Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110557.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard," by requiring employers subject 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING to that Chapter to provide certain earned sick leave benefits to employees covered by that Chapter.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally.
I wish to be recognized. I will be brief. Thank you, Madam President. Clearly our First Amendment rights are alive and well today, the rights of protesters to gather outside and agitate in a peaceful way, the rights of activists to gather inside and advocate in a passionate way. The right to express ourselves is a fundamental right that we should cherish, but it doesn't mean that people are listening, that they really hear you or they 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING understand. This Council has a chance to express ourselves today through a simple vote on this bill aye or nay. We can show those on the outside and those on the inside that we're not confused about the message that is being sent. People are fighting for the American dream, to make it a reality. America needs jobs, good jobs, family-sustaining jobs, jobs with livable wages and benefits. That's the American dream. This Council should not be confused about the message that is being sent. The message is about economic justice, which means that a person who works 40 hours a week for up to 52 weeks a year should be able to live with dignity, fair wages and benefits, especially if the job is supported with City taxpayer dollars. In 2005, all 17 members of this Council enacted a local minimum wage standard, which is now a living wage 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING standard. In 2008, all 17 members of this Council enacted a minimum benefits standard as well. Last year an overwhelming majority of voters confirmed our authority to do so, establishing our authority under the Home Rule Charter. Today this Council should establish an earned sick leave standard, even if it's only for those that benefit from City contracts after July 1st, 2012. To those on the outside and those on the inside, I tell you I'm listening, I hear you, I understand, and I'll be voting aye. I would encourage all 17 members of this Council to do the same, except one has already left. You should not have to choose between being pro worker and pro business. That's a false choice being given by the Chamber of Commerce and those who want to suck up to them. But if you have to choose, choose the people. I'll be voting aye. Thank you. 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman O'Neill is voting nay. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are two. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 110558.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard," by repealing Section 17-1311, entitled "Living Wage Advisory Committee," and by enacting a new Section 17-1311, entitled "Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll. 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman O'Neill is voting nay. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are two. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING We will now consider Bill No. 110559.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plan," to require that certain economic opportunity plans be submitted to Council and published on the City's website and changing all references from "MBEC" to "certifying agency," as defined.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Councilman O'Neill is voting aye. 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be considered is Bill No. 110561.
An ordinance amending subsection 19-2604(6) of The Philadelphia Code, under which businesses that enter into agreements to make contributions to community development 10/13/11 - STATED - 2ND READING corporations receive business privilege tax credits.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman O'Neill is voting aye. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read any other additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A resolution honoring and congratulating the Most Reverend Charles Joseph Chaput for his recent installation as Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Green.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Green for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Are there any other resolutions to be considered?
Thank you. That will conclude our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Yesterday there was a rally, a labor rally, in these Chambers. I want to thank my colleague Maria Sanchez for the work she did. We had SEI Union and 1201 and many labor unions represented. I liken it to what is happening outside these windows and outside our building, this, quote/unquote, Wall Street uprising and an uprising that's taking place across our country. I want to thank the Transport Workers Union for taking the responsibility of providing porter toilets. And I want to say that something apparently is happening in this country where people realize that they have to rise up and talk about the need for jobs and other issues that affect their life-style. And I believe that we note that, to say that we appreciate as Americans the right for everybody to have a decent life-style and access to this tree of life. So I thank you all who were committed and concerned, and think it is responsible for us to note that they are here for the right reasons. Thank you, Madam President.
Is there anyone else that would like to be recognized? (No response.)
Seeing no one, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 20th, 2011, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 20th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on October 13, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)