Mayor Kenney Continues Series Of Visits To City Daycare Centers
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As City Council weighs Mayor Kenney's soda tax plan to fund preschool seats, the Mayor is continuing his series of visits to city daycare centers.
"How do you say hello in Chinese?"
Mayor Kenney read two storybooks to toddlers at the Chinatown Learning Center. It was another in his regular visits to daycare centers, to illustrate his plan to fund 10,000 additional pre-k seats in Philadelphia.
"When you want to make everybody start off on a level playing field, pre-K is required. And it does cost money, and we're making our case for it every day."
The mayor has proposed raising $250 million over five years for pre-K through a three-cents an ounce sugary drinks tax.
City Councilman Mark Squilla, who appeared at the same daycare with Kenney, says some members are concerned that three cents an ounce is too much.
"It's a matter of how do we come up with the revenue, how much revenue is really needed, and then make a final decision at that point. But I think most of the people on Council are keeping an open mind now."
Squilla says Council will no doubt propose other ways to raise that money.