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Philadelphia could become 1st major US city with soda tax
Opponents of a proposed sugary drink tax demonstrate outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney wants to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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Opponents of a proposed sugary drink tax demonstrate outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney wants to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
A City Council showdown over a proposed soda tax in Philadelphia got off to a stormy start.
Hundreds of people showed up Wednesday for a public hearing and planned key vote. Opponents shouted "No new tax!" and supporters countered with "Kids can't wait."
Mayor Jim Kenney has proposed a 3-cent-an-ounce tax on soda and other sugary beverages to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. But the council appears to want something different.
An alternative proposal for a tax on non-reusable containers is up for consideration. It also would cover bottled water and even some vegetable juices.
The soda industry has spent millions on a campaign to stop Philadelphia from becoming the first major U.S. city with a sugary drinks tax.
Berkeley, California, is the only U.S. city to approve such a tax.
Opponents of a proposed sugary drink tax demonstrate outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney proposed to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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Opponents of a proposed sugary drink tax demonstrate outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney proposed to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Children gather in support of a proposed sugary drink tax in the corridors of City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney wants to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
× close
Children gather in support of a proposed sugary drink tax in the corridors of City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney wants to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Children gather in support of a proposed sugary drink tax in the corridors of City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney proposed to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
× close
Children gather in support of a proposed sugary drink tax in the corridors of City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney proposed to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Opponents of a proposed sugary drink tax demonstrate outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney proposed to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
× close
Opponents of a proposed sugary drink tax demonstrate outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Philadelphia City Council is set to consider a sugary drink tax that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney proposed to pay for universal prekindergarten, community schools and park improvements. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)