Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association President and CEO David McCorkle issued the following statement in response to Mayor Kenney’s outrageous attacks on Philadelphia grocery stores who have been forced to pass the mayor’s regressive tax onto consumers:
“The mayor’s regressive tax is gouging families and small businesses across Philadelphia. Working families and seniors living on fixed incomes aren’t just being “cranky” — they are rightfully angry because the mayor’s new 1.5 cents per ounce levy have dramatically increased prices on thousands of common beverages across Philadelphia. This tax is having a damaging impact on families as businesses are forced to pass the increased cost onto consumers — which is precisely what we predicted and what the city projected in its budget presentation to City Council. And the mayor’s flippant comment that families should switch their shopping to the suburbs has the potential to further devastate thousands of businesses across Philadelphia — from corner stores to supermarkets that provide family-sustaining jobs to thousands Philadelphians. Rather than encouraging the decimation of an entire Philadelphia industry, the mayor should take a close look at the negative impact of his tax.”
