CHICAGO – The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement following the Cook County Finance Committee vote to establish a penny-per-ounce tax on all beverages containing sugar and sugar substitutes.
“The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce opposes the $150 million sweetened beverage tax because it is a regressive tax on consumers and anti-business tax on restaurants and retailers. Illinois’ beverage industry provides $610 million in wages, already contributes $566 million in taxes at the state level, and provides 7,500 high-paying jobs. This is an industry we should be supporting and growing. Instead, the impact of this beverage tax, combined with increases to the minimum wage and mandated paid sick leave, will continue to add uncertainty for the Cook County business community and create disincentives for employers to come to county or expand here,” said Theresa E. Mintle, president and CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
About the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce represents over 1,000 member companies, their 400,000 employees, and over $24 billion in revenue. We combine the power of our membership with our legacy of leadership and business advocacy to drive a dynamic economy. We focus on delivering value for our members, making Chicagoland a world-class place to live and work. Visit ChicagolandChamber.org.