COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING City Hall, Room 400 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 10, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYETTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE-RICHARDSON COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN BRIAN O'NEILL ELIZABETH MCCOLLUM, CHIEF CLERK P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning, everyone. Good morning, everyone. Good morning, everyone. Members, please take your seats. Members, please take your seats. Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come, and that a quorum of this council is present. This council session is now coming to order. All visitors please retire outside the rails. Please take all side conversations outside of the council chambers, and I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent and/or vibrate. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend James A. Callahan, Pastor Emeritus of the Christ The King Parish. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember O'Neill. I'll ask all members and guests to please rise.
Council President, thank you for your kind invitation and welcome. Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, we give you thanks and praise for your mighty works. Thank you for creating us and sustaining us day-by-day. Thank you that you made us in your image to live in community with others. We thank you for our city, for our neighborhoods, for our schools, for our churches, for our families, and the individuals that make our city the special place that it is. I pray to this day for this council meeting, give the members wisdom and guidance as they deliberate on the items before them. May every decision be righteous, be righteous in your sight, Lord, for the benefit of the people of Philadelphia and for your glory. And let the church say amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks the Reverend for his invocation. The council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Good morning. To plant a seed. The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Tuesday, April 3rd, 2025. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, be approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it and the journal is approved. The next order of business is a request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of council and that were not listed on the calendar circulated prior to today's council session.
Council will be at ease. AUDIENCE VOICE: He has not apologized. I have every right. If he wants to arrest me, he can arrest me for staying.
It's okay, ma'am. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of council and as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters. Resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or recalled from the mayor, amendments to bills recalled from the mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or a resolution that is not on the calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the suspension calendar that is not listed on today's calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by council that arose too late to be included on the calendar that was published prior to today's session.
It has been moved and properly seconded to the legislative matters stated by Councilmember and Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this session of council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson.
Thank you, Council President for your indulgence. Today, I'd like to take the opportunity to recognize a number of groups and organizations we have with us today in council at the onset of Black Maternal Health Week 2025. Later in the session, we are pleased to be hosting Representative Gina Curry, from Delaware County. She'll be with us in council chambers. We recognize the founder and the convener of the Black Maternal Health Caucus for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Representative Morgan Cephas, our former colleague and city council. And also state representative La'Tasha D. Mayes from Pittsburgh. They are the three co-conveners of the Black Maternal Health Caucus for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And Representative Curry will be here for them in a few moments. I'd also like to recognize Marianne Fray, and when I call you, please stand. Marianne Fray, President of Maternity Care Coalition, Vinay Hill, Link Family Services, Yolanda. And I have a number of names, so please hold the applause. Yolanda Boykins, Oshun Family Center, Jordan Guy, Oshun Family Center, Saleemah McNeil, Oshun Family Center, Karla Mendez, Oshun Family Center, Whitney Roberts from the Philly Download. Jenne Johns, Once Upon a Preemie. Rhonda McAllister, A Home From Shana Foundation. We have Cleo Robinson from A Home From Shana Foundation. Jessica from the Board of A Home From Shana Foundation. Alexis from Cocolife.black. Anaya Aruso from Maternity Care Coalition. Veranda Cradle from Maternity Care Coalition. Samantha Harclerode from Maternity Care Coalition, and Jonae McAllister from A Home From Shana Foundation, all with us for the onset of Black Maternal Health Week. And we did have a breakfast this morning, so we thank them for all their legislative policy and programmatic work. And finally, I'd like to recognize the 10, 8th graders from Mary McLeod Bethune School, who are here today as guests of Pastor G. Lamar Stewart. G. Lamar Stewart has been working with this group for the past school year around gun violence prevention, intervention, and keeping them all on the right path. So we recognize your District Councilmember, but we also thank you G. Lamar Stewart for bringing in all these eighth graders from Mary McLeod Bethune School today. Thank you, Council President.
You're welcome. Let's give our young people a round of applause, please. The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. In the same spirit of our majority leader, I just want to continue the positivity and positive energy that's out there today. I've introduced a resolution that has put us in a position to bring some distinguished guests to city council. I want to first start by thanking the District Councilperson, Councilmember Curtis Jones, who represents St. Joe's University, as well as St. Joe's University alumni Brian O'Neill for being very supportive throughout the course of this measure of recognizing Eric Reynolds. I'm not going to talk too much about, Eric, right now. But I will ask Eric and the St. Joe's basketball team that's here today, can you all take a moment to stand up? Can we hold our applause in the spirit of -- can you -- if you all can remain standing, this is really important. If you don't know, Eric is only the 19th player in the storied history of the city of Philadelphia, specifically looking at our Big 5 to score 2,000 points for his career. He's only the second player -- he's only the second player to do it in St. Joe's University history, he's also the all-time leading scorer in St. Joe's University. And what he has accomplished for his career, his distinguished career, where he stayed four years at the same school, which is almost unheard of in 2025. What he has been able to accomplish makes him a Philadelphia legend. So we want to honor Eric as a Philadelphia Big 5 and college basketball legend. We want to thank Coach Billy Lange for his great work as the head coach and the leader of one of our phenomenal institutions. Give a special shout out to my brother, Justin Scott, who's the assistant coach and a Philly basketball legend in his own right. Also, I want to thank Coach Ricks and Coach Lange. Coach Robert, Coach Wilford and Coach Flegler, as well as his teammates that are here. Anthony, the director of student athletics, Michelle Thomas, as well as Mr. Marino and Hockenberry. If I -- I apologize if I messed up anybody's name, but if we can, can we please give St. Joe's University, the men's basketball team and the entire stakeholder group that's here a round of applause. Thank you, Council President. And thank you all for being here. And also as I close out, Council President, from one father to another father to a third father, I definitely want to congratulate Eric's father who's here with him today as well too, and let him know we appreciate the great young man he raised. Thank you, Council President.
You are welcome. Great job, young man. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 4th Councilmatic District, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. And keeping with the spirit of Coach Thomas, but in a different vein, I want to recognize the Renegade Veteran organization that we want to thank them for their service, but also thank them for their future service mentoring our young people, young men in particular in the city of Philadelphia. Can they please rise and be recognized? And secondly, we have members of the Citizens Police Oversight Committee coming down to deal with the legislation that is before us today. And we -- with them is someone that's not stranger to us, Lorraine Ballard Morrill is in here with her husband. Can her and her husband please be recognized. Welcome to City Council.
You're welcome. As there are no presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair requested the Sergeant at Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to our outstanding chief clerk. Will the chief clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession?
To the President and members of the Council of the city of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 705, 709, and 713 North 35th Street, 3712 and 3714 Wallace Street, and 3810 Haverford Avenue, located in the 3rd Councilmatic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code. An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3,200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Keystone Opportunity Economic Development District and Strategic Development Area to provide for additional extensions of certain benefits under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use by the city, of premises located at 4101 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. And I am pleased to advise you that on April 9th, 2025, I signed the following bill, which was passed by council at its session on March 27th, 2025. Bill No. 250-066-A. Council President, there are no further communications in my possession.
Thank you very much. The messages will be printed in the journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. Good morning, everyone. I have one privileged resolution on your behalf, Council President Johnson.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing the week of April 5th to the 11th, 2025, as Week of the Young Child in Philadelphia in support of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC and commending the work of NAEYC for promoting high quality educational and developmental services for children under eight years of age.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the privileged resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing April 11th through 17th, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in the city of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have four bills and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bills and resolution?
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the city of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use by the city, of premises located at 4101 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Subsection 19-26046 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Credit Contributions to Community Development Corporations, non-profit organizations engaged in developing and implementing Healthy Food Initiatives and non-profit intermediaries under which businesses may enter into agreements to make contributions to community development corporations and certain other organizations to receive tax credits by expanding eligibility for recipients of such funds and to uses to which fund -- which such funds may be used, and which taxes that are used for this tax credit program, and increasing the number of businesses to which the credit shall be made available and providing the option for a commensurate grant program all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Subsection 9-203 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Street Vendors by permitting vendors license to operate on certain city streets from certain otherwise prohibited conduct, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the city to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest in all or a portion of parcel or parcels of land located in and about the area bounded by 31st Street, Ludlow Street, and 32nd Street, together with all improvements thereon for purposes of placing on the city plan, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 705, 709, and 713 North 35th Street, 3712, and 3714 Wallace Street, and 3810 Haverford Avenue, located in the 3rd Councilmatic District, in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at the next session of council. The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Again, good morning, colleagues. Again, I have two resolutions today, and I forgot to thank Mike Morak from Victory in North as well as the RUMC Foundation and Garry Mills from Shoot Basketballs NOT People, for being here to celebrate our amazing student athlete. Thank you, Council President.
Will the chief clerk please read the title of the resolutions?
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Eric Reynolds for his historic contributions to the St. Joseph University's men's basketball program, his record-breaking journey to becoming the university's all-time leading score, and his lasting impact on the city of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar.
Well, at this moment I would like to take a moment to acknowledge outstanding and hardworking state representative Gina Curry, who's joining us today. Thank you for joining us. She's here on behalf of Majority Leader Councilmember Catherine GilmoreRichardson as a part of the Black Maternal Care Task Force. Thank you for joining us today, Representative. Will the Chief Clerk please continue reading the resolutions?
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to create a task force investigating the current state of higher education at this pillar of the Philadelphia regional economy and cultural landscape undergoes generational change.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at the next session of council. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 4th Councilmatic District, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and two non-privileged resolutions. One on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bill and resolutions?
An ordinance authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 5313 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19139, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred -- no, no, this resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at the next session of -- that was the bill. Okay. I'm moving too quick. This bill will be referred to your appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Elevation Project, a non-profit organization for its outstanding contributions to reducing recidivism, supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, and helping create pathways to a brighter future.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage's calendar for consideration at the next session of council.
And a privileged resolution honoring Inspector Verdell Johnson for his retirement and years of service for the Philadelphia Police Department.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau, civil rights activist for housing.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Council President, colleagues, public. Today I have three resolution -- three privileged resolutions, one non-privileged resolution, and one non-privileged resolution on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the resolutions?
A privileged resolution recognizing April 10th, 2025, as National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day in the city of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Philadelphia Chefs and Restaurants named as finalists for the 2025 James Beard Award.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing April 15th, 2025, as World Art Day in the city of Philadelphia and celebrating the creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity of the city's fine arts.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage's calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass the Ready to Rent Act and increased housing opportunities for Pennsylvanians by automatically sealing most eviction records.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage's calendar for consideration in the next session of council.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Trump Administration to reverse the mass termination of Health and Human Services, HHS staff, that manages Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, which distributes 4.1 billion annually to state governments to assist low income households in paying their utility bills, threatening the health and safety of vulnerable populations in extreme temperatures.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage's calendar for consideration in our next session of council. The Chair recognizes the leader of the Kensington Caucus, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
And Council President, today I offer one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the resolution?
Will the chief clerk please be the title of the bill?
It's okay. And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 226 by striking from the city plan and vacating Bristol Street from 2nd Street to Hunting Park Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 5th Councilmatic District, Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer five privileged resolutions, two of which are on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged resolutions?
A privileged resolution recognizing April 6th through 12th, 2025 as a National Crime Victim's Rights Week in Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar.
And a privileged resolution -- I'll come back to that one. A privileged resolution recognizing the month of April as National Woodworking month in the city of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the week of April 13th through 19th, 2025 as a National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the city of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the National Football League to abandon a proposed rule changes to halt the usage of the Philadelphia Eagle signature quarterback sneak better known as the brotherly shove or the tush push.
This resolution will we placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at our next session of council.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the establishment of the Special Committee on Reform Act 135, the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act to develop recommendations for reforming the act to prevent its use for exploitation of vulnerable communities.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at our next session of council. The Chair recognizes the leader of the working families party, Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you. Council President, I have no resolutions today.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution from the Chair of Labor?
A privileged resolution authorizing the special committee on Kensington to hold hearings on the intersection of homelessness and subsystem abuse disorder, SUD, S-U-D, in communities with both -- with both unstable housing and addiction.
Thank you very much. This resolution will be placed on the final passage - today's final passage calendar. The Chair recognizes minority leader of the Working Family Party, Councilmember Nicholas O'Rourke.
Thank you and good morning, Council President. I have three bills that we are calling the Safe Healthy Homes Act to introduce today, as well as one non-privileged resolution to introduce on your behalf, sir.
Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of the Philadelphia code entitled Property Licenses and Owner Accountability to clarify licensing requirements, authorize the department to create a proactive inspection program, require public reporting related to code compliance, and establish remedies, damages and protections for tenants all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to your appropriate committee.
And in ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Landlord and Tenant to modify the requirements related to good cause for ending a tenancy, adding protections against retaliation and harassment for tenants and tenant organizations, specify tenants rights related to implied warranty and of habitability and provide a legal presumption related to breaches of the implied warranty and of habitability, create a tenant right to organize, specify deadlines for asserting claims and, establish and enhance enforcement mechanisms, remedies, damages and protections, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Landlord and Tenant to hereby authorize the creation of the AntiDisplacement Fund to establish violations for displacement and to authorize the Department of Planning and Development to administer the Anti-Displacement Fund and amending section A-505, entitled Cease Operations Order, to add notice requirements, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I appreciate the enthusiasm, but during public comment, you'll have the opportunity to speak on the bill put before us. Good job, Member O'Rourke. Thank you very much, sir. Would the Chief Clerk please read the resolution?
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to draft and pass bipartisan legislation that will secure necessary funding for SEPTA to prevent service closures, fair increases, and a decline in mobility and economic activity for the citizens of Philadelphia and neighboring counties.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at our next session of council. The Chair now recognizes Chairman of Transportation and Public Utility. The gentleman from the Northeast, former state representative, the Honorable Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Morning, Mr. President. I have five privileged resolutions to be introduced on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the resolutions?
A non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of James Lamont Roser to the Veteran's Advisory Commission.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage's calendar for next week for consideration.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Myra Ralph to the Veteran's Advisory Commission.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at the next session of council.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Dave Jeannette to the Veteran's Advisory Commission.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration on our next session of council.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Darby Ford to the Veteran's Advisory Commission.
This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration on our next session of council.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Angela Dunston to the Veterans Advisory Commission.
This resolution be placed in the final passage calendar for consideration on our next session of council. The Chair recognizes the distinguished gentleman who holds all of our institutional history and knowledge, our most senior and distinguished member, Councilmember Brian O'Neill from Northeast Philadelphia.
Only because it's very hard to forget. I have no bills or resolutions, Mr. President. Thank you.
Thank you very much, sir. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from that great part of Philadelphia known as South Philly and Appropriations Chairman, Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. And I offer two privileged resolutions and two bills, one on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bills and resolutions?
An ordinance amending Title 14, zoning code of the Philadelphia Code, Sections 14 through 409 entitled SPCIV, Civic Educational and Medical Special Purpose District, and amending Title 14-602 entitled use tables, by allowing religious assembly uses in certain special purpose districts, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of the Philadelphia code entitled Keystone Opportunity Zone Economic Development District and Strategic Development Area to provide for additional extensions of certain benefits, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the NeumannGoretti Girls basketball team on winning the PIAA State Championship.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Neumann-Goretti Boys basketball team on winning the PIAA State Championship.
This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar. The Chair recognizes the lady from Northwest Philadelphia Deputy Whip Council, Member Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bill and the resolution?
An ordinance amending Section 14-1000 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Historic Preservation, requiring notification of City Councilmembers of historical designations in the city of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of a special committee on child separation in Philadelphia to review child separation practices in Philadelphia's child welfare system and develop recommendations to ensure compliance with State Child Protective Services Law, protect children, uphold due process rights of families, and prevent the unnecessary breakup of families.
Good job, Member Bass. This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at the next session of council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I will be introducing one privileged resolution today.
Thank you very much. Would the chief clerk please read the title of the resolution?
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold a hearing on the policies of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding child welfare protections.
Thank you very much. This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar. This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar. Thank you very much, Chief Clerk. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 14 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report?
The Committee on Streets and Services to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 250-102, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance Bill No. 220639, approved January 10th, 2023, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision Of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan 27-S, by striking from the city plan the easterly 20 feet wide portion of Swanson Street from Wolf Street to Snyder Avenue, striking from the city plan and vacating the legally open portion of Vandalia Street from Wolf Street to Weccacoe Avenue. And reserving and placing on the city plan a right of way for sewer and drainage purposes within the portion of Swanson Street being stricken and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the city of the said right-of-way, all under certain terms and conditions including the dedication to the city of beds of the remaining on open portions of Swanson Street from Wolf Street to Jackson Street, and from Jackson Street to Snyder Avenue by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein. And Bill No. 240-148, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-3400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, use of an automated speed enforcement system, to improve safety by providing for the use administration and enforcement of automated speed cameras on route located within specified school zones under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 240-176, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 118 by striking from the city plan and vacating a widen portion of Warnock Street on the Westerly side thereof between Berks Street and Norris Street, and relocating the Westerly house line of said Warnock Street. So as to align with the Westerly house line of the unaffected portions of Warnock Street as extending from Berks Street to Norris Street, under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 250-177, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a side wall cafe in the vicinity of 22 Wolf Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 250-203, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Ogden Street between North 13th Street and Camac Street, Wood Street between North 18th Street and North 19th Street. North 21st Street between Hamilton Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Franklin Town Boulevard between Callowhill Street and Wood Street. And Bill No. 250-208, an ordinance amending Section 12-117 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, physically handicap and disabled or severely disabled veteran parking, as it will take effect pursuant to Bill No. 240-613-AA approved December 18th, 2024, by revising the definition of disability parking space and further amending the Philadelphia Code by updating cross references to Section 12-117 that now appear in Title 9, entitled Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions, and Title 12, Traffic Code, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 240 -- 250-240, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-900, Parking Regulations and Penalties, and Chapter 12-2800, administrative adjudication of parking violations of the Philadelphia Code revising penalties related to parking certain large vehicles including boats, motor homes, house coaches, house trailers, truck campers, recreational cargo -- cargo trailers, and recreational trailers, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250-241, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance. Bill No. 220-454 approved November 30th, 2022 entitled, an ordinance Authorizing the vacating of Kruztown Road from Norwalk Road to its terminus southwestwardly, therefrom, under certain terms and conditions by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein. And Bill No.
250-266, an ordinance regulating the direction of movement -- of traffic on 47th Street between Chestnut Street and Kingsessing, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250-267, an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled designation of bicycle lanes, to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of a travel lane on 47th Street, under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 250271, an ordinance amending the Philadelphia Code by increasing the penalties for the prohibited parking or maintaining of semi-trailers and truck tractors at residential properties, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 250-272, an ordinance authorizing an encroachment in the nature of planters in the vicinity of 322 through 40 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 250-274, an ordinance authorizing an encroachment in the nature of planters in the vicinity of 219 West Rittenhouse Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 250-209, an ordinance amending Title 12 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, Traffic Code, to clarify penalties and procedures associated with smart loading zone parking enforcement, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Streets and Services, Council President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes the Councilmember Young for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of council be suspended to permit first reading on this day of the bills just read into the record by the chief clerk.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of council be suspended, so as to permit the consideration of the bills just read by the clerk at today's session of council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. These bills will be placed on our first reading calendar for today. Council, will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I did want to also acknowledge while we're doing acknowledgements earlier, I missed someone who is very important and a staple in our district, Mr. Gary Mills, who does a fantastic program, Shoot Basketballs NOT People. Gary, can you stand? (Applause.)
And I just wanted to recognize all of the hard work that he's been doing for years in the Germantown community and really reaching out and touching our young people. So I thought it would not be rivalry to recognize him and thank him for his outstanding service. Thank you, Mr. President. Also, I just wanted to ask for a request to leave of absence. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to step out of council chambers, but will be voting aye on all bills and resolutions today.
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the second reading and final passage calendar for the next session of council. As there are no additional bills on the first reading calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the second reading and final passage calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the second reading and final passage calendars today: Numbers 250-250, 250-251, 250-252, 250-253, 250-254, 250-297, 250-298, 250-299, 250-300, 250-304, 250-305, 250-310, 250-314, 250-317, 250-318 and 240-333. The following bills and resolutions on the calendar are being held: 250-303 and 240-665, 240-427-AA is being placed on the suspension calendar.
Thank you very much, Majority Leader. Before considering the bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the second reading and final passages calendars for possible action in today's council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hassen at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have been signed -- once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on a sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public congressmen each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today, the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to please conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant at Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our Rules of Council, to limit repetitious comments on the same subject manner. And before I ask for the first clerk to come up and speak, I also want to acknowledge the presence of the leader and business manager of Local 332, Mr. Sam Staten, Jr. Thank you for joining us today, sir. I will now ask the chief clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
We have State Representative Regina Curry, May Eric Reynolds, Billy Lange, Juanita Clark, and Kate Perez also make their way to the podium. REP. CURRY: Good morning.
Good morning. REP. CURRY: Good morning. My name is State Representative Gina H. Curry, and I'm happy to be here today. And I want to thank Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson and the esteem members of council and the Committee. Again, my name is State Representative Gina H. Curry. I proudly serve the 164th Legislative District in Delaware County. And I also am the co-chair of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus. I would also like to say that my co-chair, Representative Morgan Cephas, which most of you know here is not able to be here today. And my other co-chair who lives out in Allegheny County, La'Tasha D. Mayes, we are so proud to be here today. Thank you to the Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for your continued leadership and for introducing today's resolution recognizing Black Maternal Health Week. Black Maternal Health Week starts this Friday and it goes until the 17th of the month. I also want to thank this council for consistently using your platform to spotlight the issues Black women and families face across the city and the commonwealth. As a legislator and as a Black woman, this issue is both professionally and deeply personal. We are facing a crisis. Recent data from the CDC shows that while maternal mortality rates are decreasing for White and Hispanic women, they are increasing for Black women. In 2023, the maternal mortality rate for Black women rose to 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. Nearly three-and-a-half times the rate for White women. Here in Pennsylvania, the numbers are just alarming. Black birthing individuals are dying at nearly twice the rate of their White counterparts. And let's be clear, over 80 percent of these deaths are preventable. In Harrisburg, we've made progress. We've extended postpartum Medicaid coverage, expanded access to Doula care, created the PA Doula Advisory Board, increased education, and secured over 30 million in investments for maternal health. That's -- yeah, you can clap. Including funding for training innovation and community-based support programs like the Philly Joy Bank. But our work is far from over. These disparities are rooted in systemic racism, unequal access to care, and a failure to listen to the voices of Black women. Black Maternal Health Week is a time to raise awareness, but it's also a time to recommit. We need continued collaboration at every level of government, local, state and federal. We need to keep pushing for policies and investments that put the lives of Black mothers and birthing people first. This resolution is more than a recognition. It's a reminder that we have more work to do, and by working together we can change the story for the next generation. I also want to thank all of the grassroots beautiful Black women who do this work every day. Thank you so much, Council President. And to the majority leader, we appreciate all your work on Black Maternal Health, and we will get this done. Thank you.
We have Eric Reynolds, Billy Lange, Juanita Clark, Kate Perez, may Christine Sullivan and Damaris Alvarado Rodriguez also make their way to the podium.
Good morning, everyone. My name is Eric Reynolds. Can you-all hear me? All right. You-all could. Good morning. All right. There we go. Good morning, everybody. My name is Eric Reynolds. First of all, I'd like to say thank you for this opportunity. On behalf of the Reynolds and the Tibbs family, I would like to thank Councilman Thomas and the Philadelphia City Council for this opportunity to recognize our son Eric. When Eric committed to St. Joe's, they did not know how loyal he was. And here we are four years later celebrating his loyalty as well as history being made. To the coaches, team managers, medical staff, and the mascot, and most of all, Michelle, for your loyalty to our son at St. Joe's, to Eric's teammates, I want to thank you for creating such a wonderful brotherhood for our son. I always wanted more children and because of that brotherhood we gained more children. I'm a quote lover, so I'm going to leave everybody with a quote today. "Procrastination: Procrastination is the arrogant assumption that God owes you another opportunity to do what you already had time to do." Thank you.
See, that's the example of saying a whole word without saying a whole lot. Good job.
Come on, people. I know you-all hear me. Ain't none of us in this room perfect. I'm standing up for the housing. SERGEANT AT ARMS: State your name for the record.
Juanita Clark, I'm standing up for, and everybody else in this room. I'm standing up for -- because you keep saying put to the side, we can't put to the side for a long time. We tired of sitting and waiting for you-all to keep putting to the side. Putting to the side, because guess what? We suffering. All over the world, you-all can't see? We going through -- it's shambling. And at the end of the day, our kids is mixed up in this situation. We keep putting to the side, we won't leave it to our kids. And then what? They don't know nothing. Trust me, all they know is computers right now. And for the housing, I feel as though you are right. The landlords that come into this state and some of you-all, some of you-all help these billion dollar landlords for money. And now, people like me with low income with children can't even afford a home or a job because sometimes these jobs only pay a minimum wage, and you-all sitting on high-tail while we sitting here trying to make a meal out of 15 cents to feed our kids. These are people we need to take charge for. Because at the end of the day, we all we got, all of us.
No one in here is perfect. So the bill that we supposed to put today, let us get because guess what? It's a lot of homeless and you-all just keep walking by them, like you-all don't see them. Come on now, you-all got to understand that we is the minority and the minority show up. But we got to keep coming out here protesting and protesting, like you said, we going put it aside, we going to think about who going to take that case. Why shouldn't you take the case today? Let's go. Because guess what? Our kids ain't got too much, because we see him one day we see him again and it's not good you-all. Come on, you-all, wake up.
Kate Perez, cruelty we send abroad turns inward. Trump unilaterally dismantled the USAID freezing foreign aid that congress had already appropriated. They were the UN's primary partner in delivering food assistance to more than 15 million people in Yemen, a country where babies are born so hungry that they eat their own hands, and the United States has bombed them over 200 times since March 15th. That's another thing we should be condemning the president for. Food security is a human right, and last week the World Food Program had to shut down all the bakeries in Gaza as there is no more flours to bake with, along with indiscriminate carpet bombing sponsored by Diane Zimmerman, our sister city has prevented the entry of any aid into the strip for more than four weeks since March 9th. Hunger in the U.S. Is at an all time high. People are afraid to get food in fear of ICE raids and those who line up for hours may get food that don't fit their diet, with reports of people passing out in the cold waiting. The administration decided to tackle this by targeting our school children and local farmers. We have to move away from food banking and into giving people money to buy their own food, reducing waste, increasing choice and confidence. As the federal government cuts our funding, the city budget is going to have to make up for it somehow. No more drones for the cops this round, we have to supplement the millions lost. And I'm still wondering how many more times this council can condemn Trump until he lists you as terrorist sympathizers for your speech and has ICE send you to criminal detention in Louisiana. Especially dangerous now as the White House announces that they'd like to send US citizens to the El Salvador terrorist prison too. 75 percent of the Venezuelan men sent to the prison had no criminal record in any country. They also announced they'll be monitoring all immigrants' social media for antisemitism. A word used to detain thousands of activists protesting, sending money and weapons to an occupying state famous for targeting children like U.S. citizen Amir Rabee murdered on Tuesday for throwing stones as soldiers illegally invaded the West Bank. The IOF said, quote, Eliminating one terrorist and hitting two additional terrorists, after Israeli settlers shot the 14-year-old and two other children in the legs. The paramedics were not allowed to see him until after he had bled to death. No more arms. Free Palestine.
We have Christine Sullivan next. We have Christine Sullivan, then Damaris Alvarado Rodriguez. May Saleemah McNeil, Jenne Johns, Vonee Hill and Diana Coleman also make their way to the podium.
Greetings, I am Christine Sullivan, founder and CEO of Womb ISH. This morning, I stand before you to speak on the resolution recognizing Black Maternal Health Week in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Womb Ish provides birth and postpartum doula services, educational resources, as well as doula training and certification nationwide. With Philadelphia, Pennsylvania being our flagship location, we have provided birth doula services for hundreds of families, a plethora of educational resources, and I can directly speak to the positive impact that birth outcomes have turned around and that we're continuing to do so. With us being able to offer Medicaid services as well, we are seeing that these outcomes will begin to turn around. The tremendous work that is being done in Philadelphia to turnaround birth outcomes needs to be recognized and on behalf of the birth workers who represent Philadelphia PA, along with the doulas and educators of Womb ISH, I would like to say that I support Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson's resolution recognizing Black Maternal Health Week in Philadelphia, PA. Thank you.
Good morning, Council President Johnson, Council Members, and fellow citizens. My name is Damaris Alvarado Rodriguez, the Executive Director of Children's Playhouse. I stand before you today to strongly support Resolution 250-298, which urgently calls for the preservation of Head Start funding. For over 20 years, I've witnessed Head Start profound impact in Philadelphia. At Children's Playhouse, we serve a hundred Head Start children, a vital part of our commitment to 476 families with children from birth to pre-kindergarten. We offer crucial lifeline providing quality early learning that otherwise inaccessible to many. It's incredibly moving to celebrate our youngest learners, their first school experience, especially when they're the first in their families to attend. Head Start break cycles of limited access. Head Start is more than daycare, it's a fundamental investment in our city's future. Our program nurtures children providing educational, social emotional foundation they need for success in kindergarten and beyond. We equip them with -- or and thrive with confident, capable individuals. As Resolution 250-298 rightly states, Head Start is a critical family support. Our partnerships agreements empower parents to achieve goals by returning to school, securing employment. Head Start programs like ours are the corner stone of economic mobility in Philadelphia. For many children, Head Start is a haven and with nutritious meals addressing food insecurity and enabling parents to work or knowing that their children are safe and cared for the program is as important. Therefore, I implore you to strongly support Resolution 250-298 to commit and protecting Head Start funding. This is a critical investment in our children, our families, and Philadelphia's future. Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Saleemah McNeil. I'm the founder and executive director of Oshun Family Center, and I am so excited because this is the eve of Black Maternal Health Week that starts tomorrow. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you. I wanted to start by thanking our City Council for supporting the advancement of Black Maternal Health specifically, Katherine Gilmore-Richardson, Minority Leader Kendra Brooks and Councilmember Nina Ahmad. This is the seventh year that we're celebrating Black Maternal Health Week here in Philadelphia. And as the lead planners at Oshun Family Center, we are elated to see all of the support that we have garnered over this last almost decade. When we first started in 2018 to recognize Black Maternal Health Week, it was me just up here by myself yelling about budget and trying to advance Black Maternal Health from a grassroots perspective. So I am excited to have my partners as we have collectively attacked this issue and have made advancements in Black Maternal Health. As a result, Philadelphia will be the home of the first blackled woman-run and community driven maternal wellness center that enhances -(Applause.)
Thank you. That enhances the standard of prenatal care with doula services, lactation support and psychotherapy services. This should not be a luxury for our participants, but they should be the standard of care. So working in partnership with our hospital systems, our legislators and the community, we will be in the Kensington section of Philadelphia in opening our doors in 2026 for Oshun Family Center and Maternal Wellness Village to live and service the community at large. Thank you so much for this resolution because the fight still continues for equitable care and our position of owning, owning our own brick and mortar location here in Philadelphia as a non-profit organization is where we thrive. So thank you so much for your support and we look forward to sharing with you our next steps.
Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Chairman and all who support Black Maternal Health. My name is Jenne Johns. I'm a micro preemie mom, author, advocate and the president of Once Upon A Preemie. Today is a full circle moment because I stood before you virtually in 2021 as we introduced the Black Maternal Health Week resolution then. As I stated then, I still believe it is our civic and professional duty to support and protect the lives of black birthing women and preterm infants in the city of Philadelphia. While we all know the disheartening statistics that too many black moms die too soon and too many black babies are born too soon, we also know these disparities are avoidable and preventable. As we introduce Black Maternal Health Week this year, let us also remember that moms and babies deserve the promise of this resolution, not just during this week of celebration and acknowledgement, but year-round until these disparities no longer exist. At Once Upon A Preemie, we sit in the unique seat of leading the nation's first virtual and accredited health and racial equity training program for perinatal and neonatal healthcare professionals to transform the delivery of healthcare. We also advocate for strong maternal and infant health legislation as well as empower families through education and resources. When connected with Black Preemie families here in the city of Philadelphia, we ask about our -- we ask about their experiences in our local neonatal intensive care units. While far too many families reported experiencing medical racism and discrimination, others describe their experiences as safe, respectful, empowering and especially when doulas and midwives were part of their care team. It is through this lens that we understand the importance of ensuring our healthcare professionals are equipped with the routine and continuous implicit bias training that families need to be assured that their healthcare workforce will not discriminate against them. In closing, let this day serve as a reminder that collectively we have the power, the leadership, and the opportunity to be the nation's very first to be proud of our legacy to ensure all moms, particularly black moms, receive care that is bias free, physically, psychologically, safe, respectful, equitable and filled with joy. Thank you so much for your support of Black Maternal Health Week and we look forward to closing gaps here in Philadelphia. Thank you.
Thank you. I was a preemie, too, so thank you.
We have Vonee Hill, Diana Coleman, May, Leslie Spina, Suzanne Kock, Christina Colemen, Sonya Hackett and April Jackson also make their way to the podium.
Greetings Councilmembers and guests. My name is Vonee Hill. I'm the founder and CEO of Hillcrest Development and Consulting and the founder of Linked Family Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Through both of my businesses, I support communities across Philadelphia through maternal health advocacy, training, and leadership development, career and workforce advancement, and strategic entrepreneurship support. I come to you today not only as a professional with over 15 years in child welfare, but also as a black mother. I have two biological children. In 2014, during the birth of my son, I was left without pain medication for over 18 hours. In 2020, it happened again during the birth of my daughter for 12 hours. I was in active labor contractions every three minutes. Yet, because I wasn't dilating, I was told I wasn't in real labor. I was sent home both times only to return within three hours when the pain and labor could no longer be denied by someone on the outside looking in. In 2020, as my blood pressure began rising, the doctor hesitated to begin my pre-plan C-section. I had to advocate for myself explaining that my blood pressure had been stable throughout my entire pregnancy and firmly stating that if something happened to me, the responsibility would fall on her. I asked to speak to Patient Relations and only then was I taken back for surgery. But I always ask myself, what if I didn't know how to advocate? What if I didn't know the language to protect myself? After that experience, I finally understood what my own mother meant when she told me in 2014, I was scared you were going to die on the table. In 2020, I was scared, too. That fear became fuel. I deepened my advocacy, and in 2023, I became the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Stork's Nest Coordinator for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. For more than 40 years, this national program run in partnership with March of Dimes has promoted early and consistent prenatal care, education, and resources to prevent low birth weight and premature births. That's why I fully support Councilmember Richard -Councilmember Gilmore-Richardson's Black Maternal Health Week resolution. It acknowledges our pain, centers our lived experiences and brings visibility to a crisis that continues to impact families across Philadelphia. Thank you for your leadership and allowing me to speak today.
Greetings. I'm Diana Colemen and I am here representing One PA, West/Southwest Rising. Oh, no. West Southwest. So what is a home? In its literal sense, a home is a physical structure, a place where we live and reside. A home represents a place of belonging, comfort, security, and refuge, offering a space of family, memories, and personal growth, and often symbolizing a sense of stability and identity. It's where we can grow, learn and develop as individuals. A home is a base where everything begins, a place to return. But what if your home is a hazard to your health? What if it's killing you and no one seems to care? Now let's ground this in -let's make this relatable to everyone in this room. By a show of hands, how many people in this room have rented in the past, are current renters, and or have loved ones that are renters? Let me see some hands. Keep those hands up. Of those people that have their hands up, how many have moved into a rental property that initially appeared habitable -- don't keep those hands up -- only to learn after moving in that it had mold, rodents, and or problems with plumbing, heat, gas, and sewage systems. How many? Keep your hands up or add them. Now, how many people have reached out about your concerns to be addressed only to be gaslighted, threatened, dismissed, and ignored? Keep your hands up. To our City Councilmembers, when your constituents home is a health hazard, mentally, emotionally, and physically, who should they turn to? When slumlords are unresponsive and prioritize money over their health, who should your constituents turn to? When your constituents are retaliated against by their slumlords for asserting their right to live in homes that are habitable, who should they turn to? I'm leaving. During the winter months and your constituents lose their possessions in their homes and sometimes even their lives due to house fires that could have been prevented had slumlords addressed those certain conditions, and oftentimes documented violations, who should they turn to? We're coming to you all today. Hold those landlords accountable. It is everyone's right to live in a safe and healthy home. The burden should not be placed on the renter. Protect your constituents.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please call the next speaker? Thank you very much, ma'am. Could the Chief Clerk please call the next speaker? Thank you very much, ma'am.
Good morning, City Council President Johnson and distinguished members of City Council. My name is Dr. Leslie Spina. I'm speaking to you today about early childhood education as the Executive Director of the Voice Of ECE, a grassroots advocacy agency working with over 150 early learning providers here in Philadelphia. I'm also the executive director of Kinder Academy which operates five early childhood centers in northeast Philadelphia, serving 500 families. For 30 years, I've been privileged to work in this field. I know it's promise. I know it's pain. I want to take you back to March 2020, five years ago, when the world shut down. At that time, my organization employed 100 dedicated professionals. Just weeks earlier, I used my own home to secure a $2 million loan to build a new center in an underserved neighborhood. It was more than a building. It was a dream, a hub for families, a home for educators pursuing credentials and degrees, a promise to children who deserve more. But the pandemic halted everything. Before the first hammer struck, before a single child entered the building, 100 educators laid off. A dream deferred, not lost. And yet, in those early days something extraordinary happened. Society finally saw us. Early childhood education stepped into the sun. People realized what we already knew, that no one can work without a plan for their young children. That care and education are inseparable. That Head Start, Pre-K counts and programs like Philly Pre-K are not luxuries. They are necessities. But now the sun has set and we are worse off than we were in March, 2020. How is this possible? Let me be clear. Head Start is a lifeline. It is often the first and only opportunity for children in poverty to access high quality consistent nurturing education. It is the only reason that many families can go to work, go to school or break generational cycles of poverty. And yet we find ourselves fighting to maintain it, to keep classrooms open, to pay professionals a livable wage. And while we are deeply concerned about the looming changes at the federal level in both Head Start and the Department of ED, we're watching with hope and pride as our city steps forward. I'm proud of Philadelphia for acknowledging these potential shifts in thinking proactively about how to protect our children. Philadelphia has done the hardest work. We need to continue doing that. Remember that the School District of Philadelphia and you, the City Councilmembers, have worked so hard to ensure that seats across the city are available to all of our children, those most in need. Please remember to continue this hard work, and I appreciate your time.
Can I take a moment at ease to acknowledge Chief Inspector of Philadelphia Police Department who's joining us today, Ms. Deborah Francis. Thank you very much for joining us. Please begin, please.
Christine Coleman. I'm here today to represent Precious Angels Preparatory Academy. My name is Christine Coleman, and I come to you not just as a Head Start teacher, but also as a proud Head Start parent. My connection to this program is both personal and professional, and it spans generations. My oldest daughter, who will turn 17 in this August, is now a rising senior in high school. She has been an honor roll student her entire academic career, and I credit her Head Start teachers for laying the strong academic foundation that helped her to thrive. My 14-year-old daughter also attended Head Start and just like her sister, she has been an honor roll student ever since. And now my 3-year-old son is currently attending Head Start. I've seen firsthand over and over again how this program sets children up for success from the very beginning. It has touched every one of my children's lives in meaningful ways. If Head Start were to be taken away, it would devastate so many households, especially in impoverished communities like the one I serve and grew up in. So many of the families I work with every day don't even earn wages that meet the federal poverty guidelines. And while, like some of you, I also have strong feelings about our welfare system and how resources are being distributed, I firmly believe this. These children -- these innocent children didn't ask to come into this world. They didn't choose their circumstances. If we are going to be a country that lives up to the words in our constitution, and if we're going to call ourselves the land of the free and the home of the brave, we must be brave enough to fight for the children who can't fight for themselves. As an educator, I meet children and families from all walks of life. But I'm not just a teacher. I'm a counselor, a social worker, a nurse, a friend, and for some children, a second parent. My work is deeply rewarding because I get to help shape life from the very beginning. I potty-train them. I teach them how to speak, how to listen, how to love learning. I show up every single day because I know my students need me. And honestly, they give me the push I need when I don't even feel like getting up. At Precious Angels Preparatory Academy, our Head Start program is more than a school. It's a safe haven. We feed children nutritious meals, we nurture them, we educate them, we play with them. We teach them right from wrong. And some of our kids cry when their parents come to pick them up because they don't even want to leave. That alone speaks volumes about the environment we create. And let's be real, education has changed. The new generation of parents is struggling. Many are lost, financially unstable, single, uneducated, overwhelmed. While we still say parents are the first teachers, too many of these simply -- too many of them simply don't have the tools. That's why Head Start matters. It steps in when parents can't. We become their co-parents, their support system. If you take away Head Start, children will suffer. We saw it during COVID. Child abuse and neglect cases rose. And if Head Start disappears, those numbers will skyrocket again. For many single parents, Head Start is the only brick they get, the only --
-- consistent support system they have. Please understand that Head Start isn't just a preschool program. It's a life-saving, future-building necessity from a mother --