Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
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, introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for motion on the resolution.
It been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing April 6th through the 12th, 2025 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Young on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing the month of April as National Woodworking Month in the city of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing the week of April 13th through 19th, 2025, as a National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the city of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. And the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution authorizing the special committee on Kensington to hold hearings on the intersection of homelessness and substance abuse disorder in communities with both unstable housing and addiction. Introduced by Councilmember Harrity.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Harrity for a motion on the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Neumann-Goretti Girls basketball team on winning the PIAA State Championship, introduced by Councilmember Squilla.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Neumann-Goretti Boys basketball team on winning the PIAA State Championship introduced by Councilmember Squilla.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next 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. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair of the Health Committee calls on Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
Thank you. That completes our calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the minority? The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Kendrick Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I want to thank my colleague, Majority Leader GilmoreRichardson for her leadership on addressing the black maternal mortality crisis, and elevating Black Maternal Health Week here in Philadelphia. With her support, my office is partnering with Ocean Family Center and the Maternity Care Coalition and the Coalition for Equitable Health to host an advocacy day here in City Hall on Tuesday of next week. Advocates and healthcare professionals will be visiting city council offices to raise awareness about the crisis in black maternal health, and highlight the importance of community-based care. I ask that you please welcome them on Tuesday when they come to your offices to share their stories, data and solutions for safer births and brighter futures for black mamas and birthing people. And I want to thank everyone for participating today. Thank you, Council President. That's it.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. There is another word from the minority today. Today that word is dignity. Because every person deserves to live in a safe home. And every person deserves to move to the city without fear or without hardship. Roughly 50 percent of the city rents, that's every other person that you see that's a resident of the city of Philadelphia is renting. I, as well as a few other members happen to be among them. Of those 50 percent nearly, of the residents in the city of Philadelphia that rent, an estimated 40 percent of rental properties in the city require repairs. Almost half of the properties require repairs. Today, I introduced what is known as the Safe Healthy Homes Act, which is comprised of three parts, a right to safety, a right to repairs, a right to relocation. Recognizing that so much of the housing that is provided is in need of repair. And that if you open your mouth to say something about the condition, sometimes you can be retaliated against. We need a right to safety. Not only that, when, as they say, slumlords, do not take care of the properties where in which the human beings are called to live, if they have to be displaced in order to make sure that those conditions are improved, they ought to have a right to relocation and not have to bear the burden of expense to find some other place to live in the poorest big city in the USA. Today, I'm joined by Renters United, by Philly Thrive, other tenant unions and groups who advocate for safe, healthy homes. So I'm not the only one who cares deeply about not only providing housing, but providing humane housing as well. I would solicit the support of my colleagues as we look through this bill, and we introduce this over the next couple of weeks or what have you, to support what we are doing here. To make sure that we recognize the gaping holes in the code as it stands and fill those holes with actual muscle and teeth that can ensure healthy, safe homes. We don't want elders that we heard today having to live amongst squalor. I went last summer, brought some box fans to Burt Shalom with Councilmember Jones because tenants, their elders, raised concerns about the conditions and they told them they couldn't no longer stay in the common places. We went down to the Hardy Williams homes this, I guess a couple months ago. And even as those tenants spoke out about those conditions, they had sharpening carts that they all use, removed from them, retaliated against, simply because they opened their mouth to speak up about the conditions. This should not be so in the city of Philadelphia. So I thank those who did co-sign today on that matter and I do hope that we can win your support in the long haul. I've -- like I said -- like I said, I've heard from far too many tenants across the city who are living in unsafe, unhealthy homes while rents keep rising also. And I've seen how landlords ignore critical repairs and how our system fails to protect the people who are most at risk, especially low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Poor housing conditions like mold, pests and lead are driving serious health issues for children and families, and I believe everyone deserves a healthy, safe place to live. Just as housing is a human right, so is the ability to move safely and affordably through our city. Philadelphians rely on public transit every day to live their lives. Yesterday we heard the good news that funding for Zero Fare is secured through FY 2026. But while that's a step forward, we need a permanent solution to ensure reliable, accessible transit for the long haul, particularly as we considered, as we did today, the excitement building around the FIFA World Cup here in 2026.
It was brought to my attention, that due to the, I guess recently announced this morning, service cuts and fare increases, SEPTA would not be able to support the World Cup. They would not be able to support other celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary next year. m. Demanding the state to permanently fund SEPTA and the protection of public transit in a city that needs it the most. Thank you, Mr. President. And I hope that we can win over much support for both of these major, major issues, public transit as well as affordable, safe, healthy housing in the city of Philadelphia. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Speech on behalf of the majority. The Chair recognizes the Chair of the Health Committee, Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduced a resolution on to hold hearings on the Department of Human Services because we are facing a crisis, one that spans institutions, undermines public trust, and puts black and brown lives, especially children's lives at risk. The Department of Human Services is meant to protect our most vulnerable, but it has become increasingly clear that the system is failing structurally, chronically, and with devastating consequences. Since DHS shifted child welfare responsibilities to private nonprofits known as Community Umbrella Agencies, or CUAs, we have seen a disturbing pattern of neglect and mismanagement. Investigations by the Philadelphia Inquirer revealed at least 70 lawsuits involving CUAs, including 14, that detail the deaths of children under their care. Caseworkers are severely over burdened, oversight is inconsistent, and the system has allowed dangerous conditions to persist for far too long. And just today, the Inquirer exposed another harmful practice. The routine use of coercive voluntary placements. DHS has pressured many parents, primarily black and brown, into signing over custody of their children without legal representation often under the threat of formal foster care. These deeply vulnerable families are being funneled into a hidden foster care system that operates without transparency or safeguards. And in at least one case, this has led to tragedy. The death of Soliah Williams, a toddler, placed through one of these informal arrangements. Let's be clear, children deserve to be safe in the care of the adults entrusted with their well-being. And when they age out of the system, they deserve more than just paperwork. They deserve a supported, structured path to success, including access to stable housing, mental healthcare, education, and job training. So I introduced this resolution to address many of these issues. These hearings, however, are not about finger pointing. They're about accountability, transparency, and real transformative change. We will examine DHS's leadership policies funding decisions and outcomes. We will hear from families, youth advocates, and frontline workers and youth themselves. And we will do the hard work of rebuilding a system that doesn't just protect children, it empowers families and communities because we cannot build a one Philly, a united City, with equal opportunity for all, if our children and our most vulnerable neighbors continue to be failed by the very systems designed to protect them. And we cannot claim equity when turning a blind aye to harm. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Today, I introduced a resolution calling upon the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass the Ready to Rent Act, a crucial piece of legislation that would increase housing opportunities and potentially change lives. The Ready to Rent Act would automatically seal eviction records seven years or older, allowing those who have struggled to access or retain housing in the past, a fresh start. Access to stable housing is a human right and fundamental to creating a new chapter. I urge the Commonwealth to pass this legislation and give these renters a new opportunity. Today, I'd also like to congratulate the Philadelphia Chefs and Restaurants named as finalists in the 2025 James Beard Awards. Namely Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Mawn, Royal Izakaya, and Her Place Supper Club. Philadelphia's thriving food scene continues to set new standards. And these finalists are a testament to innovation and passion of our city's culinary landscapes. Congrats to these incredible chefs. We are incredibly proud of all of you and look forward to getting a reservation with -reservation with each of you soon. It's a joke. I also want to acknowledge and celebrate that April 15th is World Art Day here in Philadelphia. We all recognize the power of the arts to unite and inspire us, especially in times of turmoil. Around the globe, we are seeing fear and uncertainty. It's in times like these that we turn to art for inspiration, unification, and community. Whether you're an artist yourself or just an enjoyer like me, I encourage you to celebrate World Arts Day on Tuesday. And finally today, we recognize National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day here in Philadelphia. I got my start in activism by organizing with groups like ACT Up during the early years of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Today, thanks to prevention, medication, and lifesaving treatment, those living with HIV have a diagnosis, not a death sentence. This message couldn't be more important now as the Trump Administration threatens to roll back funding for preventive measures like PrEP and research. These acts, these rollbacks, also fuel the myths and misinformation about HIV and AIDS, and rollback decades of the progress we've made to educate and protect our young people. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights and we must have uplift the vital organizations and nonprofits who are doing this work despite these barriers. Thank you.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young.
Thank you, Mr. -- thank you, Mr. President. Just wanted to remind constituents of the 5th Council District that on April 19th, we'll be having our shredding and e-waste event at our district office, located at 2815 Ridge Avenue that is in Sedgley Plaza near the intersection of Ridge and Sedgley. So please bring all your paper, bring all your old electronic waste that you want to dispose of to this event. We'll be out there from 9:00 a.m. to about 1:00 p.m. That is April 19th on Ridge in Sedgley, next Saturday. And I also want to thank my colleagues today for bringing the attention to black maternal healthcare. Even in my own life, with my wife, had complications during our pregnancy where she basically just was not listened to by the doctors. They gave her the epidural way too soon, which in turn she had to have a C-section, so denied her the right to have a natural birth. So that's an issue that we must keep bring to the forefront and advocating for it. Because if you don't know that terminology or how to speak to those doctors, you know, your health, your life will be at risk. So I just want to commend my colleagues for continuing to bring that to the forefront. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Sometimes I wonder if my colleagues who sit here realize how special and important you are to the continuation of public policy in the city of Philadelphia. Do you recognize the people who sat in these seats before you? Today, I rise to thank you for your support for the Citizens Police Oversight Committee. As was brought up by its chair, it started as an advisory committee sponsored by a councilperson who sat in these chambers by the name of Cecil B. Moore, who collaborated with a young fiery pastor by the name of Leon Sullivan. And they had the foresight to see that, you know, police and the citizens may have a problem from time to time. And that maybe the advice from the then Negro to the color -- to the Black African American might be of some assistance to the Dilworth Administration. And in that regard, they decided to do it. In so doing, I go back to the 5th Councilmatic District, that in 1964, there was a riot. It was race riot. And it started on misinformation. The belief was that a pregnant woman was assaulted by police on the avenue, and it spread like wildfire. And what was missing at the time was the belief that a true complaint by a citizen would be taken seriously. And it resulted in the devastation of parts of North Philadelphia that it took 20, 30 years to restore. What this continuation of appointments does is offers a legitimate recourse to say, if you have a real complaint or that there is a problem with how the city of Philadelphia does business, you have recourse that you can believe in that will do their very best to bring justice to the people that pay our bills. And so I am very proud today and thankful to you for voting them in. I do believe that we have found, you know, in fights, Mr. President, styles make fights. And these folk are diverse geographically. They come from different parts of the city. And thank you Quetcy Lozada for your good referral. It was a surprise and welcome addition. But we have them from all over the city. And so we get a diversity that comes not just from race, but geography. But, you know, justice in Chestnut Hill is different than justice in South Philly. It shouldn't be justice by zip code, but sometimes there is. So I am more confident today than I've ever been that we have a fighting chance to address whatever comes our way as a city by way of police community relations. And it's thanks to the members in this room and a staffer by the name of Caroline Stack. Can we give her a round of applause? So with that, I'll thank you. The work is in front of them, but they're up for the task. They're going to be trained. They're going to have those community meetings that my members should come out and poke their head in every now just to see what the people are saying about the work of our fine Philadelphia Police Department and how they interact with their bosses, the citizens of the city of Philadelphia. Thank you, Mr. President.
Member Jones, could you make an announcement about your event on Monday, April 14th?
Oh, yes. And by the way we are, which is at the President's urging, taking the budget to the streets. We will be at the Kroc Center from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with my members talking about your budget, your money, your vote matters. And I really appreciate you emphasizing getting out into the neighborhoods so we can hear from the people. Thank you.
Thank you, Member Jones. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Council President, before we adjourn, I was given a directive to announce on your behalf that the Black Maternal Roundtable, the Black Maternal Roundtable Centering the Roles of Men conversation with fathers surrounding pregnancy, childbirth and more, will take place tomorrow at 11:30 in Room 576. The organization, A Home From Shana Foundation, will be the host along with you, Council President. And I found out today that I'll be there as well, too. So I'm looking forward to the conversation.
With that being said, Council President, I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
m. And for those who celebrate, have a happy Easter because we will not see you on the week of the 24th. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much for your hard work. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the notes taken by me of the above case, and this copy is a correct transcript of the same. _______________ Samanda J. m. black. m. org. S.