Pat knows how I feel about her. But to look at us, so there are three visions of oneself. There's the one you believe you are, there's the other that people see you as and then probably somewhere in the middle, the truth. But sometimes we need to have a candid conversation of how are we doing. And so, I'm striking out with my podcast. And thank you, President, for being my first Council guest.
I'm looking around. Better not be the last. And so, to be able to have those conversations on the couch. And I'm going to ask Ernest for recommendations because he's a foodie. I'm always going to feed my guests. So tell me what you want to eat and you got it. In your case vegetarian meals. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Member Jones. And any time you bring me on, I like Bar Bombon or HipCityVeg, sir, thank you, shout-out. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Today I was proud to continue the work that was started in 2011 and passed legislation updating Philadelphia's Fair Chance Hiring law. I want to thank all of my colleagues, particularly you colleague Curtis Jones, who was there with me. I was with you by your side in 2011 when we first started this project --
Here comes the bullying story. But it was even outside of Council, I was doing this work alongside you and I appreciate you so much of taking the first chance at first at Fair Chance Hiring. Also, Council President, thank you for your unwavering the coalition that we built to make this happen, the Chamber of Commerce, Community Legal Services, advocates, unions, many people with lived experience who are doing this work on the job, doing this work on the ground, this is exactly what we need to make sure that we get holistic legislation passed that is a win-win for both people with records and also for the business community as well. As so many of you know, 14 years ago Philadelphia led the way by passing one of the nation's first Fair Chance Hiring laws. We said then what we affirm again today, that a mistake should not be a life sentence to unemployment. More than 300,000 Philadelphians carry a record, many from mistakes made years or decades ago, and too closed to them. That's not just unjust. It's bad for our workforce. We cannot afford to leave talent on the sidelines when our city needs every worker to power our economy and this access to opportunities, these good jobs make our communities safer and stronger one individual and one family at a time. Decades of research tells us the same story, people with records who subsequently keep a clean record for several years are no more likely to re-offend than someone who has never been convicted. Studies show that after just three to seven years without a new offense risk levels drop to baseline, meaning continued punishment serves no public safety purpose. And in fact, providing a job just makes them move forward with their lives. That's why my bill keeps the seven-year lookback for felonies but shortens it to four years for misdemeanors. This data-driven approach reduces unnecessary barriers to work and helps Philadelphia tap into a motivated ready-to-work talent pool. This legislation does just three big things: It shortens the lookback period for misdemeanors from seven years to four. It removes the most minor summary offenses from consideration which is in line with state law and it clarifies the process employers must follow, so both businesses and job seekers know the rules and their rights. Today we're opening doors wider, tearing down barriers This is proof that when we invest in people, we all rise together. Thank you to my colleagues for supporting these amendments. Philadelphia will be stronger and this is exactly what we need for now going on to 2026 and beyond. Real quickly, today I also was proud to introduce a resolution recognizing October 6th to 10th as Digital Inclusion Week in the city of Philadelphia. As Chair of the Technology and Information Services Committee, digital inclusion is more than just putting more underrepresented groups in the digital space. The importance of digital equity, digital literacy and increasing digital equity solutions and encapsulate so much more. Too many Philadelphians face and tools due to various factors, including limited access and inadequate digital literacy. In order to live, learn and work, digital inclusion must be a part of creating a better Philadelphia for all. This is real equity. Additionally, I introduced a resolution recognizing this October as Cyber Security Awareness Month in Philadelphia. 7 terabytes of data from the Attorney General's Office. In 2019, the City of Baltimore fell victim to a ransomware attack.
Its servers largely compromised by a variant of ransomware. Data privacy is a massive concern for our city and consumers and lack thereof puts Philadelphians at risk. as a reminder to stay alert, update your passwords and enable protections. Don't let phishing scams disrupt your organization or put your personal data at risk. Thank you all so much. Appreciate you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Deputy Whip Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Well, today we recognize PAAN and the Playing It Safe in the 8th Initiative, a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together to prioritize safety, trust and healing. But I also wanted to give a special thanks and shout-out to the rec centers. Because, listen, as a District Councilmember, I know I can't do anything without the Advisory Councils who are and have been boots-on-the-ground as well. And so, them working in conjunction with PAAN and working in conjunction with the leadership at our recreation centers, which include Jerome Brown, Happy hollow, Lonnie Young and Belfield and under the direction of the totally awesome Susan Slawson, who's the leader of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. So I wanted to give that additional shout-out to those folks who are really working with PAAN and with our office to really make our recreation centers safe. I also wanted to make mention that today I introduced a resolution to honor the of Alice W. Ballard, a trailblazing civil rights attorney, fierce advocate for justice, gifted musician and devoted Philadelphian. And for over five decades, Alice fought tirelessly for workers, women and equality, breaking barriers in courtrooms and uplifting voices in our communities. Whether through landmark legal victories or sharing her gift of music, Alice inspired everyone she touched with wisdom, compassion and courage. We are forever grateful for her impact and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and celebrate a life so powerfully lived. Thank you, Mr. President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: You're welcome. Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today we passed Resolution No. 250751, transferring land to the Neighborhood Gardens Trust in the heart of North Philadelphia in the 32nd Ward. This land has been open space at 24th and Norris for a very long time. It was mentioned today over 20 years. So today marks a win for the community. When we talk about open spaces and preserving open spaces, we have to talk about why it's of importance. It creates a sense of community. This is a place where residents have gone to gather, eat meals, connect with one another. These public spaces bring us all neighbors, and that's what this garden has done in this community. So I definitely want to thank the Neighborhood Gardens Trust, the residents of that community in the 32nd Ward for the advocacy. And we have to remember that preserving open spaces in community parks like this create safer communities. Communities love their open spaces. And so, we're going to continue to work in the 5th District to improve the quality of life of the residents by preserving open spaces, by creating safer communities. And so, again I want to thank the advocates for their tireless efforts in preserving this garden for that community. And, Mr. President, I also want to mention that during on October 6th we will be having a nonprofit workshop. And this nonprofit workshop is entitled, From Idea to Impact Nonprofit Growth Workshops, co-sponsored by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, the Philadelphia Community College, the Philadelphia Barrister's Association, Philadelphia VIP, JEVS and our Commerce Department on October 6th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Community College in the Bonnell Auditorium. Again, that is October 6th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Bonnell Auditorium. If you're a nonprofit, if you are looking to start a nonprofit, if you are on the board of a nonprofit, if you don't know what a nonprofit is, please come out to this workshop to how you can improve your community and give back at the same time. So thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Member Young. Isn't it in partnership with Member Brooks as well?
Good job. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I'll be brief. Last week we passed a resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month as being between October 15th -- or September 15th and October 15th. And as Latinos organize events that month just to share their contributions, Puerto Ricans are doing the same this weekend. And so, I invite everyone to come learn about our contributions, our vibrant music and our art at three events. The first event starts tonight, the Puerto Rican Festival Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul at 17th and the Parkway. Tomorrow we are celebrating with the Flag Raising Ceremony here on the Plaza. Everyone is invited to join us, followed by lunch in the Conversation Hall at 12 o'clock in the afternoon. And then on Sunday, I invite everyone to join Concilio, who is the host of the Puerto Rican Day Parade at Logan Square beginning at 12:00 p.m. And immediately after, Salsa Fest which 4th and Lehigh. I invite everyone to come. The best time for electeds would be around 4:00 p.m. And I want to take the opportunity to say thank you to my fellow electeds who represent the community in the 7th Council District, Senator Tina Tartaglione, Representative Jose Giral, Representative Danilo Burgos and community partners who we can't do this work without, Impact Services, LIUNA and Coca-Cola, amongst others. Hopefully, this event will bring together around 12,000 people. And in the past, we've seen no incidents occurring so I'm really excited about being able to continue those efforts.
Thank you. -as there are no more speeches, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that this Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The all very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. C. B. m. org. N. S.