A steep soda tax endorsed by Hillary Clinton was signed into law today by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. Residents will now face a soda tax of 1.5 cents per ounce. The tax will increase the price of a 12-pack of soda pop by $2.16, directly affecting low and middle-income families.
Despite her pledge to oppose tax increases on people making less than $250,000 Clinton said she was “very supportive” of the tax.
Clinton was speaking in Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 20 when she said the following:
“I’m very supportive of the mayor’s proposal to tax soda to get universal preschool for kids. I mean, we need universal preschool, and if that’s a way to do it, that’s how we should do it.”
Clinton endorsed the tax despite making a pledge to the American people that she will not raise taxes on anyone earning less than $250,000.
Bernie Sanders called out Clinton’s violation of her middle-class tax pledge. As reported by NBC News, Sanders said:
“Frankly, I am very surprised that Secretary Clinton would support this regressive tax after pledging not to raise taxes on anyone making less than $250,000. This proposal clearly violates her pledge,” he said.
Sanders also said:
“The mechanism here is fairly regressive. And that is, it will be increasing taxes on low-income and working people.”
Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said: “Hillary said she would cheerfully support tax hikes on low and middle-income American who drink soft drinks. What taxes on low-income Americans would she really oppose? Any?”