Philly Councilmember David Oh introduces legislation to end city’s sugary beverage tax

Feb. 1, 2022

David Oh began his public service career in law school by starting a free legal aid program for which he received a human rights award from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. After graduating, he worked as a Philadelphia assistant district attorney. Oh resigned in 1988 to enlist in the U.S. Army. He was later elected to City Council At-Large in November 2011.

Philadelphia City Councilman David Oh has introduced a bill to repeal the city’s tax on sugary drinks.

The lawmaker claims that only 36% of the funds raised by the soda tax, which taxes Philadelphians 1.5¢ per fluid ounce on sugar and artificially sweetened beverages, has benefited pre-K programs and improving community facilities as intended.

Instead, the councilman charges that the majority of the revenue has gone into the general fund, where it can be spent without being tracked.