| IF IT’S NOT BROKEN, DON’T FIX IT
After a rocky start this year, it’s baffling that Philadelphia City Council would wade into yet another divisive issue: the soda tax.
Working parents and caregivers want great early programs they can afford. Thanks to the sugar sweetened beverage tax (aka the “soda tax”), more than 10,000 three- and four-year-olds have been getting free, quality pre-k since 2017. The best part about the program is that parents can choose to enroll their children in one of the 352 early learning centers in the city.
Philadelphia councilmembers have repeatedly shared their support of the PHLpreK program and the difference it makes in their communities. Recently, Children First and pre-k providers welcomed Councilmembers Brooks, Harrity, Squilla, Thomas, and Young into pre-k classrooms to show how the early childhood programs backed by the soda tax are paying off for kids.
Every one of these visits made an indelible impression on city lawmakers about pre-k investments. Don’t believe us? Ask the councilmembers.
That’s why renewed interest in revisiting the tax on sweetened beverages makes no sense. Buzz at City Hall is that lawmakers want to amend or repeal the tax, but in the same breath say they support the popular PHLpreK program. The soda tax, which generates $74 million a year, provides a dedicated funding stream so families can continue to rely on affordable, high-quality care regardless of the annual budget wranglings.
The soda tax also does more than free pre-k. Part of the revenue is earmarked to rebuild community centers, playgrounds, and athletic fields so kids have safe places to be when they’re not in school. In just seven years, over 70 locations have been renovated in neighborhoods across the city!
With only 42% of Philly kids attending high-quality pre-k, messing with the soda tax would rob even more young children of their best start to learning. Philadelphia needs to embark on bold initiatives to make the city a great place to raise a family. Revisiting an initiative that has worked so well to support families is the wrong direction. Keep the soda tax because our kids are worth it. |
