Philly Council memo outlines taxing options

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City Council members are looking an an array of options to raise revenue for expanding pre-K in Philadelphia.

City Council members are looking an an array of options to raise revenue for expanding pre-K in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia City Council members now have choices when it comes to raising the millions needed for expansion of pre-K and other Kenney administration proposals. 

Council President Darrell Clark said he’s had a memo put together, outlining the tax choices Council members could make.

“Including various rates on sugar tax, rates on container tax rates, on diet beverages … and we put them together to give a sense of what revenues can be raised by different levels of hybrid proposals,” Clarke said.

Clarke said he’s hoping to have some plan together by Wednesday, when council would have to vote a plan out of committee in order to finish its legislative session on time.

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“It’s my hope that we come to some conclusion by next Wednesday so we can move forward on these initiatives in some way shape or form,” he said. “And if there is nothing determined, if there is not support, then we will not be moving forward.”

A source from within the Kenney administration said officials are confident about getting a tax on sugary drinks at a level to fund expanded pre-K, repairs and upgrades to recreational facilities and libraries — as well as other programs — with minimal cuts.

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