would fund the establishment of quality universal pre-k education, the creation of 25 community schools over the next four years, investment in the city’s pension plan as well as other initiatives. The budget is currently being reviewed by city council leading up to the beginning of the city’s fiscal year on July 1st.

4029 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA