FILE - In this on Aug. 22, 2017 file photo, a sign sponsored by opponents of the new Cook County tax on sweetened beverages is posted in the soda isle of Tischler Finer Foods in Brookfield, Ill. Cook County board members are expected to take a major step Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, toward repealing a Chicago-area tax on sweetened beverages. The board's finance committee will vote on a measure to repeal the unpopular penny-per-ounce tax. (AP Photo by Sara Burnett File)
The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) - The Cook County Board's finance committee has voted to repeal a penny-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugary drinks that has riled many Chicago-area residents.
The vote sets the stage for a final vote on Wednesday to repeal the tax, which aroused the ire of consumers and retailers who say their businesses have been adversely affected.
The tax passed last year when Board President Toni Preckwinkle cast the deciding vote after commissioners deadlocked on the measure. Preckwinkle has said there could be an 11 percent budget cut resulting in layoffs with repeal of the tax.
The committee on Tuesday voted 15-1 for repeal of the tax.
Preckwinkle has not said whether she will veto the repeal measure. However, those supporting repeal say they have enough votes to override a veto.
FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2012 file photo, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle speaks at a news conference in Chicago. Cook County officials are expected to take a major step Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, toward repealing a Chicago-area tax on sweetened beverages. The board's finance committee will vote on a measure to repeal the unpopular penny-per-ounce tax. Preckwinkle cast the deciding vote to approve the tax. She argues it will make residents healthier and raise enough money to balance the county's budget. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)
The Associated Press