COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE ON LAW AND GOVERNMENT3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, November 16, 20117 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE, CHAIR10 COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR.11 COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY12 BILL 110057 - An ordinance amending Title 1714 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," to provide that certain City15 contractors must offer the same benefits to the life partners of their employees...16 BILL 110757 - An ordinance amending Chapter17 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Administrative Adjudication of Parking18 Violations," by providing that additional fees and costs shall be imposed for failure to19 answer a parking ticket... - - -21 2
Good2 morning, everyone. This is the Committee3 on Law and Government. For the record,4 we have a quorum with Councilman DiCicco,5 Councilman Goode and Councilman Kelly and6 myself, Bill Greenlee, as the Chair.7 Ms. Marconi, will you please8 read the first bill before us today.9
Bill No. 110757, an10 ordinance amending Chapter 12-2800 of The11 Philadelphia Code, entitled12 "Administrative Adjudication of Parking13 Violations," by providing that additional14 fees and costs shall be imposed for15 failure to answer a parking ticket only16 when a notice of violation, issued with17 respect to such ticket, has not been18 answered within a specified period of19 time, increasing certain penalties and20 costs, revising the time period required21 to answer a parking ticket and making22 certain technical changes, all under23 certain terms and conditions.24
Thank25 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 you.2 Mr. Fenerty, I know you're3 going to be our first witness, but as4 you're coming up, let me just make a real5 quick statement.6 I put this bill in recently7 because I received a number of complaints8 over a long period of time that people9 were getting notices from the Parking10 Authority with penalty already on the11 ticket that they never remember getting,12 and I think they didn't get that ticket13 for a variety of reasons, oftentimes14 innocent reasons. So I just want to say15 I really appreciate the cooperation of16 Mr. Fenerty, Mr. Dixon and everybody from17 the Parking Authority to work on this18 bill. We have some amendments just to19 cover some potential problems, but20 basically this bill I think will help21 people, and I think that's generally what22 we try to do in here.23 And, again, Mr. Fenerty, I24 appreciate your cooperation, and25 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 introduce yourself for the record and2 proceed, please.3
Mr. Chairman4 Greenlee, my name is Vince Fenerty. I'm5 the Executive Director of the6 Philadelphia Parking Authority.7 Bill No. 110757, which was8 introduced by yourself, Chairman,9 provides that a notice be added to the10 parking ticket notice of violation11 indicating that a parking ticket was12 issued to an individual's vehicle and13 that penalties will be added if the fine14 is not paid within ten days of the notice15 date mailed to them.16 Currently, a $20 penalty is17 added to the fine days after the18 ticket is issued. The only notice of the19 penalty is on the back of the parking20 ticket. On occasion, a ticket is taken21 from the vehicle's windshield,22 intentionally or accidentally, and the23 motorist is not aware that a ticket is24 issued. When the notice of violation is25 5 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 sent to the registered owner, the late2 penalty is already applied. To address3 this concern, this bill requires that the4 first notice of violation be sent5 including a warning that a penalty will6 be applied ten days after the notice7 date. This will permit the person to8 whom the ticket was issued to pay it9 without the first penalty being added.10 The warning will also help those who may11 have misplaced or forgotten a ticket by12 reminding them that payment is due before13 the penalty is imposed.14 In order to offset the revenue15 loss, which will result from the16 imposition of fewer late penalties, the17 bill also increases the first penalty18 from $20 to $25 and the second penalty19 from $25 to $30. This is a reasonable20 increase since those tickets will have21 had both warnings on the ticket as well22 as on the notice of violation that late23 penalties will be imposed if it is not24 paid in a timely manner.25 6 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 It is difficult to determine2 the cost of this measure because we3 cannot know how it will affect payment4 patterns of parking tickets. However,5 the improved sense of fairness that this6 commonsense approach will provide is7 worth the price. It is also important to8 remember that the primary purpose of9 parking enforcement is not to generate10 revenue. It is to improve compliance11 with parking regulations to improve12 access and support community and economic13 activity in the City. The fine is to be14 a deterrent to illegal parking, not15 merely another revenue source.16 I believe this bill is a17 reasonable measure consistent with the18 Philadelphia Parking Authority's mission19 to provide parking management service20 which encourages the City's economic21 vitality. I recommend favorable22 consideration to this bill.23 And I'd also like to add,24 Mr. Greenlee, as I told you, I'm very25 7 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 envious that someone at the Parking2 Authority didn't think of this first.3
That's4 okay. It's good to work together with5 you, Vince.6 And I just wanted to add --7 and, again, thank you for your testimony.8 I just want to add that this will not9 necessitate any other notices. So there10 won't be other mailing, any additional11 notices already what we have now. As12 I've said before, I envision this as sort13 of looking like your water bill or credit14 card bill or something. You pay by this15 date, you pay this amount. You pay after16 that date. So it shouldn't incur any17 more costs that way.18 So are there any questions for19 Mr. Fenerty?20 Councilman Kelly.21
I just have22 one question. It has nothing to do with23 this bill, but I'd just like to know24 about handicap parking. What is the25 8 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 process of a person acquiring one of2 these placards that says you're3 handicapped?4
I have those9 forms, Councilman. Since I know you're10 retiring, you may want to apply for one.11
I was12 wondering why he was asking that13 question.14
I want to15 join the 50 percent of the motorists in16 Philadelphia who have them. I think that17 I'm one of the few that don't.18 Thank you.19
Mr. Chairman, I'd20 just like to take one more minute, if you21 can indulge me.22
From what seems24 like my entire life, I've been appearing25 9 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 before City Council, and many of the2 committees I have appeared before3 Councilman DiCicco and Councilman Kelly4 have been part of. They've always been5 very supportive of the good works the6 Parking Authority has done. I'd like to7 thank them and wish them both very good8 luck in their retirement.9
Thank13 you, Vince.14 No other questions. And just15 for the record, there will be some16 amendments. They've already been17 circulated, which basically clears up18 some language, possible language19 difficulties. I tried to keep it as20 simple as possible, which was the intent21 of the bill.22 Are either Rebecca Alpert or23 Leonard Smith in the room? I'm sorry.24 Please come forward.25 10 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 (Witness approached witness2 table.)3
Please4 identify yourself for the record and5 proceed. I'm sorry.6
Good morning.7 Thanks for the opportunity to provide8 this testimony on Bill 110757. My name9 is Rebecca Alpert. I am a longtime10 resident of East Mount Airy and a11 professor at Temple University, but I12 appear before you today as a private13 citizen, and I'm most pleased to speak on14 behalf of Bill 110757 that would correct15 a problem that, judging from public16 response, many of us have faced.17 It has demoralized me on more18 than one occasion to receive a bill for a19 parking ticket that I never received,20 knowing that I have no way to prove that21 my car was not in the location cited or22 was not in that location in violation of23 parking rules.24 While this bill cannot address25 11 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 that problem, it will at least ameliorate2 the added injustice of being asked to pay3 a penalty in addition to the fine of4 which the recipient could not possibly5 have been aware. A bill received in the6 mail that allows those of us who pay our7 parking violations in a timely fashion8 the opportunity to do so without9 incurring additional cost is a vast10 improvement over the current situation.11 I really appreciate Councilman12 Greenlee's willingness to tackle this13 problem that has daunted many14 Philadelphia residents and visitors and15 to propose this legislation. I hope some16 day we can also resolve the serious17 problem of phantom ticketing that will18 undoubtedly continue, but that's for some19 future time.20
Thank21 you. And just on that last point, Ms.22 Alpert, Mr. Fenerty and I have talked23 about that, and he has tried to take very24 proactive action, if you will, against25 12 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 people who have done that. So I think we2 already have that dialogue. And I just3 want to thank you, because I have to say,4 your letter kind of put me over the top5 on this. When I saw it, I said, you6 know, we really have to do something7 about this, and, again, I think this is a8 commonsense approach. So I appreciate9 your time in you coming down.10
It is really11 wonderful to have Council responsive to a12 simple e-mail from a private citizen. So13 thank you very, very much for that.14
Thank15 you. Thank you very much.16 Is there anyone else here to17 testify on this bill?18 (No response.)19
That's20 what I like, non-controversial bills. We21 need more of these.22 Councilman DiCicco, where are23 you? No, no, no. I'm only kidding. I24 said we have to have more25 13 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 non-controversial bills.2 Ms. Marconi, if you please read3 the title of the next bill before us,4 please.5
110057, an6 ordinance amending Title 17 of The7 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts8 and Procurement," to provide that certain9 City contractors must offer the same10 benefits to the life partners of their11 employees as are offered to the spouses12 of married employees, all under certain13 terms and conditions.14
Thank15 you.16 First, I'd just like to17 announce this bill has been sponsored18 by -- introduced and sponsored by19 Councilwoman Reynolds Brown with a number20 of co-sponsors, including myself.21 Councilwoman Reynolds Brown unfortunately22 was called out due to a health issue with23 her mother. She will not be able to be24 here today, but she certainly wanted me25 14 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 to express her thanks to everybody that2 she's worked with on this bill and also3 hope that the Committee, after due4 consideration, will approve this bill,5 because it's something she's been working6 on for a long time, her and her office,7 and we think it really helps people and8 that there's sort of an obligation if9 you're getting City money to give proper10 benefits to people.11 So with that, our first12 witness, unless anybody has anything to13 say, Committee has anything to say.14 (No response.)15
Seeing16 none, Rue Landau, please.17 (Witness approached witness18 table. )19
Please24 identify yourself, although we all know25 15 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 you by now, but please identify yourself2 and proceed.3
Good morning,4 Councilman Greenlee and members of the5 Law and Government Committee. Thank you6 for this opportunity to testify in7 support of Bill No. 110057. My name is8 Rue Landau and I am the Executive9 Director of the Philadelphia Commission10 on Human Relations. The Commission is11 the City agency that enforces12 non-discrimination laws, particularly the13 Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance.14 First I'd like to start by15 thanking Councilwoman Reynolds Brown for16 introducing this important bill, and17 hopefully she knows that we are all18 thinking about her today.19 I'd also like to introduce one20 of my Commissioners, Rebecca Alpert, who21 is also here today.22
On a different25 16 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 issue now, in support of our issue here.2 This bill in front of you today3 would require certain City contractors4 who provide services either for or on5 behalf of the City to provide the same6 employment benefits to the life partners7 of their employees as they offer to the8 spouses of their employees.9 The purpose of the law is10 simple - equal treatment. Employees with11 spouses and employees with life partners12 should receive the same compensation,13 salary and benefits. Since benefits such14 as health insurance make up roughly 2015 percent of employees' overall16 compensation, this truly is an issue of17 equal pay for equal work.18 This bill does not require City19 contractors to begin offering new20 benefits. If a contractor does not offer21 benefits to married employees, it is not22 required to offer benefits to employees23 in life partnerships. In addition, under24 certain circumstances, the requirements25 17 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 of this bill may be waived.2 The reality is that since the3 1990s many large companies have added4 life partner benefits as a low-cost way5 to attract and retain lesbian, gay,6 bisexual and transgender employees.7 According to the Human Rights Campaign,8 57 percent of Fortune 500 companies9 currently offer life partner benefits to10 their employees, and over 90 percent of11 the 615 large employers included in the12 HRC's 2011 Corporate Equity Index offered13 the benefits as well. The majority of14 employers offering partner benefits15 experience a total financial impact of16 less than 1 percent of their total17 benefits compensation.18 Passing this law would add19 Philadelphia to the growing list of20 states, cities and counties that ensure21 equal benefits for same sex partners.22 Currently, one state and 12 cities and23 counties have equal benefits laws. An24 additional five cities have similar25 18 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 ordinances.2 More importantly, passing this3 law would fall squarely in line with the4 strong history of commitment by this5 body, the Mayor and the City in general6 to promoting equality and providing7 protections for the LGBT community.8 Almost 30 years ago, our City's Fair9 Practices Ordinance was amended to expand10 the protections from discrimination to11 cover sexual orientation. In 1998, life12 partnership benefits were added. And in13 2002, protections from discrimination14 based on gender identity were included.15 Finally, this year this body passed a16 host of amendments, thanks to Councilman17 Greenlee, to the Fair Practices Ordinance18 that strengthened all of the LGBT19 protections.20 Our history is commendable.21 Passing this bill would send a strong22 message once again that Council is23 committed to promoting equality for the24 LGBT community.25 19 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 Thank you again for the2 opportunity to testify in favor of Bill3 110057. I would be happy to take any4 questions.5
Thank6 you, and thank you for all you do. I7 know we've interacted on a number of8 issues, so I appreciate all that you and9 the Commission have done. And I think10 you used the words here in the fourth11 paragraph. I think it sums it up.12 "Equal treatment." That's what it's13 about.14 Any questions from members of15 the Committee?16 (No response.)17
Seeing18 none, going along swimmingly here. Thank19 you, Rue. Thank you very much.20
Our next23 witnesses -- I actually have four24 witnesses. I want to see if there's25 20 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 anybody else that wants to testify. I2 have Adrian Shanker, Sara Jacobson, Nurit3 Shein. I hope I'm pronouncing that4 right. And Sherrie Cohen.5 Is there anybody else who wants6 to testify besides those four?7 (No response.)8
Let's9 start, Adrian Shanker, Sara Jacobson,10 Nurit Shein. Sherrie, you can come up11 too. We might as well come up at the12 same time.13 (Witnesses approached witness14 table.)15
Good16 morning, sir. I'm sorry. Please17 identify yourself for the record and18 proceed, please.19
I'm Adrian20 Shanker. I'm the President of Equality21 Pennsylvania. We have an office here in22 Philadelphia, and I live in Allentown,23 Pennsylvania.24
Go ahead.25 21 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 Proceed.2
Chairman Greenlee3 and members of the Committee on Law and4 Government, Pennsylvania sits in a5 crossroads right now. On the one hand,6 public opinion has grown and continues to7 grow rapidly in favor of the LGBT8 community. On the other, our Legislature9 in Harrisburg has failed in their10 responsibility to provide equal11 relationship recognition for same sex12 couples. 19 The reality is that if20 Pennsylvania had marriage equality, the21 equal benefits bill would not be22 necessary. Philadelphia has a history,23 in fact a tradition, of leading the way24 for LGBT equality and equal rights in25 22 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 Pennsylvania. 10 In 1996, Mayor Rendell signed11 an Executive Order granting domestic12 partner benefits to same sex partners of13 City employees, and since then, the14 cities of Harrisburg, Pittsburgh,15 Allentown, Easton and Lancaster and the16 borough of Doylestown have enacted17 policies to provide partner benefits to18 their city workforces as well. 23 Today, this body has the power24 to advance legislation that will once25 23 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 again make Philadelphia known across the2 Commonwealth as a beacon of progressive3 ideas and a leader in the struggle for4 equal rights for all people. The equal5 benefits bill quite simply will make sure6 that any of the City contractors whose7 bids are over $250,000 will provide same8 sex partners of their employees with the9 same benefits to legally married10 employees. This is not only good for the11 LGBT community, but in actual fact, this12 legislation will be a benefit for the13 business community as well. The business14 community has been far outpacing15 governments in the race for equality. 21 Let us remember one important22 fact about this legislation. We're23 talking about partner-based employee24 benefits such as access to medical25 24 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. 8 If we start with the basic idea9 that all people deserve equal treatment,10 equal benefits and in fact equal rights,11 then there is no rational reason to12 oppose the equal benefits bill. 22 The reality is that this23 legislation has an impact far beyond24 Philadelphia. The impact will be heard25 25 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 in city halls throughout Pennsylvania and2 across the nation. 15
Thank16 you. We'll hear from everybody and then17 if there's questions, they can be18 addressed.19 Ms. Jacobson.20
My name is Sara25 26 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 Jacobson. I'm a member of the Board of2 The Liberty City Democratic Club and the3 Chair of its Endorsement Committee. I4 thank the Committee on Law and Government5 for accepting our testimony on the equal6 benefits bill.7 Many of the members of Council8 came before our membership less than a9 year ago asking for our support in the10 elections. I don't know if you recall,11 but when we opened our candidate night,12 we asked you to remember our organization13 and its members not only on Election Day14 when you had our votes, but after15 Election Day as well when you made16 decisions that affect us in these halls.17 Liberty City supports the equal18 benefits bill and thanks Councilwoman19 Reynolds Brown for introducing it, as20 well as the members of Council who have21 signed on to be co-sponsors - Councilman22 Kenney, Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman23 Tasco, Councilman DiCicco and24 Councilwoman Sanchez.25 27 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 Liberty City was founded in2 1994 to build lesbian and gay involvement3 in the democratic party. Our goals4 include mobilizing LGBT voters; electing5 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender6 candidates to office; and promoting7 legislative issues of importance to our8 community. We have approximately 4,0009 members throughout Philadelphia and the10 surrounding counties. As you can11 imagine, our membership cares deeply12 about LGBT equality. They turned to13 Liberty City for guidance about important14 legislation like the equal benefits bill,15 and they vote.16 Philadelphia needs the equal17 benefits bill because this bill ensures18 that our City doesn't endorse19 discrimination in its private20 contracting. This bill says that if you21 want to do big business with our City,22 you must do right by all its citizens by23 providing the same employment benefits to24 life partners who share the same gender25 28 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 identity as those given to opposite sex2 couples. Permitting tax dollars that go3 towards City contracts for businesses4 that don't provide such benefits would be5 a use of tax dollars to endorse6 discrimination. The equal benefits bill7 is inclusive, because its definitional8 section, as amended, uses terms like9 "gender identity," terms that contemplate10 transgender people. The bill shows11 leadership, placing Philadelphia among a12 growing list of states, counties and13 cities who have passed similar14 legislation. And this bill is smart,15 because it combats discrimination without16 costing the City a dime.17 A mere eight days ago the18 members of Liberty City stood in line to19 vote, and when they voted, they stood up20 for many of you. They did so because you21 came to our organization and pledged your22 support for the issues that matter to us,23 issues like this bill. I ask you to24 stand up for us now as we did for you25 29 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 then eight days ago. Stand up for us by2 passing the equal benefits bill.3 Thank you.4
My name is Nurit11 Shein and I'm the Executive Director of12 Mazzoni Center. Our organization is the13 regional lesbian, gay, bisexual and14 transgender health organization providing15 over 30,000 individuals from Philadelphia16 and the counties with health and social17 services. I am here to support18 Councilwoman Reynolds Brown's equal19 benefits bill and to applaud her for20 introducing it.21 The movement towards domestic22 partnership benefits in the workplace is23 rooted in the egalitarian principle that24 equal work warrants equal pay, including25 30 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 employment benefits. So when employers2 extend benefits to married employees with3 opposite sex spouses, the same benefits4 should go to same sex partners.5 About 20 percent of Americans6 in same sex relationships lack insurance,7 according to some federal data. Overall,8 the number of companies that extend same9 sex partner benefits is about one in10 five, or about 21 percent of U.S.11 employers. I think the City of12 Philadelphia stands to correct that.13 As the only LGBT health14 organization in the region, we at Mazzoni15 Center witness the outcomes of lack of16 equal benefits every day. On average,17 about 35 percent of our patients are18 uninsured, and while we are able to waive19 the fees of a medical visit and/or give20 them a sliding scale for medical care, we21 are unable to provide them with specialty22 care and/or lab works and so on. The23 result is an increased burden on24 emergency rooms and increased costs to25 31 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 the taxpayer and to the City of2 Philadelphia. So it is not only the3 right thing to do, it is the economic4 thing to do.5 The most important asset of any6 business is its employees. Employees who7 are treated equally and with respect are8 better employees and more loyal9 employees. So providing equal benefits10 to all employees is not only the right11 thing to do and the economic thing to do,12 it will also make for better business13 practices.14 So we urge the Council to15 support this legislation, and we thank16 Councilwoman Reynolds Brown for ensuring17 that all Philadelphians are treated18 equally.19
Thank20 you. And just again for the record, I21 know you came in a little late.22 Councilwoman Reynolds Brown was called23 out for a family emergency, but she24 certainly wanted to express her thanks to25 32 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 everybody here who is testifying.2 Ms. Cohen.3
Good morning,7 everyone. My name is Sherrie Cohen and8 six months ago I was the first out LGBTQ9 democratic candidate for City Council. I10 am thrilled to be here on this historic11 day for human rights and equality to12 testify in support of this terrific13 legislation. 20 The bill before us today asks21 the fundamental question, Do we want to22 give our public dollars to companies that23 discriminate? Every day our City is24 giving money to City contractors who25 33 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. 3 In addition, the federal government4 provides tremendous benefits to5 heterosexual people who marry. S. General Accounting7 Office calculated that there are 1,1388 different federal marital benefits and9 protections denied to same sex couples as10 a result of marriage inequality. While11 only federal law can change these12 injustices, Philadelphia can provide13 equal pay for equal work through14 employment-based benefits such as health15 insurance coverage and retirement16 benefits for employees of City17 contractors. By requiring City18 contractors to provide the same benefits19 they provide for married, heterosexual20 employees to employees with same sex21 partners, Bill 110057 encourages22 companies to adopt equal benefit policies23 by rewarding companies that do not24 discriminate with the opportunity to do25 34 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. 12 The first city that started13 this equal benefits movement was the City14 of San Francisco, which in 1997 passed --15 had enacted the first equal benefits16 ordinance. 19 Many of these firms are multi-state20 companies who adopted nationwide benefit21 reforms. 23 These companies employ a24 nationwide pool of over million people,25 35 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 and within an approximate percent2 enrollment rate, which is considered on3 the high end of the numbers of people4 eligible who actually enroll in these5 programs, over 66,000 people6 approximately have taken advantage of7 this benefit through the programs offered8 by City contractors. 12 In fact, Broward County just last week13 when we were voting passed a countywide14 ordinance. But with all of the15 ordinances that have passed so far as of16 March 2011, the Bureau of Labor17 Statistics reported that in private18 industry, approximately 29 percent of19 people have access to health benefits for20 same sex partners. 22 I know -- I'll say a couple23 other things and then wrap up. I just24 want to again call everyone's attention25 36 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 to the fact that the cost and utilization2 of domestic partnership benefits is3 almost negligible. After more than a4 decade of experience with employers5 offering domestic partner health6 benefits, the cost to most employers has7 been very low. For example, a 20058 Hewitt Associates study found that 889 percent of companies experience financial10 impacts of 2 percent or less, and only 511 percent experience financial impacts of 312 percent or greater of the total benefits13 costs. Again, the rates of enrollment14 have been estimated to be very low, only15 1 to 3 percent. 21 A recent study by the Williams22 Institute, which is a think tank that23 advances sexual orientation and gender24 identity scholarship, reported last month25 37 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. 17
Thank18 you.19 Any questions from members of20 the Committee for any of the panelists21 here?22 (No response.)23
Seeing24 none, thank you all very much. Thank you25 38 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 for coming down.2 Is there anyone else here to3 testify on this bill?4 (No response.)5
Just note6 for the record that the City has come a7 long way just in the fact that there's8 nobody here testifying against this bill.9 That concludes the public10 hearing of the Committee on Law and11 Government. We will now go into our12 public meeting.13 The Chair recognizes Councilman14 DiCicco regarding the amendment to Bill15 No. 110 -- please, we got to finish here16 and the stenographer has to hear. So,17 please, just give us a minute. Thank18 you.19 -- (continued) the amendment to20 Bill No. 110757.21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you,22 Mr. Chairman. I move that the amendment23 to Bill No. 110757 be reported out of24 this Committee with a favorable -- I move25 39 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 for the adoption of the amendment. I'm2 sorry.3 (Duly seconded.)4
It's been5 moved and seconded.6 All in favor please say aye.7 (Aye.)8
Hearing11 none, the amendment is adopted.12 Once again, Councilman DiCicco.13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you,14 Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No.15 110757, as amended, be reported out of16 this Committee with a favorable17 recommendation and a further18 recommendation that the rules of Council19 be suspended.20 (Duly seconded.)21
It's been22 moved and seconded.23 All in favor please say aye.24 (Aye.)25 40 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571
Hearing4 none, Bill No. 110757, as amended, is5 reported out of this Committee with a6 favorable recommendation and a rules7 suspension to allow for first reading at8 our next session of Council.9 The Chair recognizes Councilman10 Goode regarding the amendment to Bill No.11 110057.12
Thank you,13 Mr. Chairman. I move that the amendment14 to Bill 110057 be approved.15 (Duly seconded.)16
It's been17 moved and seconded.18 All in favor please say aye.19 (Aye.)20
Hearing23 none, the amendment is adopted.24 Before I recognize Councilman25 41 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 Goode, please let the record reflect that2 Councilman Green, a member of the3 Committee, is also present.4 Again, Councilman Goode.5
Thank you,6 Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill 110057,7 as amended, be reported out of the8 Committee with a favorable9 recommendation, that the rules of Council10 be suspended so as to permit first11 reading at our next Council session.12 (Duly seconded.)13
It's been14 moved and seconded.15 All in favor please say aye.16 (Aye.)17
Hearing20 none, Bill No. 110057, as amended, is21 reported out of this Committee with a22 favorable recommendation and the rules of23 Council suspended to allow for first24 reading at our next session of Council.25 42 11/16/11 - LAW & GOV. - BILLS 110057 & 1107571 No further business before the2 Committee on Law and Government, this3 hearing is recessed.4 (Applause.)5 (Committee on Law and6 Government concluded at 10:45 a.m.)7 - - -8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 43 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on November 16, 2011, and7 that this is a true and correct transcript of8 same.9 --------------------14 MICHELE L. MURPHY15 RPR-Notary Public16 (The foregoing certification of this20 transcript does not apply to any reproduction21 of the same by any means, unless under the22 direct control and/or supervision of the23 certifying reporter.)24