City to require lobbyist registration as soda tax fight looms
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
By: Susan Phillips
sphillips@whyy.org
Lobbyists are lining up to combat Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter's proposed soda tax. But Philadelphia residents could soon get more information on those who ply their trade in City Hall. Council recently introduced a bill that would force lobbyists to register.
Maurice Floyd once served as a City Commissioner and a ward leader. Today,
Floyd uses his relationships with Council members to lobby them.
The chemical industry hired Floyd last year to help kill a proposed ban on
plastic bags.
Now Floyd says he's had several calls from the beverage industry to help
defeat the sugary drinks tax.
"Well I'll see where it falls," Floyd said. "I might get one I might not, but I'll tell
you they are definitely in here, they are definitely in this city. This is
going to be one of the strongest lobbying youre going to see in a long
time."
The proposed tax would add two cents an ounce on sugary drinks to help plug the city's budget shortfall. Floyd says he has no problem with the bill that would force him to register as a lobbyist.