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DeLauro Applauds Philadelphia Tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages

June 16, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC (June 16, 2016) Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding the new sugar sweetened beverage tax that the Philadelphia City Council passed today.

“The United States is in the midst of a dual epidemic of obesity and diabetes, and we must do something to stop it. Today, Philadelphia took a bold step to become the first—and certainly not the last—major city in the nation to pass a tax on sugar sweetened beverages. Despite extensive lobbying efforts by big-soda, which employed tactics similar to those of big-tobacco, Philadelphians and their health won.

“Congress should follow Philadelphia’s lead and enact the SWEET Act, which would reduce the human and economic costs of health conditions related to these beverages. And while we continue to pressure Congress to act, more cities should step up and lead on this critical issue. At a time when one-in-three children and adolescents are overweight or obese, with the numbers even worse for adults, we must take action.”

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