Committee Hearing, June 16, 2011

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 16, 20117 9:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE11 COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR.12 COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE13 COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY14 COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI15 COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL16 COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN17 COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO18 BILLS 110135, 110136, 110137, 110138, 110139, 110140, 110477, 110478, 11047920 RESOLUTION 110161 - - -22 2

We2 will have silence, because we're going to3 have testimony. We're going to respect4 those who are speaking, and I expect all5 of you to respect the members of Council.6 So I'd like to go on with this hearing.7 And may I say that we have any8 number of witnesses this morning. So for9 everybody to be heard, we are going to10 limit each witness three minutes, three11 minutes to testify. So when you hear a12 bell, you'll know to please try to13 conclude your remarks.14 This is a continued public15 hearing of the Committee of the Whole.16 I would ask Mr. McPherson to17 please read the bills that are before us.18 MR. McPHERSON: Bill No.19 110135, an ordinance to adopt a Capital20 Program for Fiscal Years 2012 through21 2017.22 Bill No. 110136, an ordinance23 to adopt a Fiscal 2012 Capital Budget.24 Bill No. 110137, an ordinance25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal2 2012.3 Bill No. 110138, an ordinance4 amending Chapter 19-1500 of The5 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net6 Profits Tax," by revising certain rates7 and making technical changes.8 Bill No. 110139, an ordinance9 amending Chapter 19-1800 of The10 Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax11 Authorization," by amending Section12 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of13 Realty Use and Occupancy Tax."14 Bill No. 110140, an ordinance15 amending Section 19-1801 of The16 Philadelphia Code, entitled17 "Authorization of Tax," to further18 authorize the Board of Education of the19 School District of Philadelphia to impose20 a tax on real estate within the City of21 Philadelphia.22 Bill No. 110477, an ordinance23 amending Section 19-1801 of The24 Philadelphia Code, entitled25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 "Authorization of Tax," to further2 authorize the Board of Education of the3 School District of Philadelphia to impose4 a tax on real estate within the City of5 Philadelphia.6 Bill No. 110478, an ordinance7 amending Chapter 19-1800 of The8 Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax9 Authorization," by adding a new Section10 19-1807, entitled "Authorization of11 Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax."12 Bill No. 110479, an ordinance13 amending Section 19-1301 of The14 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate15 Taxes," by revising the real estate tax16 rate, under certain terms and conditions.17 Resolution No. 110161, for the18 approval by the Council of the City of19 Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year20 Financial Plan.21

Thank22 you.23 Our first witness will be?24 MR. McPHERSON: Karen Brown.25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Is2 Ms. Brown here?3 (Witness approached witness4 table.)5

Good6 morning. Kindly identify yourself for7 the record and proceed with your8 testimony.9

I'm Karen Brown,10 and I thank you for letting me testify11 today.12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:13 Please proceed.14

I am very proud of15 my heritage, as someone who came from16 South Philly who grew up loving cheese17 steaks, cannolis and soft pretzels. It's18 been a tradition in our fair city where19 visiting the City, tourists also enjoy20 these things. If one makes a diet of21 these foods, no doubt obesity may be a22 problem. But in the land of cheese23 steaks, cannolis and pretzels, we choose24 a soda tax to fight childhood obesity?25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 The fact that we use taxes as a2 method of paying for the bill of our3 overspending is bad enough, but we4 further this mockery by using our5 children to make this legislation.6 Tugging at the hearts of the7 parents while robbing their purses has8 become a standard of this Administration.9 Add to that that the tax will cause10 consumers to also purchase out of our11 City, further crippling our businesses,12 increasing more closures among them,13 which will eventually result in more14 unemployment. Who does this benefit?15 Not the citizens of Philadelphia.16 Twenty-three million for a17 summer SLAM program for 700 children is18 absurd and another way of wasting our19 taxpayers' money. Why are these children20 failing, is what I asked?21 I do not agree that throwing22 more money into a broken school system is23 a solution. We need more accountability.24 I am glad that Mayor Nutter is listening25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to the parents and the children who are2 crying about this broken system. I am3 also glad that he is finally believing in4 accountability, but what has he done for5 the past three and a half years? Why is6 he now just waking up?7 Finally, if the Mayor gets his8 way by passing this tax as part of the9 school budget, by state law it can never10 be repealed.11 Mayor Nutter, no more taxes.12 That's what you said. That's what you13 should be sticking to. You need to be14 accountable. That's what you promised15 the voters of this City. No more taxes.16 You tried this last year and it17 didn't work. You used this as a switch18 and bait to raise our property taxes. Is19 this your plan again? Eventually the20 tax-paying well runs dry.21 Thank you.22 (Applause.)23

Our24 next witness.25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 MR. McPHERSON: Our next2 witness is Danita Bates. Danita Bates.3 (No response.)4 MR. McPHERSON: William Wade.5 (No response.)6 MR. McPHERSON: Emmanuel7 Bussie.8 (No response.)9 MR. McPHERSON: Dorothea10 Graham.11 (No response.)12 MR. McPHERSON: Dorian Harris.13 (No response.)14 MR. McPHERSON: Ogbonna Hagins.15 (No response.)16 MR. McPHERSON: Tim Stults.17 (No response.)18 MR. McPHERSON: Bridgett19 Timons.20 (No response.)21

Is22 Ms. Timons here?23 (No response.)24 MR. McPHERSON: Robert25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Benjamin.2 (No response.)3 MR. McPHERSON: Susan Gobreski.4 (No response.)5 MR. McPHERSON: Helen Gym.6 (Witness approached witness7 table.)8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 Please approach the witness table,10 identify yourself for the record and11 proceed with your testimony.12

Hello. My name is13 Helen Gym. I'm a Philadelphia public14 school parent, taxpayer, resident of this15 City.16 I guess I'm here today to talk17 a little bit about what I hope is a18 conversation of the day around this City,19 which is what is happening to our20 Philadelphia public school system and the21 important need to address what's22 happening for the Philadelphia public23 schools, not only for next year but for24 the long term. And for a long time we've25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 been saying that we need to talk about2 our schools and that our schools would be3 both the best thing that could be told4 about Philadelphia or an albatross around5 its neck. And so here we are at the end6 of a long process and period, and I just7 want to say to all the City Council8 people who are here, we are here today9 because of a lot of bad decisions that10 have been made over a long period of11 time. There have been a lot of decisions12 that we certainly wish that City Hall13 could have done. We wish that City14 Council could have asked a lot more15 questions when the School District came16 up every single year to present its17 budget, and we felt that there were18 massive holes and lots of questions that19 could be asked.20 We know that this District and21 this Administration is one that many22 parents rebuke. We do not endorse it.23 But at the end of the day -- and they24 should be rebuked for terrible sudden25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 decisions they've made over a long period2 of time, but at the end of the day, we're3 asking you not to use City funds to4 reject the Administration, that that is5 not the way to send -- that is not the6 only way to send a message of rebuke.7 And we appreciate the City Council people8 who have been down at the School9 District. I believe Councilman Green,10 Councilman Blondell Reynolds Brown sent a11 letter, but for the other Councilmembers12 who have not been there, we're asking you13 to think very carefully about how we're14 going to fix the system so that it's not15 just about whether it's -- it's not just16 about a soda tax today or it's not just17 about a rebuke of the School District18 today, but that this is a conversation19 that needs to talk about setting up a20 partnership that works with parents and21 community people who are deeply concerned22 and out there fighting every single day23 for our public schools, for a better24 administration, for strong leadership for25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 our school budget that places children2 and classrooms first. We need City3 Council's help to be able to do that. We4 need you to send out a message and to say5 things like accelerated schools, to talk6 about school funds going back into our7 local schools so we can restore back8 teachers. We ask you not to think that9 giving money to the schools necessarily10 endorses a leadership in the11 administration that has not done right by12 our children.13 But we do need City Council14 today. We need your partnership. We15 believe that -- you have partners at the16 schools and parents who are out there who17 are going to fight and hold this system18 accountable. We'll be there with you,19 but we need your help.20 Thank you.21

Thank22 you.23 (Applause.)24

Our25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 next witness.2 MR. McPHERSON: Has Robert3 Gates made it down from upstairs?4 (No response.)5 MR. McPHERSON: Stephanie6 Nagele and Helen Kindle?7 (No response.)8 MR. McPHERSON: Lola Oladopo,9 O-L-A-D-O-P-O.10 (No response.)11 MR. McPHERSON: Marcia Kling.12 (Witness approached witness13 table.)14

Good15 morning. Welcome. Please identify16 yourself for the record.17

Marcia Kung. I am a18 parent of children who had gone through19 the public school system in Philadelphia.20 I won't take three minutes.21 I too am terribly concerned22 that we are talking about a soda tax and23 not the long-term look, picture of the24 school system. I know personally of25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 people who have considered moving into2 the City, but are waiting until their3 kids are finished school in the suburbs4 because the school system in the City is5 questionable, and the future certainly is6 questionable. I know of a corporate7 entity who considered moving into the8 City, but doesn't feel that their9 employees will have a sound system in the10 future, nor are they concerned -- they11 are concerned about the workforce and how12 educated it will be for them.13 I don't understand why we're14 talking not about the big picture but15 about a soda tax. Our kids are worth16 much, much more than that.17 Thank you.18 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:19 You're welcome.20 (Applause.)21

Good22 morning. Please identify yourself for23 the record.24

Excuse me?25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:2 Please identify yourself for the record.3

I'm sorry. My4 name is Dorian Harris. I'm a parent of5 six children that attend the public6 School District.7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 Please proceed.9

Yes. Good10 morning, Council. Good morning, parents,11 family and everyone. I'm here to protest12 against the budget cuts. I have six13 children that attend the public School14 District, and as far as they've been15 there -- the school that I'm personally16 involved with is Pastorius Elementary --17 I have seen a big turnaround in the18 school over the past year and a half,19 academically and socially.20 I'm also a parent that's21 involved with Parent University presented22 by the Philadelphia School District.23 Through this program, it enhanced my24 education. I am now a product of -- I25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 just graduated through one of their2 accelerated programs to obtain my high3 school diploma as well. So by me4 enhancing my skills, I would like my5 children to go through the same steps6 that I'm leading as an example to them.7 I even had a chance to attend a8 couple of the Philadelphia promise9 academies, which I have seen made a big10 turnaround. There's a big difference11 from what the school once were and then12 when it became a promise academy. I've13 seen all the achievements and how that14 had actually changed during the school.15 If additional funding is not16 obtained, transportation services will be17 eliminated. I mean, even the pre-K will18 be half days. Proper public education19 for Philadelphia students is not20 something we can allow to be sacrificed21 for the sake of budget balancing. We22 need our elected officials to support23 public education. With City Council's24 support, we can stand as a united front25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and demand of the state that our students2 get the education they deserve and so3 desperately need.4 Thank you.5 (Applause.)6

Thank7 you very much.8 Please identify yourself for9 the record.10

Good morning. My11 name is L'Keisha M. Wilson and I have12 been a volunteer for the Philadelphia13 School District for nine years proudly,14 and I'm just here today because I was15 asked just to say a few words, because I16 do have experience from when the17 school -- the school that I was at when I18 first entered the school, it was Eastside19 High Elementary to me, and it made a20 whole turnaround under Dr. Ackerman's21 supervision and things.22 And I just want to say the23 School District of Philadelphia faces24 unprecedented funding cuts in next year's25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 budget, contributing to 629 million2 budget gap. The parents, students and3 employees of the School District need the4 sponsoring governments to provide5 additional funding in order to preserve6 the gains that have been made and7 increase the success of our children and8 to turn the success of the City.9 If additional funding is not10 obtained, transportation services will be11 eliminated for the most students. Proper12 public education and public students is13 not something we can allow to be14 sacrificed for the sake of budget15 balancing. We need our elected officials16 to support public education. With City17 Council's support, we can stand as a18 united front and demand of the state that19 our students get the education they20 deserve and so desperately need.21 Thank you.22 (Applause.)23

Good24 morning, sir. Please identify yourself.25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Good morning.2 My name is Robert Benjamin. I'm a parent3 of an eight-year-old at Blankenburg4 Elementary School, and I'm here today to5 speak on behalf of the children.6 While all these adults in this7 room are vying for positions for or8 against, it's the children who are going9 to be hurt. So I'm just here to speak on10 the 400 children at Blankenburg School11 when I say whatever things are needed,12 let's get them done. Let the adults in13 the room stop playing games with these14 kids' lives.15 Thank you.16

Thank17 you.18 (Applause.)19 MR. McPHERSON: Lisa Bennett.20

Is21 Ms. Bennett here?22

Yes.23 (Witness approached witness24 table.)25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Good2 morning.3

Good morning.4 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:5 Please identify yourself for the record.6

Hi. My name is7 Lisa Bennett and I got, I think, about8 three concerns.9 I couldn't understand why were10 the children education being targeted.11 Now, I don't really know, but I know it's12 targeted.13 Now, we know our kids need14 education and we know that's not what15 should have been targeted, but the way16 the school system is run, everybody be17 honest, when you walk in those schools,18 it's a mess. I don't know if that's why19 they took the money. I don't even know20 why they took the money, but it is a21 mess. So I guess in order to ask for22 more funding, I guess you do need to work23 on it, because it's not about Arlene24 Ackerman. It's not about nobody but our25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 children, and the way these children in2 this school, the School District, is3 working, the kids are not really being4 educated the way they should. So that's5 my first concern.6 Now, the second one is that out7 of taxes, first of all, they're always8 saying we're poor. So if we're poor, why9 would you tax the sodas, why would you10 put taxes on houses when people can11 barely afford living now? I couldn't12 understand that part.13 But if you walk around, it's so14 many empty houses. They start selling15 them empty houses, the state will make16 money, the schools can make money, and17 the people that don't have a house will18 have a house.19 And that's basically it. Thank20 you very much.21

Thank22 you. Thank you very much.23 (Applause.)24

Steve Bogan.25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Is2 Mr. Bogan here?3 (No response.)4

Judy Hoover.5 (No response.)6

Vaughn7 Dickinson.8 (Witness approached witness9 table.)10

Good morning.11

Good12 morning. Please identify yourself for13 the record and proceed with your14 testimony.15

Vaughn16 Dickinson from the Pepsi Bottling Group.17 Good morning. I appreciate18 your time. Under Vice-President and19 General Manager for Pepsi Bottling, which20 covers New Jersey, the Philadelphia plant21 and also Delaware, I'm here for one22 reason, not to rehash what you've already23 heard about our concerns as industry, but24 really my concern are the employees that25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 will lose their jobs if this tax is2 passed.3 We all care about education.4 I'm a parent. My mother has taught for5 40 years as a teacher. This comes out of6 my employees and their children go to7 school in the City of Philadelphia. The8 impact alone on this tax to my facility9 in Philadelphia will be a few hundred10 jobs will be lost. For the industry11 across Canada Dry, Coke and Pepsi, you12 will lose at a minimum 1,200 jobs in the13 City up to 2,000 jobs.14 We care. We understand the15 concerns about education, but what will16 you do in tax breaks for me to keep17 production in the City? I'd be forced to18 look at my New Jersey opportunities and19 my Delaware opportunities to maintain my20 business model. What tax breaks would21 you give me, again, to keep production22 and my employees to have jobs in the23 City?24 My biggest concern and the25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 concern of those I speak for are, at the2 end of the day when you look for the3 money from this tax, based on the4 estimates that we've heard, they will5 fall very, very short of that number, and6 as testified to earlier, that will be7 law. You'll have to find the money8 somewhere. Where will you go to find the9 money next year when the estimates that10 you're using are not there to go to11 education? That's what concerns us and12 myself about this tax.13 My employees have worked hard14 the last two and a half years for me to15 invest millions of dollars in this plant16 on the Boulevard in this great city. I'm17 about to invest 10 million more dollars,18 which I cannot do if the sugar tax is19 passed. In fact, I would have to20 consider deeply and very seriously the21 amount of families I would impact. I22 will remind each of you, 1,200 jobs at23 minimum would be lost.24 Thank you for your time.25 25 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Thank2 you, sir.3 (Applause.)4

We5 will call the list again so that6 everybody that signed up has had an7 opportunity to speak. They may be having8 a hard time getting up to the 4th Floor.9 So why don't we read the names10 of those who we called earlier.11

Danita Bates.12 (No response.)13

William Wade.14 (No response.)15

Emmanuel Bussie.16 (No response.)17

Dorothea Graham.18 (No response.)19

Ogbonna Hagins.20 (No response.)21

Tim Stults.22 (No response.)23

Bridgett Timons.24 (No response.)25 26 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Susan Gobreski.2 (No response.)3

Stephanie Nagele4 and Helen Kindle.5 (No response.)6

Lola Oladopo.7 (No response.)8

Steve Bogan.9 (No response.)10

Judy Hoover.11 (No response.)12

Do we13 have anyone else who has not been called14 to testify?15 (Witness approached witness16 table.)17

Good18 morning.19

Good morning.20 Just a short testimony. I'm Shelly21 Yanoff. I'm Executive Director of Public22 Citizens for Children and Youth, the23 region's child advocacy organization.24 The decisions today that you25 27 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 make, that you have to make, are very2 hard. I want to remind everybody that3 every year about 25,000 babies are born4 in Philadelphia. We urge you to find a5 way to say yes, not no, to them and their6 chances and their future. That means7 making the hard decisions that you have8 to.9 Thank you.10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 You're welcome.12 (Applause.)13 (Witness approached witness14 table.)15

Good16 morning. Welcome.17 MR. McGORRY: Good morning,18 Madam President.19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 Identify yourself for the record.21 MR. McGORRY: Good morning. My22 name is Francis McGorry. I lead the23 Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in Northeast24 Philadelphia, Juniata section of25 28 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Philadelphia. Our plant has been located2 in that section and in Philadelphia for3 over 100 years. We employ 750 people out4 of the plant. We employ another 5005 people outside of the Philadelphia area.6 We've been operating in7 Philadelphia for over 100 years, 1108 years to be exact, and we'd like to9 continue operating in Philadelphia for at10 least 110 years. However, any beverage11 tax will be devastating to our local12 business, not just to our business but to13 our retailers' business. Many of you14 heard a lot of the retailers calling,15 Wawa in particular. They stepped up to16 the plate.17 With that beverage impact, a18 significant amount of loss of jobs, not19 just with our Philadelphia plant but with20 all the retailers, and you've heard the21 numbers from the gentleman earlier.22 Hundreds of jobs will be lost just in our23 Philadelphia plant. In the retailers,24 it's probably thousands.25 29 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Our industry really just2 doesn't understand why we're being3 singled out. We just don't get it.4 We've really been one of the few5 industries in Philadelphia that has6 invested significantly over the last 207 years. We've added jobs. We've added8 investments into the City. And really in9 the end, we need to know should we stay10 in Philadelphia. Should we continue to11 invest in Philadelphia. We just need to12 hear it, and we're not getting those13 signs.14 So I would say in closing,15 we've added jobs. We need to know that16 everyone here wants to support our17 industry and wants to continue supporting18 the people in Philadelphia, the jobs that19 we created and the taxpayers that our20 employees are in Philadelphia.21 So with that, I would just ask22 that we really need your support, and we23 are going to be here for a long time and24 we expect to.25 30 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Thank you.2

Thank3 you.4 (Applause.)5

Good6 morning. Please approach the witness7 table, kindly identify yourself for the8 record.9

Good morning,10 Madam Chair and other members of Council.11 My name is Mary Goldman.12 I agree we need to keep jobs,13 but we need to train and educate our14 children for jobs of the future. This is15 a game of chicken, who is going to run16 into the wall, the children or the17 bottling companies. You've got to stand18 firm. I'm not saying we should do this19 tax, but you are the leaders. You must20 come up with a way to make sure that the21 children of this City, who are the22 responsibility of all of us adults, are23 going to get educated properly, and that24 means watching this administration at the25 31 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 School District, which has not been2 properly over -- have oversight, but we3 need you to come and find a way to make4 this stuff work. We can't be bludgeoned5 about losing jobs or this or that. We've6 got to work for the kids.7 Thank you.8

Thank9 you.10 (Applause.)11 (Witness approached witness12 table.)13

Good14 morning.15

Good morning. For16 the record, my name is Andrew Lofton.17 I'm a concerned citizen, I'm a parent of18 three children, and I'm here today to19 urge you to not overtax the already20 overtaxed citizens of Philadelphia. I21 believe that Council, at its discretion22 and at its power, has other means of23 being able to raise money for schools or24 whatever. An example would be there's25 32 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 more properties on inventory with the2 City that can be at some point in time3 either rented to individuals or move some4 money from City budget in order to rehab5 these properties and then in turn rent6 these properties or potentially sell7 these properties to individuals, much8 like a tax abatement situation. This9 would create revenue for the City, and10 you can use it towards the City schools,11 or whatever else you need to use it for.12 But if we continue to tax the13 City residents, what's going to happen is14 an exodus of individuals from the City to15 the suburbs or to other areas, and then16 what's going to continue to happen is17 those who are already still here, you're18 going to be looking to them for more tax.19 So I urge you today not to tax20 the already overtaxed citizens of21 Philadelphia.22 Thank you.23

Thank24 you.25 33 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2 (Witness approached witness3 table.)4

Good5 morning.6

My name is Wanda7 Lassiter and I'm school nurse at Martin8 Luther King High School, which has9 recently become a promise academy. 17 So I'm here. I'm not beating18 around the bush. 22 What I want to let you know23 also is what I see in schools. 1 last year, we still had teachers that2 were Xeroxing textbooks. Our children go3 to biology and chemistry and they don't4 have a real lab, you know, whereas other5 schools may have that. They have to6 simply learn by reading the book. 8 They have homework that needs9 scientific calculators to complete and10 they don't have those calculators to do11 the homework. They need to use12 technology, computers. They go to13 libraries and they sign up for 30-minute14 time slots. Certainly not enough time to15 do your homework. 18 But what I want to also say is19 that this is just not a problem that's20 any single individual's problem, that21 everybody has to work together. 1 saying whether or not that's right or not2 right, you know, but what I do say is3 that we all have to own it. It's going4 to be a give and take. This is not a5 win-win. But what I do ask is that we6 not put this on the shoulders of the7 children. They have been stressed long8 enough, that we as adults have to own9 this problem. 10 And instead of us really protesting and11 saying what not to do, we need more12 people to come forth and give some ideas13 as far as what to do. And in conjunction14 with that, we need the politicians to15 listen to those ideas. 19 It is going to take money, but like I20 said, I ask you to please invest in our21 children. 22 The children represent 100 percent of our23 future. )4 MS. McILWAINE: Praise the5 Lord. My name is Mrs. McIlwaine. 7 I'm sitting in the audience now8 and I'm looking around, and I'm 52 years9 old and I graduated from school maybe 3510 or 37 years ago and the education system11 failed me as well. And so I'm looking12 ahead of time and I look around and I13 look at our children, and the education14 system is failing them at this particular15 time. It doesn't have anything to do16 with Arlene Ackerman. She has been a17 blessing since she got here. 21 So I said I wanted to just22 stand here and say that the Lord said23 that children are gifts from God, and we24 are held accountable. 1 accountable for how we treat these2 children on this earth. And so I'm just3 coming on the behalf of education and I'm4 asking you, because I know that God has5 placed all of you in the position. If it6 was not for the Lord, you would not be7 sitting in the seats that you're sitting8 in. 11 God bless you. )13

Thank14 you.15 Good morning.16

Good morning.17 First, I bind up every spirit that is18 against our children in the name of19 Jesus.20 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:21 Excuse me. Identify yourself for the22 record.23

My name is24 Desiree Whitfield and I am a parent of a25 38 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 kindergartner of the Philadelphia School2 District.3 Psalms 127:1 says, Behold4 children are a heritage from the Lord.5 The fruit of the womb is that reward.6 Good morning, Dr. Ackerman,7 Mayor Nutter and the City Council8 members. I stand before you as a parent9 of a kindergartner of the Philadelphia10 School District. This day is history in11 the lives of our children, because what12 you do today, the decision you make will13 forever have an effect on the children of14 our future.15 Education is a right, not a16 privilege. Last week, one of your17 members, Councilwoman Quinones, asked why18 can't we go back to what we did three19 years ago. I can answer that question.20 Thanks for asking. The Bible says at21 Philippians 3:13 and 14, Brethren, I do22 not count myself to have been23 apprehended, but one thing I do,24 forgetting those things which are behind25 39 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and reaching toward to those things which2 are ahead.3 I press toward the goal for the4 prize of the upward call of God in Christ5 Jesus.6 Under the 2014 plan of Dr.7 Ackerman, here are some of the progress8 of the Philadelphia School District. For9 the first time, more than half of our10 City school students scored proficient or11 better on state-governed standardized12 tests; nearly 100 schools given state13 Keystone Achievement Awards for making14 adequate yearly progress, AYP, two years15 in a row. They have led a Parent16 University under Dr. Ackerman in order to17 give parents of District students the18 opportunity to enrich their education and19 boost their parenting skills. Work20 continues to provide educational supports21 and learning opportunities for parents22 through the use of Parent Resource23 Centers located throughout the City.24 I don't have a chance to read25 40 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 all that has been accomplished within the2 Philadelphia School District within the3 last three years, but I can say that4 since Dr. Ackerman has been here, it has5 been a change in our Philadelphia School6 District.7 I'm asking each and every one8 of you today, do the right thing. This9 is our children. The next President of10 the United States will be a member of the11 Philadelphia School District. Do the12 right thing. Vote for the school tax.13 Vote for the soda tax, because our14 children deserve the education that they15 so rightly deserve.16 Thank you.17 (Applause.)18

Good19 morning. Please identify yourself for20 the record.21

Good morning.22 My name is Brian Armstead. I'm Director23 of Civic Engagement for the Philadelphia24 Education Fund.25 41 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I guess to members of Council,2 on the one hand I don't envy the decision3 that you have to make today. It's a very4 difficult one. But on the other hand,5 this is an opportunity for you all to6 really make a serious commitment and7 demonstrate a serious commitment toward8 the children of Philadelphia.9 One point that I don't want to10 be overlooked again today is that if you11 all commit to making a serious12 investment, increased investment, into13 the children of Philadelphia right now,14 one point that shouldn't be overlooked is15 that also will help us leverage16 additional funds from the state. So,17 again, don't even just think about what18 you're doing today, because it will19 actually mean even more money if you do20 the right thing and have a significant21 amount coming into the District right22 now.23 But what will those things be24 used for? Right? So we've talked about25 42 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 priorities that the District can use this2 money for. So one thing that will be key3 is yellow bus service, right? For a4 family that has two children, absent your5 investment, it will probably cost them6 upwards of $1,600 a year. So 1,600 extra7 dollars a year for a family with two8 children to send their kids to and from9 school, which in effect is a tax on those10 children without actually your having to11 say so. So if we're talking about extra12 expenses, that's an extra expense.13 And if we're talking about14 alternative schools and accelerated15 schools, your constituent services16 constantly have people coming through17 your doors asking how they can recover18 from having dropped out of school, and19 when you dropped out, having bleak life20 chances. This is your opportunity to say21 to them, We care about you. We want to22 fund these accelerated schools that will23 help give you the opportunity to come24 back and maybe reverse a mistake that you25 43 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 may have made before, but to give you an2 opportunity to come back, get a diploma3 and have some real opportunities in your4 life.5 I mean, this is what we're6 talking about. This is not just about an7 extra 25 cents, or however people want to8 spin the numbers on soda taxes. This is9 about the very real effects on very real10 people's lives, and we have to keep those11 things in mind.12 Again, I don't envy your13 choices, but I do think that you're in an14 opportunity to make a dramatic stand and15 really show that you care about the16 children and families of the City.17 Thank you.18

Thank19 you.20 (Applause.)21

Good22 morning.23

Good morning. My24 name is Dorothea Graham. I'm speaking25 44 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 for the students. I want to share2 something with you what we have the3 students read --4 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:5 Ms. Graham, can you pull the microphone6 closer to you, please.7

How is that?8

Much9 better.10

Good morning. I11 want to -- I'm pleased to be here to12 share something what we have the students13 read every day in our academies. They're14 reading it, and they want to believe it.15 We, the students of16 Philadelphia Promise Academy, promise to17 achieve and succeed. We will believe in18 ourselves and in one another. We will19 act responsible and honestly, with20 self-respect, self-reliance and concern21 for others. We promise to take our22 studies seriously, complete all23 assignments and make no excuses for not24 trying. We will be dedicated, committed25 45 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and self-confident students. We promise2 to never give up if we falter or fail.3 Instead, we will reach out, get help and4 keep going. We will lift thou, dream big5 and aim high. And after we graduate from6 college, we will work hard to make this7 world a better place.8 I want to say that what is a9 promise? A promise is to make a10 commitment to agreeing to do something in11 the future, grounds for feeling hopeful12 about the future and to make a prediction13 about it.14 I think here in Philadelphia we15 easily point the fingers at parents who16 are not doing their job in parenting, but17 I would like to remind you here I guess18 at this time you have a decision for the19 future of the children to act upon it.20 It is not just jobs, future workers. You21 are parents, too. Jobs are important,22 but it is the future for our children.23 We want them to do well and to believe in24 it, but they need our support, because25 46 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you say education is the future and here2 is the time for you to act upon it.3 Thank you very much.4

Thank5 you.6 (Applause.)7 (Audience members yelling.)8

Wait9 a minute. You're not at a football game.10 Please.11 Are there any other witnesses12 before we hear from the Administration?13 (No response.)14

All15 right. Members of the Administration can16 come up to the witness table.17 (Witnesses approached witness18 table.)19

Good20 morning.21

Good morning.22

Good morning,23 Council President Verna and members of24 Council. Ms. Rhynhart and I are just25 47 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 going to do a short introduction and then2 there are some other members of the3 Administration who are here to talk and4 specifically wanted to talk about the5 impact of shifting a fund balance to the6 School District.7 The number we heard was $308 million. Shifting $30 million would9 create deficits in our Five Year Plan10 beginning in FY13 and growing after that.11 As a result, we would have to make cuts.12 We have a few Deputy Mayors here to talk13 about what those cuts would mean.14 So unless there are other15 questions specifically for us, we'll ask16 them to come up.17

Thank18 you.19 Before you introduce yourself,20 I would like to make an announcement.21 Council sessions will be held at the22 conclusion of our public hearing.23 So please proceed. Anybody24 that's here for the Council session.25 48 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

So we're going to2 start with the Deputy Mayor Gillison.3

Point of4 order.5

The6 Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.7

Thank you,8 Madam President. I'd like to question9 Mr. Dubow.10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 Certainly.12 Councilman.13

Mr. Dubow,14 how much in new spending was proposed for15 Fiscal Year '12?16

I'm sorry. I17 didn't hear you.18

How much in19 new spending was proposed for Fiscal Year20 '12?21

It's about $2022 million.23

So there was24 $20 million more -- I believe it was $2525 49 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 or $30 million.2

I'm sorry; 303 million.4

About $305 million in new spending was proposed over6 Fiscal Year '11; is that correct?7

Well, new General8 Fund spending. Some of that was to9 replace grants that expired. So, for10 example, there was 2.4 million for11 probation officers. That would12 replace --13

I'm just14 asking the dollar amount. How much --15

I'm just trying to16 differentiate between General Fund and17 new spending. So, in other words, it's18 not new spending to the government. It's19 new to the General Fund.20

I'm actually21 going by the Budget in Brief that was22 presented to Council.23 How much was presented to24 Council in new spending for Fiscal Year25 50 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 '12?2

For the General3 Fund, it was $30 million. Some of that4 was replacing grant funding. So it's5 not --6

So how much7 of that are you willing to not spend in8 order to contribute to the School9 District?10

I think we would be11 willing to make some level of shift.12

How much?13

Probably in the14 kind of 5 to 10 million range.15

Thank you,16 Madam President.17 Thank you, Mr. Dubow.18

The19 Chair recognizes Councilman Green.20

Thank you,21 Madam President.22 This question is also for Mr.23 Dubow. We just heard testimony from two24 bottlers that are currently in the City25 51 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 of Philadelphia that they will likely2 leave if we pass the soda tax or put our3 foot in the door with respect to a soda4 tax. That's 1,300 direct jobs and5 thousands of indirect jobs. In other6 words, Teamsters from Delaware or New7 Jersey would be hauling the soda instead8 of Teamsters from Philadelphia, and I can9 go on and on in terms of the support10 services and other things, the businesses11 that are built up around those plants to12 service those plants, to clean those13 plants, et cetera.14 So the question is, is that the15 result the Administration wants?16

Obviously losing17 jobs is not the result we want. We don't18 know what will actually happen. We do19 know that --20

We just21 heard them tell us what will happen.22

Can I just finish?23

Sure.24

We do know that the25 52 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 School District just sent out 3,4002 layoff slips. So we know those are jobs3 that are being lost if we don't do4 something.5

And we know6 that all those jobs, most of those jobs7 will be lost no matter what we do,8 Mr. Dubow. We're talking about net jobs9 here.10

Right, but we know11 that if we put money back into the12 District, that there will be jobs saved.13

That's14 right. That's exactly correct.15 So the next question is, I want16 you to imagine a scenario where we don't17 have bottlers in the City of Philadelphia18 and both Coke and Pepsi are looking for a19 place to expand and grow their business.20 What would Alan Greenberger be telling21 them about what the business climate is22 going to be in the City of Philadelphia23 if they create 1,300 direct jobs here and24 thousands of indirect jobs here? What25 53 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 would we be selling them about the City2 of Philadelphia?3

Well, I mean,4 there's a lot to sell about the City of5 Philadelphia. We could talk about our6 workforce, which is -- and we would want7 to be able to talk about our education8 system --9

What if they10 asked a question --11

-- because that's12 an essential element of what people look13 for when they move to cities. We could14 talk about our plans for wage and15 business tax reduction. There are a lot16 of things that you can talk about.17

Okay. But18 one thing that's very important to that19 industry is that there are not the20 beverage taxes, sugar-sweetened beverage21 taxes. Delaware doesn't have one. If22 I'm the Governor of Delaware, I'm picking23 up the phone and saying, I'll pay to move24 you.25 54 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 That's what you're doing.2 You're telling businesses, one at a time,3 that we're not a business-friendly city,4 one industry at a time. The reason we5 have empty buildings in neighborhood6 after neighborhood after neighborhood in7 the City of Philadelphia where there used8 to be well-paying jobs is because of tax9 decisions made by the City of10 Philadelphia, and you're asking us to11 make another very fateful, very poor12 decision about jobs and emptying two more13 factories in more Philadelphia14 neighborhoods. That's the problem.15 (Applause.)16

I just want to17 respond. I mean, what we're actually18 asking you to do is invest in the School19 District and the children of the City. I20 know that there are trade-offs, and we21 think it's essential that we fund the22 District.23

Madam24 President?25 55 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

The2 Chair recognizes Councilman Green.3

We have a4 choice, for example, that would cost the5 average Philadelphia family in certain6 Councilmanic Districts $40, that would7 cost the average Philadelphia family in8 certain districts about probably on the9 citywide average $180 per household to10 invest in children, which is the Mayor's11 other bill before City Council. The12 question is, why we wouldn't make that13 choice rather than a choice that is14 destined to fallow plants and eliminate15 well-paying jobs?16

What other -- never17 mind.18

The19 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.20

Thank you,21 Madam President.22 Mr. Dubow, in your experience23 with the Commerce Department as we start24 to talk about firms that want to locate25 56 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 in the City of Philadelphia, it is my2 recollection in testimony that one of the3 number one concerns that a firm4 interested in Philadelphia has is not5 just its marketplace, it's not its crime6 statistics, but it is where CEOs will7 send their children to neighborhood8 schools; is that correct?9

Yes. Schools are a10 very important element.11

In12 Philadelphia, how many schools are there,13 public schools?14 Let me help you, 291 -- 264.15

264.16

And in17 Pennsylvania, how many state and federal18 prisons are there? Okay?19

Yeah.20

There are 6721 in the county, eight that are federal and22 30 that are state.23 How much does it cost on24 average to educate a young person in the25 57 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 City of Philadelphia? It's $16,462 a2 year, if my memory serves me correctly.3 To incarcerate someone, it is $26,650 a4 year.5 (Applause.)6

People in7 this Chamber do the math. We pay now or8 we pay later.9 Thank you, Madam Chair.10 (Applause.)11

The12 Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.13

Thank you,14 Madam Chair.15 I agree with both Councilman16 Green and Councilman Jones, and while17 we're doing the math, I'd like someone to18 give me a figure on what it costs to send19 700 kids to an enhanced summer program20 for 18 days at $23 million. Could21 someone give me that number? Because it22 seems like an awful lot more than it23 should be for 700 children to have that24 experience for 18 days when the25 58 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Superintendent is talking about2 increasing class size and stopping3 transportation and is not even discussing4 the possibility of delaying that program5 for one year at $23 million for 700 kids6 for 18 days. That's what we're talking7 about. That's what we're talking about,8 40,000.9 Now, I want enhanced summer10 experience for our children and I also11 want them to get to school on the bus12 every day. Now, if I got to make a13 choice between the two, it will be the14 bus and not the summer camp, and that's15 why it is really annoying how this School16 District Administration has couched these17 issues. I think it's disgraceful to tell18 parents that we as a Council are cutting19 their buses and increasing their class20 sizes when they won't consider one21 program to be delayed for a year that22 would save $23 million. Now, when we23 have that discussion, I'll talk about24 raising additional revenue, but until25 59 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that time, I'm getting increasingly angry2 about the way in which this is being3 couched.4 We're not cutting anything.5 The District sets its priorities with the6 money that they have, and if that's their7 priority, an 18-day $23 million program,8 and their priority is to increase class9 size K to 3 by three kids a class, that's10 their decision. It's not our decision.11 We're providing a lot of money to this12 District, and we're going to provide some13 more by the time we're done today. And I14 don't like the way this is being couched,15 because it's unfair and it's untrue.16 Twenty-three million dollars17 for 18 days, I couldn't spend that in18 Europe if I went to the best hotels and19 stayed in the biggest cities in Europe20 for 18 days. I couldn't spend $2321 million.22 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: It's not23 700. It's 40,000.24

Well,25 60 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that's not -- oh, we're going to have a2 debate from the audience?3 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Do you4 want one? The number is 40,000.5

The number6 is not 40,000. It's about 700. That's7 who shows up.8 Thank you, Madam President.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Councilman Green.11

Thank you,12 Madam Chair.13 I couldn't agree with14 Councilman Kenney any more. I did get a15 response from the District on some of the16 information requests. There were only --17 there were 24,000 children that attended18 16 days last year. According to the19 District, about 19,000 or 20,000 are20 people who have to move up grade level,21 and we can save about $10 million if we22 eliminate the extra programming for23 people who aren't at grade level. I just24 received that information the other25 61 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 night. So it wasn't available to us. So2 we're still -- whether it's $10 million3 or $20 million, I completely agree with4 the point. I just see Mr. Masch there5 and wanted to say that.6 But the question here really on7 the table is about even if we do revenue,8 we're making choices between different9 revenue options, and I haven't gotten a10 clear answer from Mr. Dubow or the11 Administration about why they would12 rather risk well-paying good jobs and13 sending the wrong message to the business14 community versus proposing a real estate15 tax increase. That's the choice they're16 making, and I don't understand that17 choice.18 Thank you, Madam President.19

I think what we20 said is that while we prefer the sugary21 drinks option, that our main objective is22 to get revenues to the District. We23 introduced two bills.24

The25 62 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.2

Madam Chair,3 I'm really afraid in this Chamber today4 that Bill Green, Councilman, and5 Councilman Kenney actually agreed on6 something. This is scary.7

Well,8 you know it has to be right, then.9

Well, not10 necessarily. They can be doubly wrong.11 But let me say this, that I12 absolutely believe that both of them care13 deeply, deeply about the future of14 education and the future of this City.15 That is not in question.16 What is also not in question is17 whether this is a referendum on Dr.18 Ackerman and her administration. What19 this is is a referendum about what our20 commitment is to public education and21 whether we're willing --22 (Applause.)23

-- whether24 we're willing to do the heavy lifting.25 63 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I grew up in a time where the2 cowboy movie was King, and there's always3 that time when we're going into the4 desert and the wagon master has to make5 tough choices, but when they start6 choosing to throw over the piano, I'm7 okay with that choice. And we looked8 into the school budget to get rid of the9 waste of the piano. And then when they10 start looking at throwing away grandma's11 dresser, I'm okay with that too. But12 when they start looking around, because13 times got rough, at the kids, that's an14 unacceptable choice to me, and we better15 figure something out today because we're16 running out of runway. We can have all17 the rhetoric and do analysis paralysis,18 but September is coming and those kids19 got to get to school.20 Thank you.21 (Applause.)22

The23 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.24

Thank you,25 64 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Madam President.2 Good morning. I completely3 concur and support all of what Councilman4 Kenney stated. I think many of us -- and5 I will not say majority, Councilman Bill6 Green -- many of us acknowledge that7 based on my observation and listening to8 testimony, a number of missteps were9 cited in the testimony presented by the10 School District. That's been clearly,11 clearly evident. But as Councilman12 Jones -- at the end of the day, Madam13 President, it's not about the City of14 Philadelphia making decisions. The 17 of15 us in this City Council are confronted16 with making important decisions today.17 We're the ones who have been elected to18 do, as Councilman Jones said, do the19 heavy lifting. So I really don't care20 about the answers to Bill Green's21 questions on jobs and et cetera. The22 decision is going to rest with us on what23 we're going to do to find the dollars to24 support the School District, period.25 65 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Underscoring what Councilman Jones2 said -- and Jesse Jackson said it3 first -- we're going to pay sooner or4 later. We can pay 17,000 now per kid or5 be faced with the decision of doubling6 that to $26,000 12 years later.7 So I appreciate Bill Green's8 request of the City, but it doesn't9 matter what those answers are. At the10 end of today, we will have to make11 decisions about where we find those12 dollars. And, yes, I submit the City has13 to do its part and share in this heavy14 lifting and City Council has to do ours.15 Thank you, Madam President.16 (Applause.)17

Thank18 you.19 You never did -- I'm sorry.20 Councilman Green, your light is on. Did21 you want to be recognized?22

Thank you.23 I just want to say for the record, I'm24 not sure what we're debating about25 66 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 anymore. We all, I think -- sorry,2 Councilwoman. Most of us have committed3 to providing additional resources to the4 District. The only question is, how much5 and what's the vehicle. That's all we're6 talking about today.7 So before we leave, since we8 have Dr. Ackerman and Mr. Masch here9 today, I would like to know whether they10 are willing to now say they are not going11 to spend money on new promise academies,12 which will save 19 million, and whether13 or not they are willing to eliminate the14 SLAM program for people who don't need to15 go to next grade level, before I take a16 vote on any tax.17 Thank you.18

Thank19 you.20 Yes, please.21 DEPUTY

Good22 morning, Council President Verna and23 members of City Council. 1 and it is a pleasure to be with you this2 morning. The purpose of my testimony is3 to give you a brief summary of the4 consequences of reducing the City's fund5 balance by $30 million in each of the6 next five years. Shifting this level of7 funding to the School District could have8 a very grave consequence for public9 safety in the City of Philadelphia. 14 I will just add parenthetically15 that I've asked and I'm happy to16 acknowledge the presence of First17 Assistant Ed McCann on behalf of Seth18 Williams. 1 investments in the Police Department,2 specifically our plans for a new police3 class, the sworn strength of the4 Department will fall to the lowest level5 since 1995. 4 million investment in the13 Courts this coming year. If we can't, 5214 probation officers would need to be laid15 off. Obviously this would cause an16 increase in the numbers of offenders the17 remaining probation officers will be18 required to supervise. 5 For the District Attorney's6 Office, I will only say before Mr. 9 million10 investment in the District Attorney's11 budget. The anticipated impact of this12 reduction would be the elimination of13 assistant attorney positions. 5 million investment in our21 Youth Violence Reduction Program next22 year. It currently employs 35 probation23 officer/street worker teams. 1 school would push us to eliminate 132 teams, along with four supervisory staff,3 with the result being seven fewer4 targeted patrols per week. Overall, this5 is a 37 percent reduction in staff and6 316 fewer youth partners being served7 each day. 15 And in Prisons, finally the16 proposal offered by Councilman Green last17 week will reduce the Prison budget by $918 million, 4 million from Class 100 and 519 million from Class 200. This proposal is20 tied to a $4 million increase in the21 budget of the First Judicial District,22 ostensibly for hiring parole officers and23 the purchase of electronic monitoring24 bracelets. 19 Additional parole officers would need to20 be hired at a cost of $2 million, for a21 total program cost of over $4 million22 annually. providers, which is our most expensive2 form of service, because our first3 obligation would be to reduce triple4 celling. million9 annually. 811 million annually. 13 A total reduction in $4 million14 in Class 100 funding would mean a15 reduction of overall workforce by16 approximately 80 positions. The Prisons17 has already reduced their budget officer18 positions by 50 to account for the19 population reductions over the last two20 years. Our current prison population is21 approximately 7,800 to a little over22 8,000, depending upon the day. 1 7,600. 6 The proposed cut of $5 million7 in Class 200 funding would have8 far-reaching effects, causing us to9 significantly reduce or eliminate outside10 housing contracts or programming. 14 Outside housing projections have already15 been reduced for Fiscal '12's submission16 and are at near minimum levels at each17 site. If we reduce housing contracts,18 those inmates would have to be triple19 celled in our main prison complex, most20 likely the House of Corrections. Moving21 inmates into triple cell housing at the22 House of Corrections is not a viable23 alternative. 1 celling inmates. Any increase in the use2 of triple celling would spur new3 litigation from inmates challenging their4 conditions of confinement on5 constitutional grounds. Work release6 housing and the vocational training7 program would be reduced in scope and8 effectiveness. 13 The overall conclusion for14 Prisons is that a combination of reduced15 staff and increased census at our16 facilities would exacerbate the overtime,17 sick time, officer fatigue and employee18 turnover. 20 I would ask the District21 Attorney would actually join me at this22 time just to briefly talk about the23 impacts to him.

1 working together is that the CJAB2 partners actually do not only work3 together, but it's as a result of that4 that it has come to work. 7

Point of8 order.9

The10 Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.11

Thank you,12 Madam President. I'd like to question13 Deputy Mayor Gillison before anyone else14 speaks.15 Deputy Mayor, how much does a16 police class cost?17 DEPUTY

$6.418 million.19

You threw20 out the figure of a $30 million fund21 balance reduction. If we reduce the fund22 balance by $25 million rather than 30,23 will you continue with the police class?24 DEPUTY

That25 76 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 is -- I'd leave that to the Finance2 Director. I'll be able to talk after he3 would.4

A $25 million shift5 would still create holes in our Five Year6 Plan and so --7

Will you8 continue with the police class if we9 reduce it by $25 million rather than 30?10

I'm not sure. I11 mean --12

If we reduce13 it by $20 million rather than 30, will14 you continue with the police class?15

Well, could we go16 back, kind of go to where I think you're17 going. Before you said kind of what18 shift would work. I think if we were in19 that kind of 5 to 10 area, then we could20 be able to keep the class.21

So at what22 level of fund balance reduction will you23 continue with a police class?24

Again, in that 5 to25 77 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 10 range.2

Thank you,3 Madam President.4

Thank5 you.6 Councilman Green, did you want7 to be recognized at this point?8

Thank you.9 Mr. Gillison, since you10 characterized my proposal, I thought we'd11 correct the record a little bit. We're12 not assuming -- my proposal does not13 assume $10 million in savings just from14 electronic monitoring. For example,15 there are currently 1,100 beds that we16 pay for from the Prison system in case we17 have overflow in the Prison system, and18 that costs us -- I can't remember exactly19 how much. I know if we eliminate 700 of20 those beds or 600 of those beds, we can21 save $6 million a year.22 Even taking your very low23 estimate on electronic monitoring24 savings, which the Courts have testified25 78 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and sent back-up material saying it's $242 million, even taking that together3 between eliminating the excess beds and4 because we'll have fewer prisoners, that5 won't happen.6 Also, I want to say -- so there7 is 8 million bucks right there. Call it8 8, call it 10, whatever. It's there in9 the Prison system today. Even without10 electronic monitoring, we can save 5 by11 eliminating those beds.12 Secondly, today the DA doesn't13 have the people that you're discussing,14 and today we've been reducing backlog and15 we've been lowering the Prison system, et16 cetera. So that's just a red herring.17 It's a false statement. It can't be18 true, because these people don't exist19 and we've lowered the Prison costs.20 We've lowered the thing every year.21 And, finally, every year for22 the last three years, the Administration23 has said we couldn't get the savings in24 the Prisons that City Council said we25 79 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 could get, and every year we have2 exceeded the savings in Prisons that the3 Administration came and testified and4 said was impossible, and we can do it5 again this year if we just give it that6 old college try.7 I really don't have any8 questions.9 DEPUTY

Would I10 be permitted to respond to the11 Councilperson?12

Sure.13 DEPUTY

On the14 anticipated savings that you just talked15 about with the Prisons, we have already16 negotiated that we pay for most of those17 minimum contracts and we do not pay for,18 quote/unquote, the excess that is not19 used. It is a result of CJAB and our20 working together with our partners that21 we are able to have moved things in the22 way that we've gone, number one.23 Number two, the idea that we24 are currently -- that we could take25 80 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 another $8 million out of the Prison and2 still get the kind of things that we've3 been able to testify to and also come4 here and tell Council what we were doing5 and how we were doing it and how we were6 achieving, that is a hallmark of success7 of this Administration and working8 together with all of our partners, not9 one that says that we thought it was10 impossible. We were the ones that11 actually started the "possible" in this12 discussion and we're maintaining that,13 because we believe in collaboration.14 That's why I believe that the investments15 that we are suggesting for the District16 Attorney's Office is one that I'm not17 going to speak for how it would hit.18 That's why I've asked Mr. McCann to be19 here to basically tell you what I know,20 but something that I think that you need21 to hear from the DA and not assume that22 what you're suggesting is actually true.23

Councilman24 Green.25 81 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Thank you.2 Well, it's my understanding3 that the Court's, for example, budget4 can't be cut based on what we5 appropriate. They're an independent6 agency. They get their money. They7 spend their money. Same thing with the8 DA. We have no -- I have no intention of9 cutting the DA's budget. I don't know --10 maybe that's a choice you would make with11 fewer dollars, but it's not a choice City12 Council would make.13 Once again, it gets back to the14 choices people are making. The School15 District is making some choices. Your16 choice would be to cut the DA. Mine17 wouldn't.18 Thank you.19

Thank you.20 Would you identify yourself,21 please, for the record.22 MR. McCANN: Yes. Thank you.23 I'm Acting First Assistant District24 Attorney Ed McCann from the Philadelphia25 82 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 District Attorney's Office. Thank you,2 Councilwoman.3 The DA is out of the country or4 else he would be here today.5 I just want to say that we're6 certainly not here to advocate one way or7 the other of the decisions Council has to8 make to increase revenues or shift the9 fund balance for the schools. That's10 clearly the decision that this body will11 make. I just want to talk very briefly12 about if cuts were made to the District13 Attorney's Office, what the impact would14 be on the DA's Office.15 I'm certainly appreciative of16 the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and Council's17 support for us up to this point and18 partnering with us to implement justice19 reforms we've begun to put in place. Any20 cuts to this budget could have a21 significant impact on our ability to22 continue these reforms, and cuts to the23 DA's Office sort of have a ripple effect24 throughout the system into the Court25 83 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 system, into the Prison system, and at2 the end of the day, any cuts to the DA's3 Office could cause significantly more4 issues for the City in terms of revenue,5 particularly in things like the Courts6 and the Prison system.7 It's our position that we8 should continue the great start we have9 made with the Administration, with the10 CJAB -- Councilman Green's a part of11 that -- and the Courts in reinvesting in12 the criminal justice system that we've13 done up to this point. We've made a lot14 of progress and we hope to continue to15 make that progress and not take a step16 back from where we've been.17 Thank you.18

Thank you19 very much.20 Are there any questions of this21 witness?22 (No response.)23

Thank you.24

Our next testifier25 84 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 is Deputy Mayor Don Schwarz.2 DEPUTY

Good3 morning.4

Good5 morning.6 DEPUTY MAYOR SCHWARZ:7 Councilwoman, members of City Council, my8 name is Donald Schwarz. I'm the Deputy9 Mayor for Health and Opportunity. Thank10 you for this opportunity to testify11 regarding the impact of any cuts to the12 City's Fiscal Year 2012 budget and the13 impacts on services in the departments in14 my area of government.15 As you know, in each of the16 last three years, health and opportunity17 agencies have received cuts to our18 budgets, both from the City and from the19 State. I'm here to say that we've20 reached a point where there is no longer21 room to cut. Our homeless system is on22 the edge. We are barely able to keep up23 with the continued impacts of the24 recession and unemployment on the number25 85 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 of individuals who need shelter every2 night. Our family shelter beds are full3 today. Our single clients no longer have4 case managers in sufficient numbers to5 help them move on to permanent housing.6 Even a 1 percent cut to the OSH budget7 will mean the loss of close to 408 emergency and transition housing beds9 that house over 100 people during the10 year. These cuts to the homeless system11 will mean more people will be living on12 the streets of Center City and more13 people's lives will be compromised by14 having to survive on our streets.15 We've asked City Council this16 year to support investments in our17 obesity and tobacco programs, since the18 Health Department cannot support these19 programs when federal support ends. As20 you've heard, tobacco alone is now21 responsible for the deaths of more22 Philadelphians than homicide,23 tuberculosis, HIV and infant mortality24 combined. In our neighborhood, 7025 86 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 percent of our children are either2 overweight or obese. The programs we've3 created this past year are bringing fresh4 produce to our neighborhoods through5 farmers' markets, corner stores and6 bodegas. We're supporting better food7 and physical activity for our school8 children, are helping after-school9 programs provide exercise programs for10 our children, and are educating retailers11 to reduce the selling of tobacco to12 minors and helping bring tobacco13 cessation to more than 300,00014 Philadelphia smokers. We need these15 programs to continue. We must continue16 to make these important investments in17 our neighborhoods.18 I ask Council to find a19 solution to the school funding issues20 that doesn't throw the burden back on21 City departments that have had to22 shoulder these burdens of the recession23 both in terms of the increased need for24 our services now for more than three25 87 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 years. Having our budgets shrink during2 this time period is deleterious to the3 health and welfare of Philadelphians.4 We've done our best to get by during this5 time. We will not be able to do so with6 further cuts at this time.7 Thank you, and I'm happy to8 answer questions if there are any.9

Thank10 you.11 The Chair recognizes Councilman12 Goode.13

Thank you,14 Madam President.15 Dr. Schwarz, how much of the16 money that would be cut would be in17 contracting dollars?18 DEPUTY

Not the19 majority, I can tell you that. I can20 give you a number. I don't have it off21 the top of my head, but it's not the22 majority.23

Let's talk24 about your contracting dollars.25 88 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 DEPUTY

Yes,2 sir.3

What4 percentage of your contracting dollars go5 to businesses owned by women and people6 of color?7 DEPUTY

Of all8 of the dollars, these dollars in9 particular from OSH, where the majority10 of dollars that are contracted, go to11 women and people of color.12

Excuse me?13 DEPUTY

The14 particular contract cuts that we would15 see are related --16

That's not17 the question I asked you. And you are18 Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity.19 DEPUTY

Yes,20 sir.21

So I'm not22 just asking about your particular23 department. I'm asking about health,24 human services and everything else. Do25 89 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you actually use your dollars fairly?2 DEPUTY

I3 believe we do, and we've had this4 conversation before.5

I believe6 you don't.7 DEPUTY

Yes,8 sir.9

Thank you,10 Madam President.11

The12 Chair recognizes Councilman Green.13

Thank you,14 Madam Chair.15 Dr. Schwarz, how much money did16 you get from the federal government for17 anti-obesity programs last year?18 DEPUTY

Over two19 years it's $26 million.20

And how much21 did you get last year, or was the whole22 26 last year?23 DEPUTY

It's 2624 over two years, 26 million over 2425 90 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 months.2

So have they3 paid us the whole 26? How much did we4 actually receive from the federal5 government last year?6 DEPUTY

We7 received about half of it, half of it8 each year for two years.9

And we're10 getting another 13 million this year?11 DEPUTY

No.12 That's included. So it's 13 in the first13 year, 13 in this year.14

Thirteen in15 this current fiscal year?16 DEPUTY

It's17 happening now. We're actually about a18 quarter of the way, a third of the way19 through.20

Quarter of a21 way through?22 DEPUTY

The23 final year.24

The final25 91 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 year of spending?2 DEPUTY

Correct.3

And did we4 spend the entire 13 million the first5 year?6 DEPUTY

We did.7

And how much8 have we spent this year?9 DEPUTY

It is10 proportionate, so --11

Fair enough.12 And so how did you spend it the first13 year?14 DEPUTY

We -- I15 can give you actually a very long list of16 all of the programs.17

Well, how18 much did you spend on advertising?19 DEPUTY

The20 federal government, which included and21 specified the requirements, it's about a22 million dollars last year.23

Spend a24 million dollars of money --25 92 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 DEPUTY

On2 advertising.3

On4 advertising?5 DEPUTY

Yes,6 sir.7

And you8 spent the rest?9 DEPUTY

On10 programs in neighborhoods, working with11 the School District, improving recreation12 opportunities after school and child care13 opportunities both in terms of exercise14 and food, improving farm-to-school,15 improving farm-to-child care settings,16 working to establish farmers' markets,17 working with corner stores in18 Philadelphia to bring fresh food, working19 on tobacco.20

So you could21 spend the balance of the money doing22 after-school or extended-day programs as23 long as you focused on anti-obesity as24 part of it?25 93 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 DEPUTY

Only2 if --3

Putting more4 money into the schools or through the5 School District.6 DEPUTY

Only if7 we've told the federal government that's8 what we're doing. We have no discretion.9 This is a cooperative agreement.10

But it could11 pay for athletics, for example?12 DEPUTY

No,13 actually, it can't.14

It can't pay15 for athletics?16 DEPUTY

It17 cannot.18

But it could19 pay for education, adding to the School20 District curriculum, science classes, an21 anti-obesity platform?22 DEPUTY

No, it23 could not.24

And you know25 94 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that because you've asked the federal2 government that question?3 DEPUTY

It's4 specific in the requirements that were5 part of the request and it's part of the6 cooperative agreement language. They7 monitor us on a monthly basis.8

But we could9 go ask for a change of the cooperative10 agreement?11 DEPUTY

We've12 tried that, as have other districts.13

And they've14 said no?15 DEPUTY

That is16 correct.17

Okay. At18 any rate, I was just curious about that19 program. Thank you very much.20 No further questions.21 Oh, I do have one further22 question. I'm sorry. Has the health23 centers taken -- are the health centers24 cooperating with the Children's Hospital25 95 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and their anti-obesity program?2 DEPUTY

There's3 no formal relationship at this point.4

Have they5 requested one?6 DEPUTY

The7 Children's Hospital has called to ask if8 we would sit down and talk, and I am9 absolutely open to any resource for10 people in the City of Philadelphia.11

Okay. Well,12 I'll look forward to an update on that.13 Thank you.14

Point of15 information, Madam President.16

The17 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.18

Madam19 President, we would be remiss not to at20 least acknowledge and salute why that21 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia22 agreement happened, at the work of23 Councilman Clarke and I working very,24 very, very closely with the Honickmans,25 96 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 who were generous enough to first2 acknowledge that we have the problem and,3 B, figure out a way where they could help4 the City fix it. And so as I sat in5 those meetings, I do not ever recall6 there being early discussions about that7 agreement with Children's Hospital and8 our Philadelphia health centers. It9 makes sense to have gone that way, but10 based on the agreement, that was not the11 strategy that Children's Hospital had in12 place.13

And14 how much was given to CHOP?15

Do you16 recall, Dr. Schwarz? I do not remember.17 DEPUTY

Ten18 million dollars was given to Children's19 Hospital of Philadelphia. I don't know20 that any of those dollars have been spent21 as yet, but I don't know that. Certainly22 none have been spent on any of the23 children in the health centers in24 Philadelphia.25 97 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Thank you,2 Madam President.3

Thank4 you.5 Thank you, Doctor.6 Any --7

Yeah. Last, but8 certainly not least, Deputy Mayor9 DiBerardinis.10 DEPUTY MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:11 Good morning, Council President Verna.12

Good13 morning.14 DEPUTY MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:15 Good morning, Council President Verna.16 My name is Mike DiBerardinis and I'm17 Deputy Mayor and Commissioner for the18 Department of Parks and Recreation.19 In this Operating Budget for20 FY12, proposed Operating Budget, the21 Mayor has requested $180,000 for the22 extension of our swimming season and a23 million dollars to the Mayor's Commission24 on Literacy and the Free Library to25 98 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 expand adult literacy programs throughout2 the City. If these funds were not3 available, we would be -- in the4 Recreation and Parks Department, we would5 have to curtail our swimming season by6 about seven to ten days if these proposed7 increases were not there. We would lose8 community swim time as well as9 instructional swimming for youth and10 would lose about 100,000 visits to our11 pool system. Last year, we had a million12 one. We think we'll be down to a13 million.14 Relative to the Commission on15 Literacy, a reduction of funds would halt16 the work on the Mayor's Commission on17 Literacy in some crucial areas. The18 Commission for the upcoming year is19 planning to launch several initiatives20 and tools designed to integrate adult21 learning and to career paths, provide22 adult learner counseling and coaching,23 create a system for all literacy learning24 opportunities, and engage the public,25 99 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 business, faith communities or non-profit2 organizations in lifelong learning3 opportunities throughout4 neighborhood-based events and volunteer5 activities.6 This is a particularly7 difficult lift for the Commission on8 Literacy due to changes in the funding9 guidelines from the state, which would10 mix the Library ineligible to apply for11 funds they had previously gotten to12 support the Commission, and that total13 was over $3 million.14 If you have any questions, I'd15 be happy to answer them. Thank you.16

Thank17 you. Thank you very much.18 DEPUTY MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:19 Thank you.20 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:21 That's it.22

Thank you.23

Thank24 you.25 100 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Do we have anyone else that2 would like to testify? I understand some3 people had difficulty in getting up to4 the 4th Floor.5 (Witnesses approached witness6 table.)7

Good8 morning. Nice seeing you. Please9 identify yourself for the record.10

My name is11 Sandra Dungee-Glenn. May I begin, Madam12 President?13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Please proceed.15

16 Thank you, Madam President and members of17 Council, for allowing me this opportunity18 to come and speak to you today. 1 related to education here in2 Philadelphia, and now as a member of our3 State Board of Education and a member of4 the National State Boards of Education5 and a member of the United States6 Department of Education's Commission on7 Excellence and Equity, and along the way8 I've learned a few things that I think9 are important. 11 One of the things that I12 learned is that all of our conversations13 about education, what it is and what it's14 not, it's not shadow boxing, that we are15 dealing with these issues in the context16 of what's needed and what's going to be17 required for these young people to have18 any opportunity or any chance in the 21st19 century. 1 are the jobs that everything is showing2 us and telling us are being replaced3 largely by machines and technology. What4 young people are going to be required to5 do now is going to require them to be6 critical thinkers, requiring them to7 understand how to work collaboratively,8 how to be innovative, how to analyze and9 dissect information that comes before10 them, that the choice is going to be11 whether we're preparing our young people12 to be essential members of the 21st13 century or to be expendable. And as I14 said, I've been a lifelong resident of15 Philadelphia. I know what expendable16 looks like. 17 I see it every day as I travel through my18 community. we cannot sustain. And the other thing that is5 very concerning and troubling is, I6 learned as I've done this work that we7 know, we know what it takes to help8 children learn. We know what works in9 our schools. We know what works in10 education. 13 That's why this issue of childhood14 education is so important. We know that15 they need more time. So when we talk16 about extended day or summer school, it's17 not -- these aren't pet projects. 1 have in our school districts, many of2 them are young. They don't have the3 experience. 6 We know that it takes extra7 supports. Our children and our families8 are fragile. The impact of this9 recession has been widespread, it has10 been deep. It is disintegrating families11 across this City. So when they come to12 our schools, they do need the counseling13 support. 21 When I started on the School22 Reform Commission, we were talking about23 just 18 percent of our young people being24 at grade level. 1 and that needle had moved to over 502 percent, around 52 percent. In3 children's terms, that translates to4 70,000 children who are now able to5 operate at grade level versus eight years6 ago. Seventy thousand. 8 The Pittsburgh School District9 only has 50,000 children. Seventy10 thousand children is significant. That's11 the impact of these programs and12 strategies. 14 And I want to say that over15 time, we have already invested as a16 District, as a City, as a State millions17 of dollars in reducing class size,18 extending day, summer programs, bringing19 on extra counselors and teachers,20 alternative schools for the accelerated21 learning and the disciplinary schools,22 adding the charters, which has given us a23 very robust charter system here in24 Philadelphia. 5 And, again, I believe and I6 think that the data shows that it is7 giving results. So whether you call this8 the restructured schools or you call them9 empowerment schools or you call them10 promise academies, give them whatever11 name you choose, the important thing is,12 do we continue to sustain the programs13 and the initiatives that are impacting14 our children and giving them a real --15

Thank16 you. May I ask that you conclude your17 remarks. You're well over your three18 minutes.19

I appreciate20 that.21 And I do want to support your22 call for accountability. I think that's23 perfectly reasonable to have the District24 come and bring forth the data.25 107 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 And I just wanted to close by2 saying two things. I know these choices3 aren't easy. I'm a property owner. I4 pay property taxes. I've paid my fair5 share of fines and parking fees in the6 City, but there are two things that7 happened very recently that I think8 showed that this is important.9 Last week, the Boys' Latin10 Charter School had their first11 graduation. Eighty young men who we were12 told should not have this school as a13 choice graduated. Ninety-six percent of14 them are going on to higher education.15 And just yet the School of the Future16 concluded their graduation.17 I think and I would support --18

I19 think your time has been up some time20 ago. I'm going to ask you again to21 please conclude your remarks.22

I will. I23 will just ask you and implore you, if you24 would, I will do anything to support,25 108 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 prepare and protect these young people,2 and I would just ask you very3 respectfully, Madam President and4 Councilmembers, if you would do the same.5 Thank you for your time and6 attention.7

Thank8 you.9 (Applause.)10

Just11 a moment, please.12 The Chair recognizes Councilman13 Jones.14

Thank you,15 Ms. Glenn, for that testimony. You were16 drowned out a little bit by the young17 people that the media sometimes doesn't18 believe cares about issues like this, but19 they're proof positive that they are.20 Just real quick, those21 auxiliary programs, those supplementary22 programs, if the School District is a23 large ship, it takes a long time for it24 to turn around, but it's very easy to25 109 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 sink. Which of those programs that2 you're talking about do you believe with3 your experience are critical, critical to4 keep us moving in the right direction?5

Very6 respectfully, Councilman, I think part of7 my message is that there is not a silver8 bullet. It is a comprehensive approach9 that has to be delivered and layered10 consistently that really has given the11 impact. I think it's very difficult to12 pull out one thing or two things that do13 it, because we have such a diverse14 district with very diverse children and15 very diverse needs. You need this16 strategy. You need this portfolio of17 things that are being delivered18 consistently over time that, again, is19 showing that we are turning and turning20 children around.21 So that's really, I think, the22 important part of this message. It's23 very hard to pull and tear it apart.24

Thank you.25 110 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Thank2 you.3 The Chair recognizes Councilman4 Green.5

Thank you.6 Thank you for your service on7 the School Board and for your very8 impassioned speech and comments today. I9 assume that you are agnostic as to how we10 provide resources to the School District11 as long as we provide sufficient12 resources.13

I am14 agnostic. I do think it is very15 important to try to hold on to, again,16 this package of approaches and17 initiatives that, Councilman, I think18 that have been given you the return on19 your investment, quite honestly. I think20 that's really the critical thing that I21 think is important that I would like to22 just share --23

But yes or24 no, how we provide the resources --25 111 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

I'm not2 weighing in on that, no, sir.3

Thank you4 very much.5

The6 Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.7

Thank you,8 Madam President.9 Sandra, we've known each other10 a long time, and I know your advocacy for11 the schools, and I don't disagree with12 anything you're saying. I think that13 these programs, given the resources that14 are necessary, are critically important,15 but I think -- and calmly now -- the16 thing that bothers me, I guess, is that17 the most critical things, however, in my18 mind were all-day kindergarten, which19 seems to be resolved, alternative20 schools, because these kids are troubled21 and they've been in an environment now22 where they're getting help and we can't23 put them back in the normal school24 environment. I think that transportation25 112 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 obviously is critical. I mean, the2 tokens and TransPasses are critical to3 get these kids to school and so are the4 yellow buses.5 In a year where we're being6 destroyed by the Commonwealth and if you7 look at the Commonwealth cuts across the8 State, they're disgraceful. It's Chester9 Upland, it's Philadelphia, it's York,10 which includes Harrisburg, and it's two11 poor counties out in Allegheny County,12 Duquesne and Clairton. And I don't13 discount the fact that this is just kind14 of a critical mass, a critical storm, and15 I would love to do all of this. I really16 would. But when push comes to shove, if17 I got to make a decision on getting a kid18 to the classroom or not having that K to19 3 classroom increased by three children,20 I almost have to make that decision,21 despite the good work of summer SLAM or22 any of these other programs, at least for23 one year, because I'm hoping that when we24 go to Actual Value Initiative -- and25 113 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that's why, so people understand, real2 estate taxes are so difficult, because3 we've done it twice in two -- we're going4 to do it twice in two years. We've been5 asked to do it again, and then we're6 going to hit Actual Value Initiative.7 These folks are going -- they're going to8 go crazy.9 So I'm looking at one year of a10 little bit of cutback or little bit of11 doing the most important things first,12 and then when we get into the year where13 we started to get a little more money in14 here, to go do those programs again.15 I don't want anyone or you to16 think that I just am discounting these17 programs like -- it's just very difficult18 to continually balance the needs of all19 the things we need to deal with with the20 important issues relative to the schools.21 So I just want you to22 understand. And you know me. You know23 I'm not a person who discounts public24 education. I care. I just know that25 114 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 when those four issues get on the radar2 screen of cuts, what people are going to3 say is that, Well, how could you do this4 to our kids? And I would -- if I were on5 the School Reform Commission, I would not6 be voting to cut public transportation7 for kids, nor increase class sizes, nor8 get rid of full-day kindergarten.9 So I just want you to10 understand that, and as we wrestle with11 this stuff, please understand our side12 of -- our needs, too. Okay?13

May I14 respond, Councilman?15

Sure.16

For one, I17 do respect you, and I thank you for all18 that you have done and will continue to19 do around education. And I'm not at all20 suggesting that we take our attention21 away from Harrisburg and what's being22 done there to cut back all the supports23 that have gone into that. Again, I think24 it's incumbent whether it's in Harrisburg25 115 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 or in here that we look at the cost, and2 I think that's what I really wanted to3 bring home, that what I have learned and4 what I've seen firsthand, that moving5 back from these programs for a year6 pushes you back for two to three years,7 because it's not easy to stop and start8 up again, and that lag time increases the9 cost of the very things you're talking10 about, sending more children to11 accelerated schools and so forth.12 And so what I'm hoping is that13 between what's done here in this Chamber14 and still the push that's being put in15 Harrisburg, that we can cobble together16 the resources to sustain this floor,17 because that's all we're talking about.18

I agree. I19 want you to --20

I think21 that's really the challenge.22

I don't23 think the City has the capacity in its24 tax base to replace what Harrisburg is25 116 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 ripping out of us and what the federal2 government no longer provides. That's my3 only point, and that's kind of the forum4 I want to have the discussion in.5

And I6 understand.7

And if I8 lost my temper on that one issue, I do9 apologize. It's a very emotional thing10 for all of us, and I just want you to11 understand where I am.12

I13 understand. I'm just asking for us to14 get as close as we can --15

I hear you.16 I hear you.17

-- to18 keeping it whole. Thank you.19

The20 Chair recognizes Councilman Green.21

Thank you.22 Just one quick question for23 Ms. Dungee-Glens, and, that is, you24 served on the SRC.25 117 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Yes, sir.2

Is this a3 year that you would create new programs4 that didn't exist in prior years if it5 could save reduced class sizes, for6 example? If you had to choose between 217 million in programs that haven't been8 spent, no child or parent would lose9 anything, and you could put the money10 into reduced class sizes instead, what11 would your choice be this year? I12 understand --13

Do you want14 my honest answer?15

Yes.16

Which may17 not be a nice, clean, crisp one for you,18 but very honestly, it really depends on19 who those programs are going to impact.20 We have children that are falling off the21 edge, literally every day, and so if I22 had a new program that was going to keep23 a child in school who was about to leave24 or --25 118 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

That's2 not --3

-- or keep a4 school safer, I'm not -- but my point is5 to you that I understand your question6 very clearly. I don't think it's as cut7 and dried about new versus old. I think8 it's about impact. I think that's really9 it. What is the reach and what are the10 number of children that we can support11 with this. I really think that's the way12 we have to look at it.13

I completely14 agree, but reduced class sizes has proven15 to be efficacious in every academic16 study. New programs, we don't know if17 they're going to work or not.18

If I may,19 sir. Even with the issue of new class20 size, that's a strategic tool. Yes, K to21 3, very effective. Grade 6, grade 8,22 very effective. Grade 4, grade 10, not23 so much.24 So I don't -- this is not a --25 119 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 what's the word? You have to be like2 very surgical, if you would, in looking3 at a lot of this, and I think that's the4 point.5 I don't pretend to be an6 expert. I am not an educational expert.7 I have learned a lot, but there are a lot8 of people who really truly have studied9 this stuff and really can show what10 works, and I really think we need to be11 respectful of a lot of the opinions that12 they're bringing forth, because I think13 that's what's bearing out and being14 helpful to our children.15

Well, you16 know, you have to -- the problem with17 that answer -- and I respect it -- is18 that there's only so many dollars19 available, and so you have to make a20 choice.21

And, again,22 sir, I think you are completely within23 your rights to bring the School District24 to the table and have them substantiate25 120 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to you why they're making the choices2 that they are saying they need to make3 and using your best judgment to determine4 if that's valid or not. But I do think5 that they've taken a careful look at what6 these choices are and where they believe7 the dollars would be best spent, even8 with these limited resources, and I think9 it's appropriate for you to vet that and10 really push them to substantiate that.11

And12 fundamentally I've been trying to do that13 for two weeks. I received late Tuesday14 night some responses to my questions.15 What was missing, what was missing was16 specific information about some of the17 new programs that have only been in place18 for a year that are potentially being19 expanded as compared to early childhood20 education between K through 3, which21 costs $16 million to maintain, for22 example, and now I'm being asked to vote23 on that.24

I25 121 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 understand.2

So, as I3 said earlier, Madam President, as I said4 earlier, I would like to hear from the5 School District before we adjourn this6 hearing as to whether or not they would7 make the difficult choices that many of8 us have suggested that they make with9 respect to expansion of promise academies10 and reducing summer SLAM. I think we11 need to know that before we vote on12 taxes.13

I would just14 suggest for your research and the15 District's as well, many of the things16 that are being packaged under new names17 and programs are things that the District18 has done for a while, and the data, I do19 think if you go back and look at the data20 from what they used to call restructured21 schools is much of what they're talking22 about with the promise academies. Summer23 SLAM and summer programs or summer24 school, that if you really looked at that25 122 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 trend data, you could see the impact of2 those individual programs and, again, as3 I said, when you've delivered them4 effectively. I do think there's data5 that can be brought to you that could6 help to answer your question.7

Madam8 President?9

Yes,10 sir.11

The problem12 is, I need to vote today.13

Understood.14

So thank15 you.16

Yes.17 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:18 You're welcome.19 Any other questions for this20 witness?21 (No response.)22

Thank23 you.24

Thank you.25 123 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Thank2 you very much.3

Hi.4

Good5 morning.6

Good morning,7 Council President.8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 Please identify yourself for the record.10

My name is11 Emmanuel Bussie. I'm the Director of12 Operations for the Coalition of African13 American Organizations. I come here14 today -- this is not my first time15 testifying before you, but I come here16 today to say we need all the programs.17 When you talk about promise academies,18 that's just another name for what we19 already have. That promise academy, it's20 already working. It's called Central.21 It's called Masterman. It's called Girls22 High. It's called the schools in Center23 City. We already have promise academies.24 They just somewhere else.25 124 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 We need every single one of2 these programs. Our budget, our City3 budget, is just a reflection of our4 priority, just like our state budget.5 What we saying, me and Sharif, we met all6 day yesterday. We've been meeting for7 almost a week. We have 20 professionals8 meeting and talking about how we can save9 money. This is just a reflection of our10 priority. We need every single dime.11 You cannot talk about -- if the12 state says that we are underfunded, the13 State of Pennsylvania in 2007 said that14 Philadelphia is underfunded by $1.215 billion, or $4,000 per child, how dare16 any elected, paid elected official by me,17 by us say we don't need more money? That18 is -- as the Mayor is going up to19 Harrisburg to lobby for more money, we20 got officials here in Philadelphia saying21 we don't need more money, it's a spending22 issue. How dare you say that, when23 Harrisburg did a comprehensive study24 saying that we do need more money?25 125 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 I used to say stop playing2 games, but I see that there are many3 people in Council that are passionate as4 I am. Like Sandra told me one day, she5 said that -- and I have to say this, I'm6 not a minister, but this education piece7 is a ministry for me. So if I'm8 passionate about this, you have to excuse9 me, but we cannot allow people to10 disregard and manipulate the facts.11 The facts are that these12 programs that we have in our Philadelphia13 school system are working. The fact is14 that Pennsylvania is No. 47th -- please15 hear me when I say this -- Pennsylvania,16 out of all of the states in the nation,17 is No. 47th in terms of what it's been18 doing in education. Philadelphia is19 almost dead last in terms of what it's20 spending when reflected to us around the21 counties. We only fund our schools at22 somewhere around 25 percent. That is23 absolutely ridiculous.24 All we're saying is, find25 126 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 something else to cut. We're not saying2 that any program is more important than3 education. But we spend $19 million on4 flags. Flags. We spend 21 million on5 decorative lighting. I'm not saying that6 we don't need decorative lighting, but a7 budget is just a reflection of your8 priorities. We're saying cut something9 else, find something else, tax something10 else. We don't care how you do it; just11 do it.12 Being members of City Council,13 you have to understand something. These14 are our schools. Even if Harrisburg is15 the governing body of our schools, they16 still our schools. That does not17 eliminate our responsibility, City18 Council's responsibility to fund our19 schools. I'm talking about just at rates20 that would be adequate.21 Harrisburg said we need $1.222 billion, 4,000 per student, to be23 adequate. What happened to the word24 "exceptional"? Does that even enter the25 127 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 minds of anybody here? And I'm not2 saying that you guys don't care about our3 kids, but if we start looking at the term4 "exceptional," right, we got to get 1.25 billion just to be adequate. How can we6 dare not talk about funding our schools?7 We don't care about the soda.8 I don't care how you do it. We need to9 fund our schools. We need every single10 one of these programs and some.11 (Applause.)12

Thank13 you. Thank you.14

Hello. Good15 afternoon. My name is Danita Bates. I'm16 a community activist and advocate and17 youth leader. I'm coming in regards of18 Action United, a concerned parent and a19 community leader and a youth leader.20 I didn't have my speech, but21 I'm just going to speak off the top of my22 head. We need everything that we need23 for our education system for each and24 every school. The things that has been25 128 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 implemented has been working. It is2 working.3 We would like to see tax cuts4 on the Prison system, Comcast, Verizon,5 other big million-dollar oil companies,6 instead of taking away from our7 education. Our education system is an8 asset not only to our city, state and9 communities, but is an asset and is not a10 money thing. It's not a business.11 Education should not be put as a12 business. Education should not be put13 second or last. Education is very14 important. Twenty years from now, the15 youth that are being affected by these16 budget cuts right now, 20 years from now17 they're going to be adults, they're going18 to be parents, and what are they going to19 have to look forward to?20 It's unacceptable. We are21 asking that everyone, everyone, parents,22 community, everyone stand up, continue to23 fight for our education for our students24 and our communities and our future. We25 129 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 have to remember, this is our future,2 period.3 Thank you for allowing me to4 speak. Thank you very much.5 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:6 You're welcome.7 (Applause.)8 (Witnesses approached witness9 table.)10

Good11 morning. Welcome.12

Good morning.13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Please identify yourself for the record.15

Good morning,16 Council President and honorable members17 of Council. My name is T. Milton Street,18 and I'm here to testify on the funding of19 the schools and the taxes and where you20 get the money from.21 First of all, let me say that I22 served in Harrisburg. I was the majority23 chairperson of the Committee on Housing24 and Urban Affairs, and every piece of25 130 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 legislation that came to Harrisburg2 during that time came into my committee.3 When Dr. Constance Clayton used to come4 up to Harrisburg for money for the5 schools, she would be directed to my6 office, and I would sit there and talk to7 her.8 I say that because I have the9 experience, one of the few who have the10 experience, of having sat with the11 Republican Caucus and had interacted with12 the republicans in Harrisburg and across13 this state, and I have a close-up view of14 their mindset in terms of the schools and15 the school system in the City of16 Philadelphia, and I will tell you here17 today, without fear of any successful18 contradiction, until we put on the table19 some comprehensive plan to stem the20 violence in these schools, you're going21 to have a difficult time in getting22 sufficient or adequate money out of23 Harrisburg with the republicans24 controlling the House, the Senate and the25 131 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Governor's Office.2 The attitude is that you have a3 group of people in Philadelphia who can't4 control their children, and the attitude5 beyond that is that the District is 76 or6 77 percent minority, which is very, very7 important. A lot of us want to step away8 from that issue.9 So you have a situation where10 people in the middle of the state and11 people in other parts of the state are12 saying, Why should we invest in perceived13 failure. Because all of the good that14 the schools these people sat up here and15 testified is going, it's submerged. It's16 not seen. I've been there. I can tell17 you that. The discussion is the18 violence. The discussion is how many19 people are absent from school. The20 discussion is what's going on in that21 School District in the City of22 Philadelphia. And if you don't have a23 comprehensive plan to put forward when24 you go to Harrisburg and say, This is25 132 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 what we're going to do, we're going to2 stop the violence, we're creating an3 atmosphere where every child that attends4 this school will have an opportunity to5 maximize its God-given talent, then6 you're going to have trouble getting the7 amount of money that you need to come8 down here for these schools.9 I listened to the Mayor last10 night, and it was very disheartening. I11 read the paper this morning where the12 Administration said they cut last year13 and, as a result, they had to cut not14 higher, because my recommendation here is15 that the only alternative that you have16 before you today is to use some of that17 projected $51 million surplus that's18 going to be available, because this City19 can't afford any more taxes. You can't20 afford a two cents an ounce. I mean, you21 got to pay 40 cents tax on a 20-ounce22 bottle of soda? That's brutal.23 (Applause.)24

That's brutal. 2 And I will tell you, because I just came3 off a campaign, that people are going to4 run across the border and buy, across the5 other counties and buy. 7 But what's important to note is8 the way the Administration is not9 straightforward. What they said last10 year was that we had to cut back on11 hiring police and they also had to cut12 back -- had to implement these13 brown-outs. Not true. I have a copy of14 a letter here. I wrote letters to the15 Administration under the Freedom of16 Information Act asking them to send me17 the application that they sent to the18 Homeland Security for the $15 million for19 SAFER grants, and here's the application20 right here. I sent some of it to some of21 the members of Council. They've put in22 an application that was 80 percent23 complete. Eighty percent complete. 1 government with an application that's 802 percent complete. But they're making3 people believe that if you use that4 projected surplus, that what's going to5 happen is they're going to have to cut6 something somewhere else. Well, that's7 not true. There's money available out8 there, especially -- and I'm using this9 as an example -- with the brown-outs to10 this day -- and these are follow-up11 letters. Council President, I believe I12 sent one to your office and I sent one to13 some of the other Councilpeople's14 office -- that $15 million, we still15 haven't secured it, and the16 Administration is still lying, talking17 about they have to have the brown-outs18 basically because there's no money and19 you had to cut back on the money. 1 soda tax. 6 Don't misunderstand me. You have to fund7 the schools, but I don't -- and I've8 asked for this information -- know what9 happened to -- how did we get $60010 million in debt? 11 What happened? 14 I don't know who saw it coming,15 but I do know this -- and I know my time16 is almost up -- last year during the17 Council session, Councilman Green asked a18 question. He asked the question of the19 Administration. We know that there's not20 going to be the $167 million from the21 stimulus funds next year and we also know22 that there may not be the $595 million23 from the state coming down. 3 Okay? 8 When I was pursuing that, what9 we finally concluded was that the back-up10 plan last year was to lay off these11 teachers. The back-up plan last year12 during your hearings last year was the13 Administration had information on this14 deficit that we're now facing. 16 But I think transparency is17 going to be key here, and I think that18 the only way that the public is going to19 ever know what the real deal is, the only20 people they have is you. transparency. You have to get answers to2 these questions. One other question that I4 have -- I'm finished.

Yeah.7

I'm not finished,8 but I'm going to finish.9

I've10 given you some latitude, so I'm just11 going to ask if you can conclude your12 remarks, please.13

Yeah. I'm14 concluded.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 You're finished?17

Yeah. I'll18 respect the Chair.19 The Chair recognizes Councilman20 Jones.21

Just one22 question. When you were spending all of23 that time in Harrisburg, my recollection24 fails me, were you a democrat or a25 138 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 republican?2 Thank you, Madam Chair.3

I was an elected4 official who sat in the caucus that I5 fought. And you probably don't6 understand Harrisburg. In Harrisburg,7 the minority will have its say, but the8 majority will have its way. I positioned9 myself in the caucus where I could have10 my way, and as a result, I was able to11 get money for the schools and I was able12 to get that.13 I'm not hung up on democrat,14 republican, agnostic or independent. I'm15 hung up on results.16 (Applause.)17

Thank18 you, Mr. Street. We appreciate your19 attendance. Thank you.20

Thank you.21

Who22 is going to testify next? Please23 identify yourself for the record.24

Good morning,25 139 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Council President. My name is William2 Wade and I'm the principal of the promise3 academy at Robert Vaux High School.4

Good morning. My5 name is Tim Stults and I am the principal6 at promise academy at University City7 High School.8

We want to start9 this morning by simply telling the10 Council that now is definitely not the11 time to stop funding our schools because12 of the progress that has been made within13 our schools. The six promise academies14 this year, we have definitely stopped the15 spiral, the downward spiral of our16 schools. We have turned our schools17 around, and we are moving upward.18 Our early data shows that we19 have stopped the timing out of our20 communities and our young people. The21 relationships that we have built have22 caused our young people to have a renewed23 interest in school, our educators to be24 reinvigorated, and we are doing a25 140 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 fantastic job at educating our young2 people. So I'm glad that we are here3 today, because we are the front line.4 We're the principals. We are the two5 people that lead the high schools, the6 only high schools in the City.7 We know that this model works.8 We're glad to hear that we're going to9 open up more high school promise10 academies, because this is a very11 important time in the lives of our young12 people to get them reconnected with our13 high school students. So now if we stop14 our funding for the promise academies and15 any new initiatives surrounding them,16 we're going to be in a peril once again.17 We have to continue moving forward with18 the progress that has been made in our19 schools.20 Attendance at Robert Vaux High21 School last year was -- the average22 attendance was about 71 percent. This23 year the attendance improved to 8624 percent, one of the largest increases in25 141 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the City, simply because we forged those2 relationships. We created those3 relationships. We brought in the model4 which includes the enrichment activities5 on weekends, during the week, during our6 school day. Our young people are excited7 about school. Our young people are8 excited again about being in school, and9 that's the truth. It happens every day,10 and I welcome anyone to come and visit us11 and see what happens at the promise12 academies in the City.13 I'm glad that I am here to14 entertain any questions that you have15 directly for us.16

The17 Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.18

Thank you,19 Madam President. I just want to say for20 the record -- and Councilman Kenney has21 already said it -- this Council has only22 increased funding for schools since I've23 been here. We are not cutting funding24 for schools. We've only increased25 142 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 funding for schools, and we will increase2 funding for schools today. It's the3 state and the republican idealogy that's4 making cuts to schools.5 Thank you, Madam President.6

Thank7 you.8 Sir, would you proceed with9 your testimony.10

Good morning. I11 would like to just reiterate what my12 colleague William Wade has talked about.13 We have seen absolutely incredible14 results at the promise academy at15 University City High School, but16 additionally, across the promise17 academies, after one year of18 implementation, the promise academies19 have increased their proficiency rates by20 10.1 percentage points in math and 5.921 percentage points in reading. They22 outpaced the District and they outpaced23 all of the empowerment schools.24 I think those preliminary PSSA25 143 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 data points just reiterate all of the2 other indicators that we've seen3 happening throughout our schools.4 We've seen decreases in the5 amounts of violence in our schools.6 We've seen increases in our attendance7 rates. We've seen increases in our8 graduation rates. Yesterday morning we9 held our commencement exercises. And10 Councilwoman Blackwell has been in our11 building. Yesterday we graduated 13012 students, and approximately 85 percent of13 those young people stood up, indicated14 that they were on their way to college,15 career internships, some with --16 (Applause.)17

We had three young18 men with $170,000 scholarships to the19 military academies. We have one young20 man who is off to Penn, another who is21 off to Temple. We're in the process of22 changing the culture of our buildings.23 That's happening through a variety of24 methods. One absolutely is the increased25 144 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 time in our academic programs, our2 academic school day, our Saturday3 programs, our July programs, our4 mentoring programs. We have all kinds of5 programs that are in place in our6 building that are being effective. They7 are having an impact.8 One of the speakers earlier9 talked about our students feeling10 expendable and our students feeling like11 they weren't worth the time of day in our12 schools. I can tell you -- and all you13 have to do is ask our students -- that is14 no longer the case. Our students are15 surrounded by a staff of energetic,16 dedicated individuals who absolutely care17 about every single one of our students18 and their plan for post secondary19 education. We know that the road doesn't20 stop with us. We know that it is our job21 to create a college-going culture, one22 where every one of our students has a23 sense of hope, a sense of connection and24 a sense of belonging to the life of our25 145 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 school.2 Thank you.3

Thank4 you.5 (Applause.)6

The7 Chair recognizes Councilman Green.8

Thank you.9 Thank you, Madam Chair.10 I want to thank you both for11 your testimony. All of the academic12 research that I've looked at over the13 last four years, et cetera, and something14 I talked about when I first ran for15 office in 2007 talked about how the16 major -- I can't remember the top three17 factors, but two of the top three factors18 in improving educational outcomes for19 children were strong quality principals,20 which you clearly both are, and the other21 was engaged parents. And I can't22 remember what the third is. Maybe you23 guys know off the top of your head. But24 you're clearly strong quality principals,25 146 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and I have no doubt that you're running2 great schools, and I want to thank you3 for all the work you've done.4 Unfortunately the state has left us in a5 position where choices have to be made6 that are very difficult and we have to --7 the District ultimately has to decide8 between a promise academy and reduced9 class sizes for K through 3. We know10 reduced class sizes for K through 3 is11 the thing that is the most -- very12 impactful, one of the things that is very13 impactful, in increasing test scores in K14 through 8, which has shown tremendous15 progress.16 And so it's difficult choices.17 We want to see you succeed. We want to18 see you expand, and if we don't start new19 ones next year but we start them the year20 after, that may allow us to have money21 for other things. And that's the only22 point we're making. It's not that you're23 not doing a good job and what you're24 doing isn't working. It's that other25 147 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 stuff may be more important in the short2 run for one year, because -- and this3 hasn't been talked about much today.4 Next year, going to full value, which is5 the Administration's plan, they have6 testified there will be an additional7 $120 million available to the School8 District. So we really do have a9 one-year problem. And I look forward to10 working with the District. I'd love to11 visit both of your schools this year --12 or next academic year and come see what13 you're doing and learn a lot more about14 it.15 So thank you very much.16

And you're always17 welcome.18

Thank19 you, sir. Thank you very much.20 Gentlemen, thank you.21

I have one more22 thing to say.23

I beg24 your pardon?25 148 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

May I speak?2

Yes.3 I can't hear you.4

We just want to --5 what if we -- can we think about what6 will happen with the schools, the new7 schools that we are about to open, the8 new promise academies, what will happen9 if we put those schools on pause? Those10 schools really need to stop their11 downward spiral right now. I just want12 to make sure that everyone knows that.13 We don't have a minute to spare. We have14 to start now with reorganizing schools15 and making sure that those schools start16 the upward growth also.17 I don't really think because of18 our moral responsibility to educate all19 of our children in the City of20 Philadelphia, I really don't think we21 have one year. So if this Council can22 find it somewhere, we really need to get23 started, because we can't spare a year in24 the life of those young people. We just25 149 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 can't, and that's reality.2 Thank you.3

Thank4 you.5 (Applause.)6

Thank7 you very much.8 (Witnesses approached witness9 table.)10

Good11 morning. Please identify yourself for12 the record.13

Good morning,14 Madam Chairman. My name is Michael15 Churchill. I'm at the Public Interest16 Law Center of Philadelphia, and I'm here17 to support the plea of Senator18 Dungee-Glenn that you move forward and19 make sure that the progress that you've20 just heard described by these two really21 fine principals keeps going.22 This is not a problem that --23 this hard choice is not one that24 Philadelphia City Council is the only one25 150 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 making. As Councilman Kenney pointed2 out, this is all brought on -- this is a3 crisis not at the School District's4 making. It's a crisis of the Governor's5 making and of the State Legislature by6 proposing to cut $1.1 billion in school7 funding for districts all around the8 state. And all around the state, school9 districts are stepping up to the plate,10 being squeezed by the state government as11 you are. They are increasing their local12 taxes, and that is the next step that we13 are urging you to take so that like every14 other school district in the state,15 Philadelphia can show that it is doing as16 well as it can locally in order to make17 sure that the progress and the education18 that these students need today, not19 tomorrow, but today will continue.20 That's the principle message.21 There is progress. It cannot continue if22 the cutbacks of the size that we are23 talking about are allowed to occur.24 I think it is important to25 151 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 realize that when you're talking about2 whether we should slow down the progress3 and introduction of new promise4 academies, that we are really talking5 about the most needy students in the6 City. We're talking about the schools7 that are performing the least well. We8 cannot afford that. It is time that we9 start saying that the places that need10 the most help will start getting extra11 funding. That's the program. You heard12 two wonderful principals describe how13 it's working, and I urge you to do your14 best to support it.15 It's not as Councilman Green16 said, a choice between whether we'll have17 reduced class sizes and whether these18 programs will continue. What you heard19 is, these programs will continue under20 the proposal, and the question is, will21 you provide the funding so that class22 size reductions can continue. I urge you23 to do so.24 Thank you.25 152 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Thank2 you, sir.3 Good morning.4

My name is Susan5 Gobreski. I'm the Director of Education6 Voters. I'm also a parent of children in7 Philadelphia. I live in Philadelphia. 11 I think that we are taking a12 giant step forward even if it is a13 painful and difficult step. I actually14 brought with me several hundred e-mails15 that I know have been sent to City16 Council supporting an increased role from17 the City of Philadelphia, City Council18 and the Mayor focusing on education. 20 I know that this is a difficult21 conversation. 2 Our economic prosperity depends3 on every child having a quality4 opportunity to learn. We've been talking5 about that. We need to attract jobs,6 keep people from moving out of the City7 because they have kids. We can preserve8 our tax base and revitalize our9 communities. 13 Achievement is up. So we are14 on the right path. What we know is that15 money matters. When you spend money on16 education, you get better results. You17 get art, and that matters. You get18 tutoring, and that matters. You get19 early learning programs, and that20 matters. You get smaller class size,21 teachers that matter. So we know that22 money matters. So it's not just a23 question -- I think somebody mentioned24 the silver bullet. 8 So the difficult question is9 how to do it. I'm glad -- I want to say10 as both a parent and an advocate, I'm11 glad the new Accountability Agreement is12 in place. It's absolutely and13 fundamentally true that the way the14 District spends money must be more15 transparent, accountable and geared16 towards the classroom. But I am not here17 to ask you to save some programs. 15 So one of the things I'm going16 to say as a mother, as a taxpayer, I17 cannot think of a tax that I support more18 wholeheartedly than a soda tax or a19 sugary-sweet beverage tax. That seems to20 me like a pretty reasonable way to get21 money. 4 I am, as an advocate, I would5 say largely agnostic about where we get6 the money, but I believe that we need to7 get the money. And as a parent, I8 believe that City Council needs to do its9 part to make a priority. 11

Thank12 you. Thank you very much.13 (Applause.)14 (Witness approached witness15 table.)16

Are17 you interested in testifying?18

Yes.19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 Please approach the witness table.21

I have copies.22

Do23 you have written testimony?24

Yes. I have25 157 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 multiple copies.2

Okay.3 We will have someone circulate them.4 While they're being circulated,5 do you want to start, please.6

Okay. Thank you.7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 Identify yourself for the record.9

Greetings,10 Council President Anna Verna and11 Councilmembers. My name is Lola O, and I12 am here to implore the City Council13 members to cap the gap in the School14 District's operating budget by voting yes15 for students and yes for Mayor Nutter's16 soda and sugary drinks tax.17 Speaking of capping the gap, I18 am not here alone, but I speak on behalf19 of myself and the growing list of20 subscribers to my blog called21 Cap.the.Gap. Cap.the.Gap is an online22 movement to close the most frightening23 gap of our times, the academic24 achievement gap. The academic25 158 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 achievement gap is the well-documented2 disparity in performance between the3 various population groups that make up4 our nation's public school system.5 Councilmembers, the average6 12th grade black, Hispanic and poor7 student is reading and doing math at two8 to three years behind that of his white9 or upper-class counterpart. We simply10 cannot afford to withhold even more11 funding from such vulnerable populations.12 The money generated from this new tax is13 the only hope for capping the gap in our14 city's academic achievement gap.15 Everyone must sacrifice,16 including me, a taxpayer and a beverage17 consumer. If we are going to win the18 future for our city, state and ultimately19 our nation, we must dedicate ourselves to20 creating and investing in such innovative21 solutions as the sugar and soda tax.22 This new tax would serve as an example23 for the nation in terms of innovation in24 educational funding.25 159 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Our new global economy will not2 allow us to treat education as if it were3 a hobby, but a necessity. We have to4 work hard and make sacrifices. Last5 week's NBC's Education Nation tour showed6 us what happens when a nation plays patty7 cake with the business of educating our8 youth.9 Endorsing Mayor Nutter's10 proposal will signify that the City is11 serious about education and innovation,12 that we are willing to pay the cost, bear13 the burden and work together in spite of14 our differences to ensure that our15 students are well prepared to compete16 against their local and global peers.17 Finally, voting yes to Mayor18 Nutter's proposal is not only the right19 thing to do, but the most cost effective20 and sustainable given the shortsighted21 alternative of raiding the City's22 balanced fund. As for those who fear23 that raising taxes on soda would run24 customers away, well not this one. I25 160 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 would gladly drink more soda if I knew2 that every sip brought us closer to3 closing the academic achievement gap.4 Thank you.5 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:6 You're welcome.7 (Applause.)8

Good9 morning, sir. Please identify yourself10 for the record.11

Hi. My name is12 Steven Satell. I run a program called13 Bridging Worlds. Some Councilmembers14 that are present here knew when I had15 started my program over ten years ago16 within the Philadelphia district. We had17 the largest speakers program in18 Philadelphia, bringing over 400 programs19 into the school, critical-thinking20 program.21 I have a frustration as a22 citizen, but also as an expert in23 education on the front line. My first24 problem is with the federal government25 161 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and what happened with the Bush tax cuts,2 because that has impinged on what's3 happening here today.4 My next problem is the5 disparity of teachers and of unions. We6 have been successful because we have been7 supportive of teachers and we have found8 ways to support teachers and we have9 found ways to support parents. When you10 go to bake bread, you bring all the11 ingredients, but if you don't have the12 baking soda, it's a little ingredient but13 it makes the bread rise.14 We have data from Overbrook15 High School, Ben Franklin High School,16 West Philadelphia High School where we17 have reduced the failure rate from 4718 percent all the way down to 7 percent.19 The Philadelphia Inquirer has done20 articles. If you went to the21 Philadelphia School District and asked22 for data on Bridging World's program,23 they would not be able to give it to you.24 Although community groups -- and there25 162 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 have been discussions throughout the ten2 years with the School District upon3 getting that data. Dr. Thornton, when he4 was here, we brought our data right to5 the SRC to confirm with his data of our6 data. So on record, any data that I will7 bring you is confirmed within that8 testimony. There's been a tremendous9 amount of testimony between the SRC.10 The game has got to stop. It's11 not only in Harrisburg. Harrisburg has12 come in and said, Check mate. There are13 people in Philadelphia that have put us14 into check. We can't afford that now.15 I am going to send a letter16 with the data to every Councilmember. We17 are going to request a meeting with the18 Education Board Committee so that we can19 get down to what is really working and20 what isn't.21 Thank you very much, and thank22 you for everything that you've done.23

Thank24 you.25 163 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2

Is3 there anyone else?4 (No response.)5

Is6 Councilman Green here?7 Councilman Green, we have8 concluded our witness list. Do you still9 want someone from the School Board to10 come up to testify?11

Yes.12

Do we13 have anyone here from the School14 Administration? Please come up to the15 witness table.16 (Witnesses approached witness17 table.)18

Good19 morning, Doctor. I didn't see you20 sitting back there.21

How are you?22

Fine.23 Thank you.24

Did you say you25 164 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 haven't seen me in a while?2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Pardon me?4

I thought you5 said you didn't see me in a while.6

No.7 I said I didn't see you sitting back8 there.9

Oh, in the back.10 Thank you.11 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:12 Councilman Green.13

Thank you,14 Madam Chair.15 I want to thank you for really16 being here all day, for the energy and17 attention that the District has applied18 towards this. I want to say that we had19 a great meeting, I thought, in the20 Council President's office last week21 where we went over choices and priorities22 in a spirit of collaboration and23 cooperation, which I truly hope we're24 going to find a way to continue over the25 165 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 course of the next school year. And I2 just want to ask in that vein whether or3 not the District is open to any of the4 other choices and priorities that we5 discussed in that meeting and that have6 been discussed in the last hearing and7 that were discussed here today, and if we8 were to pass, which is on the table, any9 kind of taxes on the School District's10 side of the ledger rather than the City's11 side of the ledger, what assurances we12 have that the money is going to be spent13 in a way that reflects priorities that14 are shared by this Council and not15 necessarily by the District. For16 example, how do we make sure yellow bus17 service is done? How do we make sure18 accelerated schools are protected? What19 do we have once we vote for a tax that20 goes to the School District? Is there a21 new list that can be put together before22 we vote or -- I mean, because the23 District is not -- I mean, the City is24 not contemplating, the Mayor is not25 166 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 requesting $102 million, which was your2 request. The City is proposing $603 million. We have a list that was an4 ordered list of priorities. Some of5 those priorities we disagreed with in6 public and private. Many of us did; some7 of us didn't. And the question is, how8 do we move to the next step with a new9 level of trust where we can understand10 this is what we're going to spend it on?11 With these dollars available, this is how12 we're going to spend it? Can we get13 there today?14

You mean can we15 get there meaning you and the District?16

No; City17 Council, the District, the18 Administration.19

I would hope20 that we can agree upon some things. I21 cannot speak for the SRC, but our22 Chairman is here.23 I think we did talk about last24 week and agreed upon the accelerated25 167 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 schools and putting priority there. We2 did agree upon working with SEPTA, and3 we've gone to do that to get that money.4 We did agree upon the yellow bus5 services, that it would be there, and6 you'd know it because the kids would be7 getting on yellow buses in September. So8 that would be really clear.9 The summer school, again, we10 have 20,000 young people, not 700, 20,00011 young people who need summer school12 services. Another 6,000 of those were13 kids who were either at grade level or14 above and/or wanted to graduate early --15 not early; wanted to catch up, not just16 failed a class but they wanted to catch17 up. So we need to look at those numbers.18 We know right now that there19 are about 20,000 young people who have20 failed at least one class and will need21 the summer school to at least make up22 those failing classes. We have other23 young people who we're concerned about24 who will become part of the alternative25 168 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 school program if we don't give them a2 chance to catch up this summer in high3 school. Seven hundred kids last year4 took advantage of that. Seven hundred of5 them graduated.6 So we need to look at those7 numbers and decide who are the young8 people who absolutely need summer school9 and what's that number and then make it10 available. If that's what we have to do,11 that's what we have to do.12

I mean, I13 think you've heard most people here today14 say that -- and I'll speak for myself. I15 want to provide additional resources to16 the District. I also want to know that17 when I do, that the District is going to18 spend the money in a way that reflects a19 shared set of priorities from Council and20 the City. And so if we pass something21 this week, we'll have a week before we22 have to pass a final budget, and I would23 ask the District in that time to help us24 set up a process to make sure that what25 169 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we purport to be funding with a tax bill2 will be funded. Is that a reasonable3 request?4

I think it's5 reasonable.6

Thank you.7

Thank8 you.9 The Chair recognizes Councilman10 Jones.11

I support12 Councilman Green's assertion on13 accountability and looking at that. I14 think we've made great strides in the15 agreement to kind of address some of16 that. But you talked about 700 young17 people that are at risk of not graduating18 this year; is that correct?19

No. That's how20 many young people took advantage of an21 all-day program last year and were able22 to graduate. If we go back to the23 program we had two years ago, only 10024 children graduated as a result of that.25 170 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Do we have2 any projections about this summer?3

We are4 anticipating that somewhere between 5005 and 700 young people if we have all-day6 programs for high school students to make7 up credits, because they can only make8 up -- if we go back to what we had two9 years ago, they can only take two courses10 that they failed, not if they failed them11 and they are now three and four credits12 behind. They were able to do it by going13 all day.14

Some of the15 concessions that my colleague talked16 about that we were struggling with17 priorities was to revisit some of the18 contracts with some of the vendors. Have19 we proceeded with that course of action?20

Councilman, that's21 a part of the Accountability Agreement22 that we signed with the City and the23 Pennsylvania Department of Education. It24 provides for those type of reviews.25 171 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Are you talking2 about -- excuse me. I'm sorry. Were you3 talking about alt ed?4

I can't hear5 you.6

Were you talking7 about alt ed, accelerated schools?8

We were9 talking about -- you talked about during10 your initial budget presentation about11 revisiting some of our vendors, which you12 already are beginning to do, and then we13 started talking about some of the biggest14 providers to talk about -- have we15 started those negotiations?16

If you're17 talking about alt ed, those contracts,18 we've already started that process19 talking with people. Three of the20 providers have already agreed to cut by21 25 percent. We're still talking to the22 others. We put on the table 25 percent23 cut in those alt ed programs that are all24 day and 10 percent that are half day, and25 172 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 at this point -- well, three days ago,2 there were at least three providers that3 had already said that they would support4 that, and we're still talking to the5 others.6

And,7 finally, a lot of the conversation8 whether you're on one side of this tax or9 one side of that tax or no side of no10 tax, one of the accountability issues11 was, is there a measurement upon12 graduation within the first six months to13 a year of the number of graduates that go14 on to work? I mean, we keep stats on who15 goes to the military. We keep stats who16 goes to trade schools and colleges. Do17 we keep stats on who actually, based on18 the years of high school education,19 actually finds a job in the marketplace?20

I'm not sure,21 but I can find out from our research22 department if we can track that. I know23 we go through the clearinghouse, the24 educational clearinghouse, for those that25 173 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 go on to college.2

In these3 discussions, the one, the only good thing4 about some of these intense debates is5 issues percolate to the top that people6 have concerns about that we have an7 opportunity to address, and one of them8 was that a legitimate measurement is and9 I guess a litmus test for the quality of10 the product we're producing is, do they11 find their way to a job in the workplace.12 Everybody is not going in the military.13 Everybody is not going to schools of14 higher ed. But a job is also a valid15 measurement to the class and product that16 we produce by way of graduates. So I'd17 like that --18

We'll try to get19 that for you. If we can't, we'll let you20 know.21

Thank you,22 Madam Chair.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:24 Councilman Green, are you finished?25 174 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Madam2 President, we've discussed the efficacy3 of the schools. We've discussed the cost4 with respect to summer school. I think5 the District provided a number for the6 students that need to get to next grade7 level and the 700 students she's talking8 about. It's around $14 million. The9 cost of summer school with an expanded10 program is $23 million. There's 911 million there.12 So I just wanted to understand13 if there was going to be some kind of14 process we could engage in the next week,15 assuming we come back with additional16 revenue, to make sure that -- to17 understand what different choices the18 School District is willing to make in19 addition to the choices that we have to20 make here today.21 Thank you.22

Can I make just23 a --24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 175 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Please.2

-- closing3 statement? It's related to Councilman4 Green's discussion about the things that5 have been on the table for consideration6 by the District, and there's been lots of7 talk about the renaissance school program8 and I just want the Council to be clear9 that the renaissance program is actually10 tied to the federal No Child Left Behind11 and the state obligation that this12 District has to turn around13 low-performing schools. We get money14 from the federal government. We get SIG15 money from the state, and that's what16 we're using to pay for the renaissance17 program.18 There are approximately19 scheduled next year 20,000 students who20 will be in there, and we gave you a21 folder so you can see where these schools22 are scheduled to be in the renaissance23 program, and we still have another 20 to24 35 schools left that we have to address25 176 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 under the No Child Left Behind and the2 state program which looks at school3 improvement and gives this District money4 to turn around low-performing schools.5 So it's not an option for us to skip a6 year or we are not in compliance. So7 that would be something that I guess8 would -- if that's the only thing, that9 to me would be -- for educational10 reasons, it would be something I think11 would be difficult, but in terms of12 compliance and the fact that we use13 federal and state dollars for those14 schools is an obligation that this15 District has, and we'll be happy to show16 you the compliance regulations that we're17 under.18

Thank19 you. Thank you very much.20 Are there any other questions?21 (No response.)22

Thank23 you.24 I am told that someone else25 177 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 would like to testify.2 (Witness approached witness3 table.)4

Good5 afternoon. Please identify yourself for6 the record.7

Good afternoon.8 Can you hear me, Councilperson?9

Yes,10 I can.11

Thank you for12 allowing me to speak. My name is13 Mrs. Sacaree Rhodes. I am a black woman,14 an activist, and I represent black women,15 children, Asians, Hispanics and poor16 people.17 First of all, I am appalled18 when I heard that Council is taking upon19 themselves to decide what programs or20 anything that should be cut or closed in21 the public school systems. You are not22 educators. You are here to represent our23 interest, because we pay for all of you.24 We pay your salary. We -- this is the25 178 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 people's house. I pay taxes. I2 struggled to pay my taxes. But I have3 grandchildren in the public school4 system. I have been listening at this5 debate for some time, and I am insulted6 and I'm angry.7 I believe that any time that8 children that come from my neighborhood9 and neighborhoods who are struggling who10 are doing better, who are improving11 themselves, trying to excel, I don't care12 if it's just a fraction, but you supposed13 to do everything you can do to keep those14 programs and those children doing better15 and the best.16 It's so much politics in this17 situation. I've listened to Councilman18 Green, who I'm appalled at you. I hear19 racial overtones. It's almost like20 you're running for Mayor on the back of21 these children. You are not the Mayor.22 I don't like the way -- I've heard you in23 the past. I don't like the way you24 address Dr. Ackerman. You seem to have a25 179 6/16/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 problem the way you talk to black women.2 I'm paying your way. You are3 representing my interest.4 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:5 Please --6