Abraham Lorenzo, commenting on 170379. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. Hello. My name is Abraham Lorenzo. I have lived and worked in Philadelphia for about 15 years. I am an immigrant to this country. For the past 12 years, I worked in a restaurant in Center City. They never pay me overtime. From 2005 to 2016, they did not even pay me a minimum wage. I live off of tips, and they took money from my tips for broken dishes or Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 glasses and credit card fees. I knew what they were doing was wrong. All of us employees bleed. For a while, though, I didn't really say anything. I didn't want to make waves. And I really wanted to keep my job. Plus we were all afraid to assert our rights. A lot of the people I work with have families, and they were terrified of retaliation, whether it was losing their jobs or being deported. I was also scared. Well, I am scared. But I knew someone had to speak up, so I did then, and that is why I'm speaking today. Philadelphia relies on its immigrant workforce. We are your chefs, waiters, dishwashers, you name it. Chances are you see us every day, but we work in the shadows. Some employers take advantage of us because they think they can, and others are afraid to stand up for us because it's against the law to employ us. I support this resolution and Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING everything in it it is trying to do, because while we might not be able to fix immigration, Philadelphia can create a culture that recognizes all workers regardless of their immigration status and treats all workers fairly. And just to finish, do not be afraid. Just think for one minute if we don't speak up, these kind of actions are going to be on and on and on. Don't be afraid. Speak up.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. Chairman.
That concludes our public comment period for today's Calendar. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Clerk, will you please read the title of Resolution 170369. Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The resolution is adopted. Clerk, would you please read the title of Resolution No. 170370.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Clerk, would you please read the title of Resolution 170379.
A resolution recognizing every person's fundamental right to earn a living, regardless of immigration status, and affirming the City of Philadelphia's commitment to protect and secure a safe and dignified workplace for all.
Yes. Thank you very much, Council President. I want to first acknowledge Ben Miller, Christina Martinez, Estela, Abraham, Calvin, and the Restaurant Opportunities Center for coming out today with your voice and your message about what this resolution is. It is about a human right. It is about recognizing that the United States for the last two decades has been stalled on immigration reform Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING and has not advanced while the world has changed all around us, and it is recognizing that we have a responsibility to uphold fair labor practices and ordinances. That's what this resolution is about. It honors what it means to work, to work with justice. This is a city that has always upheld the right to labor and strong labor rights for all. We feel very strongly that those who exploit labor practices will allow people to live in exploitive circumstances. And by asserting people's rights and demanding that the United States seriously takes on immigration reform in this country today, we try to move people into fair work practices and to help the environments for all. In particular, I just want to note, just to be grateful for the people who are pushing on this issue, that it matters to have the restaurant industry diversify the message around immigration, Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING who it impacts, what it looks like, how it unfurls in places that we don't always see. And in our kitchens and in our dishwashing areas and in all the places where people do good work, this resolution honors them. So with that, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Chairman, I'd like to be recorded as no, but Councilman Oh had his light on. Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
Let the record reflect that Councilman O'Neill is opposed, voting no. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. I will be voting no, and I'd like to simply explain that I do support immigrants and I do support fair labor practices, and they should be enforced. I do believe people should work and I support people working. However, there is work authorization and work visas. We should encourage the reformation of those reforming them. But a person may have a right to an education, but without an F-1 visa, they cannot attend school. A person may choose to marry the person they love, but if they don't file an I-130 and a 485 and if they are not approved, they cannot live with that person in the United States. And a person should work and they should Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING provide for the family, but it is a process. They need work authorization. And, therefore, I cannot support the language. Although I think the spirit is there, but I think it is important that we have a process that we support. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Mr. Chairman, thank you very, very much. Being the son of a dishwasher, a son of an immigrant who spoke more German than English when he arrived, I understand many of these processes, but I would have to agree with my colleague Councilman Oh in that there are work visas that have to be worked out. There is a difference between illegal immigration and exploitation in the restaurant industry. So I would like to be recorded Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING as voting no on this, although I am for labor to be fair. People have the ability to raise a family and dollars, but I think also we have to take a look at all these visas, and this is not the United States Senate. So in this sense, I would have to say on this issue I am voting no when it comes to all the technical parts of the language. The spirit is good. The language is cumbersome and difficult.
Thank you, Councilman. The record will reflect the votes in opposition. The Chair recognizes Councilman -- the Chair recognizes the Clerk. Please read the title of Resolution No. 170381.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The resolution is adopted. Clerk, would you please read the title of Resolution 170382.
A resolution Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING calling for the installation of a City Historic Marker in front of the home of the AIDS Library of Philadelphia, 1233 Locust Street and for the dedication of this marker to occur in 2017 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the AIDS Library of Philadelphia.
Thank you again, Mr. Chair. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Clerk, would you please read the title of Bill No. 161003-A.
An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes.
This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is now shall the bill finally be passed. The Chief Clerk, would you please read the roll.
Councilman Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Greenlee.
Councilman Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Squilla.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. The majority of members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. Clerk, would you please read the title of Bill No. 170245.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-4000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Income Inequality Initiative - Earned Income Tax Credit," by revising the City's EITC policy, including by expanding it to include non-residents who work in the City.
This bill Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill finally pass. Chief clerk, would you please read the roll.
Councilman Jones. Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
Council President Clarke is voting aye. Councilman Henon. Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. The majority of members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Clerk, would you please read the title of Bill No. 170110.
An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City in City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such energy supplies in future fiscal years.
Clerk, would you please read the roll. This bill having been read on two different days, the question is now shall the bill finally be passed. Clerk, would you please read the roll.
Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilwoman Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Parker.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. The majority of members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. Are there any more bills on today's Calendar? Now we will have Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING consideration of the resolutions. Clerk, would you please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A resolution recognizing May 10, 2017 as "50/50 Day" in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing and observing May 1 through May 5, 2017 as "Construction Safety Week" in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the joint City Council Committees on Public Safety and Children Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING and Youth to hold hearings reviewing the impact of flavored tobacco products, such as "Hood Wraps" or "Four K's," on the youth of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded for the resolution to be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing the month of April 2017 as "National Volunteer Month" to honor the dedicated service that volunteer workers Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING provide to Philadelphia communities and across the country, introduced by Councilman Jones.
Again, Mr. Chairman, I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution Recognizing, Honoring, and Celebrating the life and legacy of Awilda Ocasio for her dedication to the Latino community and renaming the 3000 block of F Street between East Indiana and East Clearfield Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Street "Paseo Awilda Ocasio," introduced by Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing and designating May 1 as International Workers' Day, in perpetuity, as a day to honor and celebrate the manifold achievements of workers and the historical and continuing struggle of labor movements for justice Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING and fair working conditions, introduced by Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Theatre Exile" and honoring Joe Canuso whom help found and developed Theatre Exile and continues to contribute to the Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia cultural environment today, introduced by Councilman Squilla.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution Recognizing and Celebrating the 2017 Philippine Independence Week Celebration from June 3rd to June 16th, introduced by Councilman Oh.
The Chair Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 4/27/17 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizes Councilman Oh on a motion.
Thank you very much. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing May 2017 as Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month in Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their important contributions to enhancing the City's culture, economy, and the founding ideals of independence and democracy, introduced Stated Meeting April 27, 2017
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. Chairman.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? Stated Meeting April 27, 2017 Oh.
Thank you very much. I just wanted to alert people that this Saturday, April 29th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the DEA has distributed, along with other law enforcement and community organizations, information regarding National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to turn in your unused or expired prescription medication for safe disposal. People, if they don't know where they can return their prescription medications, can go to www.dea.gov to find out. And also I'd like to invite all my colleagues and the public to attend the raising of the Vietnamese Freedom and Heritage Flag tomorrow, Friday, at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall, outside of the northeast flagpole. Thank you very much.