Could soda tax come back in Philly?

Ads against creating a soda tax in Philadelphia are popping up on political websites, even though the tax currently is not on the table.

The advertisements are appearing because those who defeated the proposed soda tax think it could make a comeback. They worry it could be used to plug a $90 million hole in the budget if Philadelphia City Council rejects Mayor Nutter’s plan to generate more money by re-assessing all properties. That money is to go to the Philadelphia schools.

Councilman Mark Squilla is trying to put off those new assessments for a year but isn’t endorsing the soda tax as an alternative.

“I don’t see that council is ready to raise any taxes for anybody at this point until we see the accountability of the school district,” said Squilla.

Councilman Jim Kenney calls it a bad idea.

“I was not for the soda tax the first time I will not be for it the second time,” said Kenney.

A spokesman for Mayor Michael Nutter says the administration has no intention of requesting any tax increase.