ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, 28% of Illinois' adult residents in 2012 were considered obese and the rate was even higher among African Americans (40.5%) and Hispanics (31.2%); and
WHEREAS, over 19% of Illinois children are obese, the ninth worst rate in the nation; and
WHEREAS, the obesity epidemic has led to a dramatic increase in obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and heart disease; and
WHEREAS, obesity-related annual medical expenditures in Illinois are estimated at $6.3 billion dollars annually; and
WHEREAS, numerous studies have established a link between obesity and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, energy drinks, sweet teas, and sports drinks; and
WHEREAS, sugar-sweetened beverages are now the number one source of added sugar in the American diet (51% of added sugars); and
WHEREAS, a study found that a penny-per-ounce excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Illinois could result in a 23.5% reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, a 9.3% reduction in youth obesity and 5.2% reduction in adult obesity; and
WHEREAS, this Wellness Fund would provide targeted prevention initiatives in Chicago communities; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are expressly incorporated herein and made part hereof as though fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. Title III ofthe Municipal Code is hereby amended by creating Chapter 3-47 underscored as follows:
3-47 CHICAGO SWEETENED-BEVERAGE TAX
ARTICLE I. (3-47-010 et seq.)
3-47-010. Title.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Chicago Sweetened-Beverage Tax Ordinance". The taxes imposed bv this chapter are in addition to all other taxes imposed
Page 1 of 11
bv the City of Chicago, State of Illinois or any other municipal corporation or political subdivision of the State of Illinois. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impose a tax upon any business or activity which, underthe ...
Click here for full text