Philadelphia's Beverage Tax Results In University Meal Plan Increase

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the cost of Philadelphia's sweetened beverage tax will cost Temple University $400,000 per semester. Board rates will rise an additional 4.8 percent for 2017-18 solely because of the 1.5-cent-per-ounce sweetened-beverage tax, which went into effect this year. As a result, the minimum meal plan for students for the next semester will be increased to $1,444 and the university's board approved a 2.9 percent increase in room rates for the 2017-2018 school year.