The American Heart Association (AHA) recently released a statement from its CEO, Nancy Brown, about how “disappointed” the agency is with the ongoing fight against the sugary drink tax in Philadelphia.
A lawsuit from the sugar industry is currently facing the organization. The purpose of the lawsuit is to stop the soda tax from being implemented in the city.
Earlier in 2016, leaders in Philadelphia voted to broaden early childhood education access as well as increase parks and recreation funding. This was to be accomplished through a soda tax amounting to 1.5 cents per ounce.
Unfortunately, the American Beverage Association recently filed a lawsuit to stop the soda tax application. Even though the AHA expected this move from the industry, it is still disappointed with the decision.
“The trade association representing America’s leading beverage companies — Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper — shouldn’t be actively working to defund early childhood education and parks and recreation opportunities for Philadelphia’s families,” Brown said. “The American Heart Association looks forward to working with the public health community to support the city of Philadelphia as it defends itself against this unnecessary and unfortunate lawsuit.”
The AHA led the movement in supporting this tax, which was a brave decision from Mayor Jim Kenney. The tax would benefit children in the city as well as the area’s overall health.
“We are encouraged by evidence from Mexico and Berkeley, California, that demonstrates that consumption of sugary drinks declines as the tax on them is increased,” Brown said. “Results last month from Berkeley showed that sugary drink tax actually motivated people to drink fewer sugary drinks and more water in the first year.”
The AHA has promised to continue its support of the sugary drink tax.
