Philadelphia Mayor Wants Tax on Sugary Drinks to Fund Universal Pre-K

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia's mayor wants to tax sugary drinks to help fund his universal pre-K plan, among other initiatives.

Jim Kenney speaks during his inauguration as the city's 99th mayor Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The 57-year-old Kenney succeeds Michael Nutter, who leaves office after two terms. Kenney served on city council for more than two decades before he was elected in November. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Mayor Jim Kenney tells The Philadelphia Inquirer he believes the 3-cents-per-ounce tax could bring in $400 million over five years.

He says the money could fund a green jobs plan and repay a bond for rebuilding parks and recreations centers.

Former Mayor Michael Nutter proposed a 2-cents-per-ounce tax during his administration. Kenney, a city councilman at the time, opposed the idea, and the tax never made it to a council vote.

The tax would be levied on distributors, and soda lobbyists would likely fight it. Kenney will announce more details Thursday.

The newspaper says only Berkeley, California, has enacted a soda tax, at 1 cent per ounce.

Kenney hopes to add 10,000 pre-K seats by 2020.

Image source: Philadelphia Inquirer