Uber floated a compromise with the Parker administration to increase Philadelphia’s existing 1.4% rideshare fee rather than impose a $1-per-ride tax. The alternative would require state approval and is projected to raise less revenue, but it could reduce political pressure on City Council members opposed to Parker’s plan. Parker’s proposal is aimed at stabilizing Philadelphia School District finances and preventing hundreds of staff layoffs as the district approaches a fiscal cliff. The plan is included in the proposed city budget that must pass before July 1. Uber is running an ad campaign featuring North Philadelphia riders concerned about the tax’s impact, and it claims the tax would mainly affect working-class families. Uber has retained local lobbying and legal counsel, and it says nearly 50,000 letters oppose the tax.
"Uber is being advised by Bellevue Strategies, a high-powered local lobbying firm with ties to the Parker administration. The company has alsoretained Marcel S. Pratt, managing partner at the Ballard Spahr law firm, per the Inquirer, signaling a potential legal showdown if the proposal passes. Uber spokesperson Jazmin Kay tells Axios that nearly 50,000 letters opposing the tax have been sent to city officials."
Read at Axios
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