Philly Passes Budget, No Soda Tax

Philadelphia City Council has passed a budget despite claims by Mayor Michael Nutter that 300 people will lose their jobs without a soda tax.

Council passed the budget Thursday includes a 9.9 percent property tax hike, a trash tax and a tobacco tax,  but not the so-called soda tax.

Nutter had proposed a two-cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sweet drinks in March. Less aggressive proposals have also faced significant business and labor opposition.

Council planned to go ahead Thursday with a vote on a budget that includes a 9.9 percent property tax hike and other provisions but not the so-called soda tax.

Council president Anna Verna says the current budget proposal is balanced.

In a letter Thursday morning, Nutter told council he would have to eliminate $20 million from the budget through job cuts if they didn't approve the soda tax or a larger property tax increase.

Nutter will speak to reporters later on Thursday.