Philadelphia's city council has voted to make its plan to charge 10 cents for paper bags law despite Mayor Cherelle Parker's objections. The small fee, set to take effect 60 days after approval, will only apply at retail establishments and not during deliveries, drive-thrus or takeout orders.
The money collected from the fee will be given back to the stores that sell the bags, which Councilmember Mark Squilla claims is a way to help offset their costs. The plan aims to reduce single-use paper bag usage overall, with Squilla arguing that even a small fee can make people think twice before using a plastic bag.
However, Parker expressed concerns about the legislation, citing potential unintended consequences for low-income residents and communities of color. She stated that without protections in place, such as support for those on SNAP or WIC benefits, the bill could cause harm to vulnerable populations.
Despite her reservations, Parker did not sign the bill, which means it will go into effect regardless. Council members had previously voted 10-5 to pass the legislation, although two absent voters would have been required for a unanimous decision.
Squilla argued that his intention was never to impose an additional cost on low-income residents, pointing out that many stores already charge for bags and provide free reusable tote bags at community events. He cited the success of past plastic bag fees in reducing usage, citing instances where households with larger incomes opted to pay extra rather than using a reusable bag.
While Squilla is confident that the 10-cent fee will lead to increased use of paper bags, some critics have expressed concerns about the timing of the legislation coinciding with a recent freeze on Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Benefits. However, SNAP benefits are set to be restored in coming days, and Squilla has offered to work with city officials to extend the implementation timeline if needed.
The money collected from the fee will be given back to the stores that sell the bags, which Councilmember Mark Squilla claims is a way to help offset their costs. The plan aims to reduce single-use paper bag usage overall, with Squilla arguing that even a small fee can make people think twice before using a plastic bag.
However, Parker expressed concerns about the legislation, citing potential unintended consequences for low-income residents and communities of color. She stated that without protections in place, such as support for those on SNAP or WIC benefits, the bill could cause harm to vulnerable populations.
Despite her reservations, Parker did not sign the bill, which means it will go into effect regardless. Council members had previously voted 10-5 to pass the legislation, although two absent voters would have been required for a unanimous decision.
Squilla argued that his intention was never to impose an additional cost on low-income residents, pointing out that many stores already charge for bags and provide free reusable tote bags at community events. He cited the success of past plastic bag fees in reducing usage, citing instances where households with larger incomes opted to pay extra rather than using a reusable bag.
While Squilla is confident that the 10-cent fee will lead to increased use of paper bags, some critics have expressed concerns about the timing of the legislation coinciding with a recent freeze on Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Benefits. However, SNAP benefits are set to be restored in coming days, and Squilla has offered to work with city officials to extend the implementation timeline if needed.
I'm not sure if 10 cents is really enough to discourage people from using paper bags, especially since many stores already charge for them and give out free reusable tote bags at events 
. It's a bit confusing that Councilmember Squilla says his goal is to reduce single-use bag usage but the fee only applies when you buy something in-store, not during deliveries or takeout. What about people who don't have access to stores where they can pay for bags? 
especially with the timing of the snap benefits freeze, that's just not fair 
. what if people who already struggle to make ends meet end up having to pay extra for a few bags? it's like, squilla says he wants to help stores but how about we help ppl instead? 
. And what if they're already struggling to make ends meet? 
, though. By giving the money collected from the fee back to the stores that sell the bags, it could really help offset their costs and encourage them to switch to paper bags in the first place 
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, you know? Like, what about people who can't afford reusable bags? Or those who need paper bags for medical reasons? 
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. It's just a matter of finding the right way to implement it so that everyone benefits 
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At least he's trying to reduce plastic bag usage, which is a great thing! 
It's also good that the stores will get some money back from the fee, so they can help offset their costs... or at least try to! 
, but some people think it might harm low-income residents 
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. But Squilla is willing to work with city officials to extend the implementation timeline if needed 
. Let's hope it all works out in the end 
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. I'm all for reducin' our reliance on single-use bags, but we gotta make sure we're doin' it in a way that's fair and doesn't disproportionately harm already vulnerable populations 
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council member mark squilla said he wants to help stores out by giving them the money back tho which sounds nice i guess
i mean, who can't afford that? 
newsflash: it don't work that way. i'm all for reducing plastic bag usage, but this is just a way to line the pockets of corporations