WASHINGTON, March 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “The beverage industry has pursued a strategy of legal obstruction and put profits over the health of people. I am confident that the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania will rule instead in favor of the health and well-being of the residents of Philadelphia,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation’s leading Hispanic health advocacy group.

Today, the Alliance and a diverse group of partners filed an amicus brief with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in support of a 1.5 cents per ounce sugary beverages tax (levied on distributors of sweetened beverages) that went into effect on January 1, 2017. The brief cited scientific literature on the contribution of sugary drinks to obesity and chronic disease such as diabetes, targeted marketing to youth and racial and ethnic groups, and reduction of sugary drink consumption as part of a strategy for improved community health. The brief also argues forcefully for the right of the elected members of the Philadelphia City Council to govern for the public’s health and welfare.

“We are proud to be on the right side of this issue for the health of all communities and families. The City of Philadelphia sugary beverages tax is a common-sense approach to promote healthier environments for all and will serve as a model for the nation,” concluded Dr. Delgado.

(Lora Jean Williams et al. v. City of Philadelphia et al. Docket Nos. 2077, 2078 CD 2016)

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted non-partisan advocate for the best health outcomes for all. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year. For more information, visit www.healthyamericas.org or call the Alliance’s Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645, or find us on Facebook at healthyamericas or on Twitter at health4americas.