We're grateful to22 City Council for its support, and on23 behalf of the Utility Emergency Services24 Fund, the Coalition of Concerned25 26 144 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Community-Based Organizations and2 low-income families, we respectfully3 request that the $1 million to continue4 this program of providing essential5 utility assistance to low-income families6 remain in the budget. These funds will7 be leveraged into $2 million, will8 prevent problems before they occur and9 will have a positive long-term and10 measurable outcome for all Philadelphia11 communities.12
We17 are really running behind the scheduled18 time that people were to testify. So if19 someone cannot wait, we will be happy to20 take your written testimony and the21 stenographer will transcribe that in full22 so it will be on record.23 Again, I thank you.24
Thank2 you so much.3 Our next witness is Shelly4 Yanoff.5 (Witness approached witness6 table.)7
10 Thank you. I'm Shelly Yanoff. 20 As you know, many of the21 programs that serve children and youth22 have suffered serious cuts in the last23 several years. 1 lives of kids and youth in the City as2 well as their families. In child3 welfare, we're about $29 million short of4 what we were two years ago, and as you5 know, state support for some important6 programs is very fragile right now. 16 But the bottom line does haunt17 us. 19 We begin by acknowledging the20 protection that does exist already in the21 law. 1 We urge you to speak with the2 state and to expand some of the3 exemptions. There is House of4 Representative leadership that is5 prepared to introduce bills in the state6 to expand the exemptions so that seniors,7 disabled, low-income people are protected8 should property taxes be raised. There's9 a strong possibility that the state will10 act on this. 11 We urge the Councilmembers12 consider funding from a wide range of13 sources - some property tax with14 appropriate exemptions, some wage tax,15 suspending property tax abatements for16 two years, much as wage tax reductions17 have been frozen, some business taxes,18 particularly of businesses whose profits19 exceed an agreed-upon number annually and20 some sales tax. 1 schools, safety and clean neighborhoods2 trump tax issues in people and businesses3 deciding to move or stay. 10 There's an old African saying11 that when the elephants fight, the grass12 gets trampled. We urge you and the13 Administration to come together to create14 a revenue package that seems fair and15 does not trample the services that16 children and families need. 3
Thank4 you. Thank you very much.5 Our next panel will be Sue6 Rosenthal, Walter Palmer, Gary Hall,7 Shela Harper and Pauline Burker.8 (Witnesses approached witness9 table.)10
Good11 afternoon. Welcome. Kindly identify12 yourself for the record and proceed with13 your testimony.14 It's good to see you again. We15 see you once a year.16
Right. Not17 only do you see me once a year, Council18 President, but we brought with us again a19 member of our Board from Health District20 10, who passed her 90th birthday this21 year.22 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:23 Wonderful.24 (Applause.)25 26 151 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
This is Mary2 Aponick.3 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:4 Welcome.5
And she6 deserves the most credit for sitting as7 long as we did.8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 Talking about birthdays, I understand10 it's the stenographer's birthday, and we11 certainly want to wish you a very happy12 birthday.13 (Applause.)14
I would like to15 introduce Gary Hall, who is the Chair of16 Health Center 5. He will speak first and17 then I will continue.18
Good20 afternoon, I think. Time goes by when21 you're having fun.22
We25 26 152 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 have it.2
Giving honor to God,3 President Anna C. Verna, Honorable4 members of City Council, fellow5 Presidents of the Community Health6 Advisory Boards, support staff, friends7 and neighbors, good morning.8 Place yourselves in the chair9 of an eye doctor. You are being prepared10 for an eye examination. The eye doctor11 places eyedrops in your eyes so that your12 eye lenses are wide open for the13 examination. Then the doctor has you14 wait in the doctor's chair so that the15 eye solution can have its time to open up16 your lens.17 Today, I want to be the eye18 doctor that makes you sit back in your19 chair and relax as I place the eye20 solution of health advocacy in your eyes21 and into your hearing. The solution of22 health advocacy will prepare your sight23 with the help of special lenses.24 Here are the special lenses:25 26 153 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 The health data on diagnosis, the summary2 comparison for the first quarter Fiscal3 Year 2009 versus Fiscal Year 2008 visits.4 These lenses will allow you to5 see the need for services. Look at the6 number of patients with hypertension and7 diabetes. Look at the number of children8 defining the need for pediatric services.9 Look at the rise in the number of10 patients using the health center from11 Fiscal Year 2008 to 2009.12 Now let's continue looking at13 the health data. Do you see14 contraceptive management? Do you see15 pulmonary tuberculosis screening, acute16 upper respiratory infection, pain in the17 limb, asthma, dermatitis, HIV counseling,18 HIV disease, chest pain, anemia? If you19 have seen all of these things listed,20 consider yourselves with great vision.21 Hence, the vision is to keep22 the health centers open. We need your23 sight and insight to keep us open to a24 very needy community that is fighting for25 26 154 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 its wellness.2 Now it is time to leave the3 doctor's chair. Your sight has been4 examined and your lenses have been5 prepared for its view and question.6 Do you see the need to be a7 part of a health advocate infrastructure8 that promotes wellness for its community?9 Thank you, and may God bless10 you and keep you and your families.11
Walter Palmer14 was not able to stay until now, but asked15 me to say just a few words for him.16 The combined health centers17 serve 25 percent of the Philadelphia18 population and are seeing a dramatic19 increase in the privately insured. I20 believe that the City, Health Department21 and health centers should make a22 concentrated effort to attract insured23 patients in order to bring more dollars24 into the City treasury.25 26 155 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 The fiscal crises we face are2 seeing an increase in the numbers of3 working-class and middle-class residents4 that look to Rite Aid, CVS, Eckerd's,5 Walgreens, hospital ERs and even the6 Internet for their health and medical7 assistance. We can do better.8 I am Sue Rosenthal, Chair of9 the Community Board, Public Health Center10 10 in Northeast Philadelphia.11 The Administration is creating12 a plan to charge those who are treated at13 our City health centers. Members of City14 Council, no. You cannot allow the Health15 Department to refuse services to those16 who cannot afford to pay for their17 healthcare.18 Talk about blood from a stone.19 To be forced to refuse service to those20 who cannot pay is to relegate the21 untreated to potentially even more22 serious illnesses. We cannot allow this23 to happen.24 I am also concerned about25 26 156 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Philadelphians with incurable diseases.2 A diabetic requires daily testing of3 sugar levels. This is done using test4 strips now provided by our centers. But5 if you recall, we were told when the6 departments reported to you that all7 over-the-counter supplies were going to8 be cut out of the public health centers9 because they can be obtained in10 drugstores. Under plans for FY 2010,11 medical supplies such as these test12 strips will no longer be provided by our13 health centers.14 We appreciate last year your15 having increased the health center budget16 to enable the filling of many long-time17 vacancies. By this addition to the18 budget, we were able to dramatically cut19 the waiting time for initial appointments20 in all but one health center. Thank you.21 While I am sure you know the22 figures that prove the value of our23 health centers, let me put them on24 record. Eighty-seven thousand25 26 157 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Philadelphians were treated in 340,0002 visits in our eight health centers last3 year. The first half of FY 2009 saw an4 increase of 5.5 percent of new clients.5 Sounds like a small amount, 5.5 percent.6 Really? In human beings, this meant7 4,785 new clients were treated at 18,7008 additional appointments.9 This increase is a forewarning10 caused by more joblessness, which will11 result in the need for more health12 services to be delivered by centers.13 We ask you to fund all health14 centers -- don't close any, please. We15 don't like play Plan B and Plan C. It16 will be a tragedy -- so that they are17 fully staffed and without the requirement18 that they charge for services. The19 health centers must also have the funds20 to continue to provide medical supplies,21 such as I have given as an example.22 Thank you, Councilpersons, for23 your support year after year. Your24 support of the health centers has25 26 158 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 improved the quality of life for2 thousands of Philadelphians. Indeed,3 your support saves lives. We know you4 will do your best this year also.5 Thank you.6
Thank7 you very much.8 Are there any questions or9 comments from members of the Committee?10 (No response.)11
Thank12 you again for coming in to testify.13 We will now call upon Paul14 Levy. Is Paul Levy here?15 (Witness approached witness16 table.)17
1 Court. My name is Paul Levy. 1 the criminal justice system have come2 together to work collaboratively to solve3 problems. Under one roof across the4 street at 1401 Arch Street, Assistant5 District Attorneys and Assistant Public6 Defenders work cooperatively with the7 Philadelphia Police. 15 Because it is a partnership, there is no16 one departmental budget for the Community17 Court. 1 communities. Over 55,000 clients have2 been served. Most importantly, it has3 reduced the rate of recidivism; that is,4 people who go through the Court tend to5 learn from this Court and not recommit6 crimes. 2 million to15 renovate the space and secured a half a16 million dollars from the Pew Charitable17 Trust to fund the start-up phase and18 secured $165,000 from the Bureau of19 Justice Assistance for a lot of the20 computer technology. Most importantly,21 each year since 2002, we have taken out22 of our operating budget $400,000 a year23 to support this court and the24 coordinating staff. 1 million a year through the DA,2 Public Defender, First Judicial District3 and the Health Department. So we4 represent about a 27 percent share of the5 Court's costs. 9 We are really proud of this10 relationship that we have been able to11 put together, but we are quite concerned12 that reductions in the budget either to13 First Judicial District or in the DA's14 Office really puts us in a situation15 where we're going to have to contemplate16 completely withdrawing our support from17 this court. We've been asked on multiple18 occasions whether we could fund staff19 from the First Judicial District or fund20 criminal justice expenses, and by design,21 the CCD is here to supplement but not22 replace City services. So funding,23 coordinating and administrative support24 we think is appropriate. 8 And I know, Councilman Jones,9 you're looking to see how to expand. We10 have something that is serving ten police11 districts. 20
I'm sorry. One24 thing. We have appended comments. I25 26 165 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 apologize, Councilwoman, but we e-mailed2 a whole series of people in the last day3 or so to simply say, Can you give us your4 opinions on the Court, and we've appended5 to this comments from the Police6 Department; from Ellen Greenlee, the7 Public Defender; from Lynne Abraham; from8 Project HOME; from University of9 Pennsylvania. It's very rare that10 Police, DAs, Public Defender, social11 service advocates, public health12 advocates all agree on one thing:13 They're all supportive of this court. We14 really urge you to listen to what they15 say and not simply what I say.16 I apologize for interrupting17 you.18
Thank19 you. Thank you very much.20 The Chair recognizes Councilman21 Jones.22
In my brief23 time here, I have not found one project24 that I am totally committed to having25 26 166 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 expanded throughout the City of2 Philadelphia more than the concept of3 community courts. I had an opportunity4 to go up to Red Hook, New York and see5 where it originated from and then6 juxtapose that to what we do here in the7 City of Philadelphia, and I just want to8 thank you guys for being trailblazers in9 that regard here in the City of10 Philadelphia.11 At some point, the powers that12 be, whether it's CJAB or the13 Administration, have to really quantify14 what your contribution to reducing15 expenses of taxpayers on having to deal16 with a multitude of services that are17 associated with these quality-of-life18 crimes, but also wind up -- and I guess19 at some point we're going to get some20 people a lot smarter than us to evaluate21 just what it would have meant had that22 court not been there and what it would23 have meant in an estimated $100 a day24 where those small petty crimes would have25 26 167 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 resulted in jail time and what that would2 have equated to by way of burden to the3 City of Philadelphia's already overtaxed4 budget.5 So I won't belabor it here, but6 I just want to put on the record that7 this is a concept that we're going to8 look at and look at expanding to other9 parts of the City of Philadelphia. And10 the interesting part of it -- and I'll11 end on this -- is that I have two12 different police districts that couldn't13 be more different than night and day in14 my area. The 19th District is a place15 where we have experienced some high16 levels of crime, and, in fact, every 2817 days, someone is getting shot. Sometimes18 not fatally. But in the 5th District, I19 have an area where the biggest crime is20 quality-of-life crimes, people having too21 good a time on commercial strips and22 drinking a little too much. But that23 concept of community courts is equally24 applicable to the 19th District when we25 26 168 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 start talking about quality-of-life2 crimes that can range from graffiti to3 drug use and things of that nature to the4 overzealous partygoers and college5 students up in the 5th. That same6 sentencing structure, that same support7 structure can be applied to either8 district, and that's what makes Community9 Court such an intriguing possibility for10 expansion and with an eye towards11 reducing the cost of incarceration,12 trials and other things, social services13 applied to our budget every day. And I14 just wanted to put that on the record and15 say thank you for being helpful in16 providing us information that might17 indeed see it expanded.18
I just should add19 one thing, and I thank you for those20 comments. Our experience -- we borrowed21 this idea from the Times Square Community22 Court in New York, and just as they23 started with one court in the business24 district -- and then you know because you25 26 169 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 visited Red Hook -- the idea was then2 applied elsewhere. I think there's ample3 room to do that in Philadelphia, but if4 we're here to say one thing, let's make5 sure we don't lose the original one in6 our effort to create new ones.7
Thank14 you very much, Mr. Levy. We appreciate15 your coming in to testify.16
Thank you very much.17 I appreciate it under your very busy day.18
Thank19 you.20 Our next witness is Marianne21 Bessey.22 (Witness approached witness23 table.)24
Good afternoon,25 26 170 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Madam President and members of City2 Council. My name is Marianne Bessey and3 I represent the Philadelphia Chapter of4 the League of Humane Voters and the local5 group, Friends of Philly Zoo Elephants,6 and the reason I'm here today is to7 testify about concerns regarding the City8 funding of the Philadelphia Zoo.9 In this time of recession and10 budget cuts that we've been hearing about11 all morning, it's particularly important12 to expose as much waste, fraud and13 inefficiencies in City funding as14 possible in order to save taxpayers15 money.16 City Council every year17 approves through your budget process18 millions of dollars of financial support19 for the privately run Zoo through, one,20 water subsidies; two, sewer and21 sanitation subsidies; three, renting the22 City-owned property of 42 acres within23 Fairmount Park for just a dollar a year24 to the Zoo; and, four, the Zoo receives25 26 171 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 millions more in funding for capital2 improvements to Zoo facilities varying3 year to year.4 As a publicly funded entity,5 the Philadelphia Zoo must be held6 accountable for receiving public funds.7 Publicly funded entities must be8 responsible to public inquiries and must9 operate with transparency. In addition,10 if an entity wants to benefit from public11 financing, it should also be willing to12 respond to public concerns on all issues.13 In our experience, the Philadelphia Zoo14 has failed to do any of these things.15 For example, for over two16 years, the citizens of Philadelphia have17 asked the Philadelphia Zoo to take action18 regarding elephants at the Zoo. Among19 other things, local citizens have20 circulated petitions and obtained over21 10,000 signatures in support of sending22 the elephants to a sanctuary and23 permanently closing the elephant exhibit.24 I brought the petitions with me. I25 26 172 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 didn't make copies because I didn't want2 to waste all that paper, but they're3 certainly available to you, and I can4 make copies if anybody is interested.5 Should I keep going?6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 Please go on.8
There's a9 wonderful sanctuary in California. The10 Performing Animal Welfare Society offered11 to take all three of our elephants --12 Petal since died -- over two years ago at13 no charge. The Zoo instead is waiting14 for a breeding facility to be built. And15 the estimated costs of keeping elephants16 in conditions here at the Zoo that the17 Philadelphia Zoo officials have admitted18 are inadequate is close to a million19 dollars. So talk about waste. 1 public by claiming that the elephants are2 going to a sanctuary. The Zoo is calling3 the breeding facility outside Pittsburgh4 where it plans to send the elephants a5 sanctuary even though a sanctuary is a6 permanent home for animals where they can7 live out their lives in peace. 17 First, the method of management18 that's used in this breeding facility and19 at the Philadelphia Zoo is abusive and20 outdated. Two, the plans to breed the21 elephants are very risky. 1 training based on dominance, and that2 means the use of bullhooks, and I have a3 photo of a bullhook here. I wanted to4 bring a bullhook, but it's considered a5 weapon, so it couldn't make it through6 security clearance. 13 Second big reason that it's a14 bad idea is, attempting to breed these15 two elephants at all at their age is a16 high-risk gamble on the Zoo's part. S. 9 And that's what brings me to10 the last reason. 12 The Philadelphia Zoo plans to13 maintain ownership of Kallie and Bette14 and has talked about some day returning15 them to Philly even though the entire16 42-acre Philadelphia Zoo isn't big enough17 for elephants. 20 Zoos will sometimes claim that21 captive breeding is important for22 conservation purposes, but experts in the23 native-range countries disagree. 13 And a second failure on the14 Zoo's part to be accountable is the Zoo's15 refusal to provide information upon16 request to the public, and I'll give just17 one example. 1 Philadelphia Zoo has repeatedly refused2 to disclose this information. Now, many3 citizens became very concerned about the4 elephants after Petal died last summer,5 because Zoo officials had repeatedly6 claimed that Petal did not have7 arthritis, when some of us saw her8 showing signs of it. 1 Philadelphia City Council to do is to2 halt all funding to the Zoo until they3 are held accountable. Number one is to4 send the -- forget the plans to breed5 these elephants for the reasons that I6 stated. 7 It's risky to the elephants. 12 Secondly, hold the Zoo13 accountable for giving public information14 that should be publicly available to15 concerned citizens for asking for --16
Can20 you start to conclude your remarks?21 Thank you.22
You24 can conclude your remarks.25 26 179 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
Thank3 you very much.4 Are there any questions from5 members of the Committee?6 (No response.)7
Our12 next witness, Connie Naylor and Bobby13 Skinner.14 (Witnesses approached witness15 table.)16
Good17 afternoon. Please identify yourself for18 the record and proceed with your19 testimony.20
Good afternoon.21 I'm Bobby Skinner and I'm here today as a22 living example of what can happen when23 funding is given to the homeless24 shelters.25 26 180 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
Could2 you pull the microphone a little closer,3 please.4
I'm here as a5 living example of what can happen when6 funding is given to drug and alcohol7 programs in the homeless shelter.8 I am a proud graduate of Ready,9 Willing and Able. I'm also a proud10 graduate of the Gaudenzia House, and I'm11 here today just to ask that the funding12 that is being given will continue to be13 given.14 I'd like to just say that as a15 young man growing up in Philadelphia, I16 had some high hopes and some high dreams17 of owning my own business and becoming a18 productive member of society. Because of19 some bad decisions and choices that I20 made in my life, I wound up on drugs and21 alcohol for a number of years. For many22 years, I seen no hope at all. I didn't23 know where I was going to go, didn't know24 what I was going to do. My life had25 26 181 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 become a shambles. I was living and2 eating out of trash cans, stealing and3 robbing every day just trying to survive.4 For many years, this is how I lived.5 I was married for a number of6 years. Drug and alcohol destroyed my7 marriage, took me away from my kids and8 away from my mother and my brothers and9 the people who truly loved me. Because10 of the way I was living, no one really11 wanted to be around me, and I didn't even12 want to be around myself. But because of13 the programs that are offered to people14 such as myself, I was able to -- I'm15 sorry. I was able to get into the16 programs and get the help that I was so17 desperately looking for and needed, and18 all I needed was just an opportunity, an19 opportunity to prove to myself that I20 can -- I was able to live a better life.21 I am two years clean and sober22 today. I am a proud owner of my own23 home. I'm a proud taxpayer.24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 26 182 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 You're saying you've come a long way.2 Wonderful. Continue your --3
I just -- I'm4 just so happy for the programs that are5 here for people like me. I am one, but6 I'm one of thousands who only ask for the7 opportunity to make better of our lives8 so we are not a drain on the City, but we9 can get back to the City that we so10 proudly love. I help out in my11 community.12 I was asked to come here today13 and speak out on the behalf of the14 homeless and those who are addicted to15 substances. I would just like to say16 that if we cut the programs or if we cut17 the budget that funds these programs,18 there will be so many people out there on19 the street who will be robbing your cars,20 robbing your houses. This is such a21 beautiful city, and it remains beautiful22 because of the love that the City has for23 the people who live here, and I am one of24 those people who came today just to thank25 26 183 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you for what you have given to me. It's2 hope.3 My children now love me. My4 mother allows me to come back into her5 house. My brothers call me every day.6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 That's great. You seem very sincere.8
And I feel good9 to be alive today. And I just ask that10 the money that's allocated to these11 programs continue to go to these12 programs.13
Thank14 you. Thank you. You seem very sincere,15 and keep up the good work.16 (Applause.)17
Thank20 you.21 Please identify yourself for22 the record.23
Yes. My name is24 Connie Naylor. I'm a formerly homeless25 26 184 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 person. I'm now living with a tad of2 disabilities, which unfortunately make me3 unable to work or go to school, but what4 I do do when I can is volunteer for an5 organization called Vote for Homes. Vote6 for Homes is a coalition of approximately7 60 different social service agencies in8 the City where we also try very hard to9 make sure the homeless, the low income10 and elderly and ex-offenders get the11 right to vote, because they all have one.12 And we get -- we help register them to13 vote. We also get them to the polls so14 they can.15 But also one thing I'd like to16 talk about is affordable housing.17 Affordable housing is a necessity in this18 city. We have gotten to the point where19 it's going to be more and more people who20 are living in the streets or in shelters21 because the economy is so bad anymore,22 and I'm just hoping that we cannot make23 any more cuts to the Office of Supportive24 Housing, because if you cut ten more25 26 185 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 percent from the budget outside of what's2 already been taken back in December,3 we're going to have at least4 approximately 850 more people living on5 the streets, not being accepted into6 shelters. This is over a time of one7 year. And if you take any more than8 that, there's going to be more and more9 people, all the way up to almost 3,00010 people on the street without any housing,11 if you went to 30 percent. And12 definitely the Plan B by Mayor Nutter13 would not work with that exact ten14 percent, because, like I said, there's15 going to be more and more homeless people16 in the City of Philadelphia.17 And it's not just the poor.18 It's the people with median incomes even19 who are losing their property because20 unfortunately the type of mortgage they21 had. But this is so much to fight for.22 I volunteer with them for one23 thing. When I was homeless, I didn't24 have to live on the streets, and I'm so25 26 186 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 grateful for that, but I did live in a2 shelter, and the shelter provided me with3 a lot of good people to help me get my --4 start on my path again, and one of the5 things that we cut unfortunately in the6 $784,000 out of the budget for OSH in7 December is, one, the program that Bobby8 was in has taken a big hit as far as9 extra services and personnel that's10 needed to help run that program or in the11 ability to make -- and the ability to12 make it sure that other people were able13 to get into their program. A lot of City14 shelters had their case management cut,15 which are some of the people that help16 the people who are homeless try to get17 into a job, try to get into some kind of18 housing.19 Again, the affordable housing20 is a necessity for Philadelphia. There21 are more solutions to -- while the22 shelter is only a temporary solution, it23 helps meet the needs, basic needs, of24 homeless men, women and children in our25 26 187 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 community. The City of Philadelphia must2 continue to find solutions to address the3 larger affordable housing needs in our4 community.5 City Council can create housing6 needs or -- excuse me. City Council can7 create more affordable housing through8 the inclusionary housing and the Housing9 Trust Fund. The Mayor's budget proposes10 cutting up to $9 million previously11 committed for affordable housing. This12 funding is used to build new affordable13 homes, support home repairs and prevent14 foreclosures, evictions and homelessness.15 Please restore funding to the Housing16 Trust Fund now and pass the second half17 of the inclusionary housing bill ensuring18 that developers have the incentives they19 need to build affordable housing.20 (Bell rung.)21
I also hope City22 Council will follow the Mayor's proposed23 budget and make sure that essential24 services are protected in our city. Even25 26 188 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 a minimum ten percent cut for the Office2 of Supportive Housing budget would have3 dire consequence with little savings. A4 ten percent cut would mean up to 8525 people will lose their beds in6 Philadelphia shelters over one year, and7 the City would save only $3.2 million in8 a 3.4 billion budget.9 The savings would be small, but10 the pain and suffering of homeless men11 and women and children would be so much12 more of the cost of the other City13 service budgets, like the hospitals, more14 homelessness on the streets and15 especially in Center City Philadelphia,16 because we know unfortunately the17 homeless like to stay there sometimes.18 So thank you for not voting to19 cut ten percent from the OSH budget so20 that people have a place to protect them21 from the rain, the snow and the heat.22 This is why I volunteer, to help23 vulnerable citizens become productive.24
Thank25 26 189 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you very much. We do appreciate your2 coming in to testify. Thank you again.3
We6 will now hear from Mr. Thomas Lockhart.7 (Witness approached witness8 table.)9
Good10 afternoon. Kindly identify yourself for11 the record and proceed with your12 testimony.13
My name is14 Thomas C. Lockhart. I'm an advocate for15 the homeless also. I'm affiliated with16 Project HOME and affordable housing. I17 wish you good afternoon, Madam President,18 and to the rest of the Council.19 There was a time period when I20 used to live underneath this building.21 On January 15th, 2007, I walked into the22 middle of City Hall and said, Okay, you23 win, I quit.24 You know, my life has turned25 26 190 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 around and it's changed ever since then.2 But if it wasn't for the services3 provided by the City to the people who4 are caught in the midst of their own5 misery, I might have never had that6 opportunity. And in the cutting of funds7 to the Office of Supportive Housing and8 to Behavioral Health, you really limit9 the options that are available for people10 to get help and also to be treated by the11 agencies that provide certain services12 for them. You'll lose the people who go13 out into the street and reach out to the14 person sleeping on the sidewalk.15 I know if it wasn't for the16 system, I wouldn't have had clothes.17 There were times where I wouldn't have18 had food. I wouldn't have been able to19 receive medical attention. I suffered20 from extreme conditions of exposure. I21 had been beaten on several different22 occasions. And these services were23 available. Without those services, I24 probably would have died.25 26 191 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Very soon there will be a new2 class of homeless on the street. With3 the economic state of conditions in this4 country, you'll find more and more5 families who have lost their homes due to6 not being able to pay their mortgage, due7 to not being able to pay their rent.8 Real soon you'll find people standing in9 front of Suburban Station with their kids10 asking for change so that they can feed11 their children.12 Most recently in California, a13 couple who had a combined income of14 $350,000 applied for welfare. They were15 six months back on their mortgage. They16 had just lost both their cars and they17 were being -- and their house was being18 repossessed and they were only eligible19 to obtain $150 a month in food stamps20 because they still had assets. Well,21 when their assets are gone, what are they22 going to do?23 Real soon we're going to find24 that this situation is a viable option25 26 192 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that's going to happen to the City of2 Philadelphia. And if the services are3 not in place, what are you going to do4 when there's a family standing in front5 of Suburban Station or Market East trying6 to feed themselves?7 We have to have affordable8 housing. We have to have a sliding scale9 for services. We have to have agencies10 that are in place and in position to help11 people.12 Most recently, I have met a13 young lady who lost her job because her14 landlord wasn't a licensed landlord.15 When she applied for rental assistance,16 she couldn't get it because he was not a17 licensed provider. So subsequently when18 he got licensed, he moved to evict her in19 the middle of the winter. The shelter20 was full. She's been living with a21 friend. She's been robbed three times in22 the process, and because she hasn't went23 through the shelter system, she's outside24 of the loop, yet she still looks for a25 26 193 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 job every day, and she has three2 children.3 Me myself, I personally walk4 around and try to get homeless and5 addicted people into different agencies6 through my own efforts and through7 efforts of agencies that I'm affiliated8 with, but this situation is about to9 become a crisis situation.10 (Bell rung.)11
You're going to12 find us back into what it was in the '70s13 where we had mass amounts of homeless.14 With that, I wish you -- God15 bless you. Thank you.16
Thank17 you very much. We do appreciate your18 coming in to testify.19 We will now hear from -- I'm20 sorry. The stenographer would like a21 five-minute break. So we'll be with you22 very shortly. And, Mr. Weeks, are you23 present, Paul Weeks?24
You2 will be next to testify, sir.3 (Short recess.)4
All right.5 We're ready.6 Mr. Paul Weeks, please come7 forward for your testimony.8 (No response.)9
Good afternoon.17 I'm afraid there's no doctor, just a18 couple of Master's degrees, but thank19 you. And thank you very much for having20 me here. My name is Debbie Plotnick and21 I am the Director of Advocacy --22
18 I'm even willing to say it straight. 20 I know it's not politically21 expedient to raise taxes. 1 taxes. 5 That's why I've come here6 today, to ask you to listen to your7 constituents' voices. 14 This very year another15 remarkable, perhaps historic, experiment16 in democracy took place right here in17 Philadelphia. 18 Citizens made that very clear. Don't19 downgrade the parks, the streets, the20 libraries, recreation for families and21 especially for kids. Quality of life and22 after-school and summer programs not only23 help keep kids out of costly trouble,24 financial and otherwise. 1 strong foundations for people to stay in2 the region and for the next generation of3 Philadelphia citizens. Listen to the4 advocates, the ones who are here today5 and ones like myself, who represent the6 underserved and unvoiced. 14 But when your constituents15 really thought about making these usual,16 obvious seeming, seemingly easy cuts,17 they soon realized that the results would18 be nothing less than the cliche states,19 penny wise and pound foolish. 1 inpatient. 6 So where does that leave us in7 these hard economic times? It means that8 City Council, the Mayor and all9 Philadelphia's citizens have to accept10 the unpopular and painful choice to11 increase revenues. And no matter how we12 try to soften our language, it still13 means that taxes have to go up. 22
Thank you23 for your testimony. Just let me say24 that, yes, there were forums held25 26 200 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 throughout the City. None were held in2 my district, and when we had Council3 hearings in my district, my constituents4 said don't raise their -- do not their5 property taxes. So their voices were not6 heard at those forums.7 The other thing, we do not want8 to cut social services, and know that9 Council has offered an alternative10 solution to this budget. It would be11 nice if you all would ask the Mayor to12 listen.13
Thank you.15 Mr. Weeks.16 (Witness approached witness17 table.)18
Good afternoon,23 distinguished Councilwomen and24 Councilmen.25 26 201 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 I'm here to talk about a less2 redeeming word than the powerful and3 passionate testimonies that I've heard4 today, and I've been here since 9:30. I5 want to talk about --6
-- casinos. Why I9 want to talk about casinos is because10 it's an important issue, and since11 following this issue, I have not heard12 the point of view of somebody that has13 experience. That's the only reason I'm14 here.15 Twenty-three years of casino16 experience, 17 years working for Donald17 Trump, six years prior working as a18 dealer inside the casino industry, and I19 want to offer what I believe is the20 missing piece of the puzzle for those21 remaining Councilpeople. The missing22 piece of the puzzle is that experience.23 Because we've come to a crossroads in24 this -- this is a metropolitan moment, as25 26 202 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the paper called it. I believe that2 since we are here because it's law, we3 need meticulous regulated casinos,4 meticulous regulated casinos. I've seen5 the ills and I've seen the thrills of6 casino life inside and out. I would ask7 for your undivided attention on these8 three points.9 The vision of these casinos10 should be as follows: Foxwoods, there is11 good news and there is bad news. The12 inside industry on Foxwoods is that they13 are good employers to their employees and14 to their customers. That's the good15 news. However, Market East Gallery site16 is a disaster waiting to happen.17 (Bell rung.)18
Not just for the19 Foxwood corporation, but for the City as20 well, because location, location,21 location is the most important factor22 when you talk about these casinos, not23 transportation. Not transportation.24 That's the fundamental key.25 26 203 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Plus, multi-level casinos never2 ever, ever do well. Playboy Casino and3 Sands Casino is a perfect example of4 that. Moreover, metaphor to a casino is5 like an elephant. A casino resort --6
Mr. Weeks,7 I don't want to stop you from your8 testimony, but the testimony today is9 about the City budget. We had the10 hearing yesterday about the casinos. But11 your message really should be directed to12 the state, because they determine the13 casino issue in terms of makeup, what14 they do programmatically, and while we're15 we appreciate your testimony, we have no16 jurisdiction over that.17
I thought the same18 thing you just said, but Ms. Ortiz, she19 assigned me this opportunity and I just20 wanted to give you the last 30, 4021 seconds of it, because I believe it is22 information that is pertinent.23
All right.24 Thank you.25 26 204 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
The segue is a5 little difficult.6 I just want to have the7 remaining points. Again, Foxwoods, bad8 and good news. I believe I'm here to9 consult with the Council, because the10 operation as we go forward, I believe, in11 my experience, that no one has ever12 talked about the details of said casinos13 opening up, and I'm going to finish with14 the details.15 I believe, in my opinion, that16 if you're going to have this and do it17 well for the City of Philadelphia, that18 these casinos need to open up at 10:0019 a.m. in the morning, close at 4 o'clock20 in the morning, because the 6 o'clock21 turnaround time is very important for the22 casinos internally and also for the23 municipalities to get everything24 straight. It also offers you traffic25 26 205 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 relief as well.2 There's a legislative3 component. I believe we should get4 commitments from both the casinos to have5 no table games, not even poker, for ten6 years. On-site training facilities for7 those who need employment, those who are8 coming out of our high schools and do not9 want to go to college, training them well10 and giving them incentive to go to11 college at a later date.12 And I'll end with this: This13 is a great city. It has a great14 opportunity, but they must be15 meticulously regulated. You need a16 gaming czar for the City of Philadelphia17 that works in correspondence with PA, and18 you need two gaming deputies. Also you19 need a citizens board, because, again,20 casinos, if you don't meticulously21 regulate them, they will expand and they22 will move into areas that you do not want23 them to move in. But if it can be done24 with meticulous regulation, we can25 26 206 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 successfully do this in Philadelphia,2 since it is law.3 Thank you very much.4
Thank you.5 May I suggest that there was a hearing6 yesterday on the Foxwoods. I would7 suggest you check with the Clerk's8 Office. That hearing was recessed. I'm9 not sure if it was recessed to a date10 certain, but you could find out if they11 did recess to a date certain, they will12 give you the date, and you can come back13 and have your testimony at that time.14
Ms. Peggy20 Amsterdam.21 (Witness approached witness22 table.)23
Good25 26 207 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 afternoon. You have three minutes, so2 you might want to sum your testimony up.3
Thank you.4 Good afternoon, members of City5 Council. My name is Peggy Amsterdam, and6 as President of the Greater Philadelphia7 Cultural Alliance, I represent over 3758 regional arts and cultural institutions.9 On their behalf, I'm here to testify in10 support of keeping arts and cultural11 funding intact in the City's Fiscal Year12 2010 operating budget and Five-Year Plan.13 Like all sectors, arts and14 culture is hurting in our current15 economic environment. Our institutions16 are walking a tightrope between17 increasing public demand and decreasing18 resources. Endowment, corporate and19 personal investment funds are down. As a20 result, overall contributions to cultural21 organizations are also down. However,22 unlike some companies whose products can23 be sold at a higher price to make up for24 a loss, Philadelphia's non-profit arts25 26 208 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 and culture organizations deliver2 programs at a fraction of the true cost.3 We could raise the prices to4 fully cover our costs, but that means5 they would triple, and that would mean6 closing our doors to a large portion of7 the City's residents. In fact, 438 percent of all admissions to arts9 organizations are free. Free. That10 makes it possible for the arts to be11 available to all Philadelphians. It's12 the kind of public service we can't13 afford to keep up without your continued14 support.15 The other option, of course, is16 to cut costs, and cultural organizations17 are already doing just that. One-third18 have or are planning staff layoffs, and19 that means fewer jobs for Philadelphians.20 The staffing cuts have come in lieu of21 program cuts as organizations struggle to22 meet what is actually an increased demand23 for their services by keeping their24 activity levels intact. But if25 26 209 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 contributed funding continues to decline,2 then programs will be the next thing to3 go. That means fewer arts programs in4 Philadelphia schools and fewer5 after-school and summer program options6 for Philadelphia youth.7 This recession is full of tough8 choices, and we respect that the City9 needs to make tough choices as well.10 Nevertheless, Philadelphia's proposed11 arts and culture spending remains a12 fraction of the City's operating budget.13 Currently, the City spends $14.89 per14 capita on the arts. That amount is less15 than cities such as Charlotte, which16 spends $22; New York, which spends $43;17 and San Francisco, which spends $69.18
It will be23 very helpful, because we are all in the24 same predicament. Some of these cities25 26 210 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 are worse than we are.2 (Bell rung.)3
We're a5 world-class city, and to stay6 competitive, we need to keep the7 investments that provide a solid return.8 Time and again the arts have proven9 themselves to be that kind of investment.10 Every dollar invested from local11 government returns $5 in local tax12 revenue. And don't forget what arts and13 culture is doing to support some of14 Philadelphia's other key industries, too.15 In this region, arts audiences spend16 almost $185 million per year at our17 hotels and over $250 million per year at18 our restaurants.19 The distinctiveness of a great20 city is derived from its assets.21 Philadelphia's arts and culture sector is22 often cited as one of our most23 extraordinary assets and it is an24 inseparable part of our identity. Unlike25 26 211 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 other businesses that take advantage of2 the chance to move when it most benefits3 their bottom line, the roots of our4 cultural institutions are deep and5 strong. They are woven into the fabric6 of who we are, what we have been and who7 will we become. When we're all gone, the8 Philadelphia Museum of Art will still be9 standing tall.10 Most importantly, though, the11 mission of every cultural organization is12 to meet the needs of our residents.13 Evidence of the needs being met show in14 the 15 million visitors to cultural15 organizations each year and the 35,00016 school groups that visit cultural17 organizations and in the 24,000 people18 who volunteer their time and energy to19 help those organizations keep their doors20 open.21 Residents are now relying on22 arts and cultural offerings even more.23 The Rosenbach Museum and Library, for24 example, reported that attendance has25 26 212 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 increased as the economy has decreased.2 Families are turning to arts and cultural3 organizations for activities that provide4 real value for their money. The Please5 Touch Museum is expected to see6 attendance of 400,000 this year. They7 reached their goal in just six months in8 the middle of this recession.9 Four out of five cultural10 organizations are experiencing level or11 increased attendance and, even more12 importantly, level or increased13 individual donations. This, at a time14 when no one has a dime to spare. The15 public is doing its part, and their16 actions demonstrate that arts and culture17 are a valuable asset to Philadelphia and18 the region. But the public alone can't19 keep these organizations afloat.20 That's the bottom line of our21 non-profit status. We're not in it for22 the money. We're in it for the public23 good. We're here to provide a service24 that we believe is more vital to our25 26 213 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 community now than ever before. A great2 city does not force its people to choose3 between food for the body and food for4 the mind and spirit. It finds a way to5 nurture both.6 So I urge all of you to match7 our residents' support with continued8 City funding for arts and cultural9 organizations. It's an investment that10 improves Philadelphia's competitiveness,11 its quality of life, its educational12 network and ultimately its bottom line.13 Thank you for allowing me to14 speak here today, and, again, I urge you15 to continue your investment in the arts16 and culture sector for the sake of all17 Philadelphians.18
Thank you19 very much for coming down to testify. We20 appreciate your testimony, and we're21 going to check on these figures.22
That will25 26 214 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 be fine.2
Thank you.4 We're going to now hear from5 the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gail6 Harrity and company.7 (Witnesses approached witness8 table.)9
Good afternoon,10 Councilwoman Tasco, City Council. My11 name is Gail Harrity. I am the Interim12 CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art,13 and as you will likely recall, that just14 a few weeks ago, I spoke to you at the15 Museum's budget testimony highlighting16 information that is mostly quantifiable,17 such as the 90,000 school children we now18 serve annually, our reach across all19 councilmanic districts, the total number20 of close to one million visitors who come21 to the Museum each year, and the Museum's22 economic impact of 242 million in Fiscal23 Year 2008.24 However, I am here today to25 26 215 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 introduce you to a remarkable person,2 Oneisha Johnson, whose remarks will bring3 to light some of the intangible but4 vitally important aspects of the Museum's5 impact across the City. Oneisha will6 describe how her experience as a staff7 member at the Museum in 2000 and 20018 changed her life.9 The Museum's strength, as you10 know, is twofold. It has a world-class11 collection of art and an extraordinary12 collection of people who make connections13 with the Museum every day, and it is14 those encounters between people and the15 Museum's wonderful collections that are16 inspirational and even transformative.17 So the great, yet unquantifiable, impact18 of the Museum on the City of Philadelphia19 is the way in which the Museum encourages20 imaginative thinking, creative expression21 and self-exploration, and often helps22 people find their way in life. There is23 no way to measure the magic that the24 Museum can have. The stories simply have25 26 216 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to be told.2 So with that, I thank you, and3 I return the microphone now to Oneisha4 Johnson.5
Thank you so6 much, Ms. Harrity.7 Good afternoon to City8 Councilwoman Tasco and all members of the9 Philadelphia City Council. My name is10 Oneisha Johnson, and it is a pleasure to11 come before you today in support of the12 Philadelphia Museum of Art.13 In 2000, I was offered14 employment at the Philadelphia Museum of15 Art, regardless of being homeless. A16 seed of hope was planted. I was not17 judged amongst my colleagues, nor was I18 looked upon any differently. I felt19 equal, which helped me gain self-esteem.20 I was able to walk with my head21 up high, which made me happy to go to22 work.23 Three times a week on my lunch24 break, I would walk through the art25 26 217 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 galleries. At times I would quietly join2 groups as I listened to the history of3 the art pieces. My favorite artist is4 Vincent Van Gogh.5 Not only did I observe art, but6 I also observed the people that walked7 through the Museum. I observed my8 colleagues and individuals that were9 there to enjoy art. I saw diversity and10 culture.11 I no longer work at the Museum12 and I am no longer homeless, but since13 that time, I have returned to the Museum14 frequently. I bring my children so that15 their lives are filled with the beauty of16 art and their minds are filled with the17 ideas of artists.18 In fact, I am very excited19 about this weekend because we are20 planning a family trip to the Museum on21 Mother's Day for a Sunday's brunch and a22 visit at the Cezanne and Beyond23 exhibition.24 When I was homeless and worked25 26 218 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 at the Museum, I would sometimes come to2 work feeling depressed. My manager,3 Ms. Flo Stringer, who I am so glad to say4 is here at City Hall today, along with5 her co-worker and boss, Stuart Gerstein,6 spoke to me and Ms. Flo said to me -- to7 summarize what she stated -- Oneisha,8 there are situations that go on in my9 life that are not perfect, but what helps10 me is that when I come to work, I use it11 as an escape from all distress that goes12 on outside of these walls. I leave all13 problems at the doorstep. So I have14 decided to use coming to work as an15 escape from all other problems. It gives16 me mind rest from everything else. She17 stated, This is what helps me. Try it18 and see how it works for you.19 I tried it, and it worked. I20 have adopted her words of wisdom and use21 it this very day. I have learned many22 things from that statement as I apply it23 to my life. I have learned, one,24 prioritizing; two, to work well and25 26 219 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 effectively under pressure; three, to2 never allow my situation to stop me from3 reaching my destiny. I learned to press4 on.5 The Philadelphia Museum of Art6 planted a seed of empowerment. I was7 strengthened. I learned that there is8 nothing that can hold me back unless I9 hold myself back. I understood that10 circumstances will arise. I saw11 situations on the left side of me, but my12 destiny in front of me. I have learned13 to reach forward and to deal with14 circumstances at another time. I call15 that multi-tasking.16 The Philadelphia Museum of Art17 has planted a seed of hope and a better18 life. I met a colleague who a year later19 became my husband. I walked into the20 Philadelphia Museum of Art with nothing,21 but walked out with dignity, art22 educated, a new apartment and a husband,23 which led to children. The experience24 empowered me to write a book called "In25 26 220 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Prison With No Walls," which I hope will2 be published soon, and to begin planning3 an organization called "Redeemed4 Empowerment Incorporated."5 The Philadelphia Museum of Art6 is art within itself, painted with7 non-traditional colors of diversity and8 culture. This represents the new era and9 generation of today. The Philadelphia10 Museum of Art stood before the change and11 stands today as the product of the fruits12 of change.13 Thank you.14
I will21 tell you, I worked at the Philadelphia22 Museum of Art when I was very young, and23 one of the employees there inspired me to24 go back to Temple, and I got my degree25 26 221 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 while I was there. So it's a wonderful2 place to work. You learn an awful lot.3 And I thank you, Gail and the4 Philadelphia Museum of Art, for giving5 her an opportunity. She seems like a6 young lady who knows her destiny.7 I'm looking forward to your8 future. We will follow you, and keep in9 touch with us and let us know how you're10 doing.11
Thank you,14 and God bless both of you. Thank you.15 We wish the Museum well. Thank you.16
Thank you.18 COUNCILWOMAN TASCO:19 Councilwoman Blackwell.20 Oneisha, I didn't get a21 husband, but I had a husband. That's a22 nice inspiration.23 Councilwoman Blackwell has a24 comment for you.25 26 222 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
I just2 wanted to agree with the sentiments of3 the Chair, minus the last one she made,4 and I never worked there, but all the5 rest were just fine. Thank you. That's6 true, too, I did have one as well.7 Thank you.8
It's a9 great, great place to work. I learned so10 much.11 Give us a minute. We're going12 to take our picture.13 (Pause.)14
We were15 inspired by her testimony and certainly16 wish her well in her future. And she's17 young and she's going to go a long way,18 and I'm going to live a long time so I19 can watch her, watch her grow.20 We have the Coalition for21 Essential Services.22 (Witnesses approached witness23 table.)24
We'll introduce4 ourselves. First, my name is Andre5 Butler. I am a member of the Coalition6 for Essential Services, also a member of7 the Philadelphia Unemployment Project and8 a member of TURN.9
Good afternoon,11 Councilwoman Tasco and Councilwoman12 Blackwell and Councilman Jones and13 Councilman Greenlee. I'm Jonathan Stein,14 general counsel at Community Legal15 Services.16
Good afternoon,17 Councilwoman Tasco and all of the18 Councilmembers. My name is Louise19 Carpino. I'm the President of Local 810,20 AFSCME DC 47.21
Thank you.22 We appreciate your testimony.23 Don't forget, Councilmembers24 listen in their offices. I was doing an25 26 224 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 expo this morning, and before I went, I2 was watching it on television. So we are3 paying attention. You might not see us.4 We've been in here every day all day,5 trying to answer the phone calls.6 Thank you.7
For the record, on11 behalf of the Coalition, we thank you for12 such -- Councilwoman Tasco, we were also13 informed of that, that the hearings were14 better attended this year and that you15 are listening this year. So we thank you16 for that, very much so.17 The Coalition for Essential18 Services basically was formed --19
Yes, ma'am.22 We were formed because the23 people of this city need a voice, and24 they needed something to be able to speak25 26 225 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 when it seemed that there was only one2 person speaking, and that was the3 executive branch. And so we're here to4 give what seems to be the voice of the5 people. And the voice of the people is,6 if they're going to be increasing taxes,7 fair taxes, progressive taxes and no8 service cuts. I was very encouraged.9 I've been here since this morning. I10 heard District Council 33 talking this11 morning. I was very encouraged to hear12 those particularly were asking the13 Council to look at cutting some of the14 waste before they look at raising taxes15 and/or cutting workers. We're encouraged16 by that. We hope that Council listened17 very diligently to what DC 33 had to say18 this morning.19 But we know in order to20 preserve the service cuts, there has to21 be some raising of revenues, and so we22 have a couple of very good proposals. We23 are thankful that Councilwoman Sanchez24 proposed her bill yesterday, but we'd25 26 226 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 like to go a little bit farther than2 that.3 A couple of them would be, on4 the business, we know that the gross5 receipts tax is a very regressive tax on6 small businesses, but we have a7 suggestion. Our suggestion would be to8 roll back the gross receipts tax from the9 present rate of 0.014 to 0.028. That's10 about, I guess, a hundredth of a cent11 roughly or maybe ten-hundredths of a12 cent. It's not that much. But if you do13 that and you also exempt small businesses14 who make upwards of a half a million15 dollars, you can still raise $70 million,16 and that would still not be a burden on17 the small businesses and that would still18 help keep health centers open, rec19 centers open, not have the cuts in the20 labor force. It would be something that21 we think would be very progressive as22 opposed to being regressive.23 Also, on the wage tax, if we24 rolled back the wage tax to a very small25 26 227 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 percentage, that also -- because we want2 to get the taxes where they're spread3 around to everybody, not just on4 people -- not just on the hardship on the5 poor.6 So these are things we'd like7 for Council to consider, and we think if8 they do these things, we could have less9 or no service cuts and have a more10 broader based tax system in the City.11 I will pass the mike on to12 counsel Jonathan Stein.13
Thank you,15 Councilwoman Tasco. I'm Jonathan Stein,16 general counsel at CLS.17 I have earlier given testimony,18 which is essentially the theme of19 preserving essential services through20 fair and equitable taxation, and I'd like21 to just limit my remarks this afternoon22 to just where we are today. And where we23 are today is with the City Council's24 proposal as an alternative to the25 26 228 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Mayor's. And with due respect to the2 Council proposal, which I know has3 reflected a lot of thinking and an effort4 to be fair in taxation, I don't think5 that proposal will ultimately succeed. I6 think it has some weaknesses that are7 obvious to all of us.8 A state sales tax requires9 state legislation, and we have no idea10 whether this Legislature with one of the11 houses --12
Yes, it is, but I'm18 just saying relying on any state19 legislation is probably an iffy20 proposition for any revenue increase.21
And on the $20024 million loan, as creative an idea as that25 26 229 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 is, I think it has some real serious2 costs, and I think it's obviously going3 to get the strong opposition of the City4 Administration. And because of that, I5 think there's a real need to think6 seriously about spreading revenue7 increases across the board, particularly8 in the business privilege tax and wage9 tax area, and that they have to be10 seriously considered and for business11 privilege -- and one has to remember that12 part of the reason why we're in the13 predicament that we are now is that in14 the last ten years, we've cut precisely15 these two taxes, wage and business16 privilege, by $1.2 billion, billion with17 a B. And there's no reason why given the18 crisis we're in we shouldn't consider a19 temporary rollback for a few years in20 both these taxes to make up the revenue21 we need.22 Wage taxes, just to say the23 obvious, we know are paid in part by24 commuters who are non-residents. There's25 26 230 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 a one-half percent difference between2 what residents and non-residents pay.3 That half percent can be eliminated again4 on a, quote, temporary basis to make up5 the shortfall.6 And with regard to the casino7 money that requires the two percent8 threshold to be met in revenue9 shortfalls, if indeed one believes the10 figure of 1.97, just short of two11 percent, I think one could make a12 prediction that as this recession13 continues -- and we're not going to get14 out of this for a long time -- we will be15 meeting that two percent figure quite16 soon, which would allow that casino money17 to be redirected to something other than18 wage tax reduction.19 (Bell rung.)20
So in conclusion, I21 would say I think we need to seriously22 consider as an alternative wage and23 business privilege tax, and we hope the24 Council will give some consideration to25 26 231 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that.2
I'd like to first5 testify on behalf of my membership, Local6 810.7 I'd like to thank all of City8 Council for their attention to our9 issues, and most especially10 Councilmembers Curtis Jones, Jr., Wilson11 Goode, Jr., Bill Green, Maria12 Quinones-Sanchez, Jannie Blackwell, Donna13 Reed Miller, Blondell Reynolds Brown,14 Bill Greenlee, Marian Tasco and Council15 President Anna Verna. Local 810 hopes16 that all of Council's questions that were17 posed at the FJD budget hearings will18 soon be answered.19 The courts have communicated20 again to Local 810 that the Mayor's 201021 proposed budget for the FJD could result22 in the layoffs of 76 adult23 probation/parole officers and/or pretrial24 court officers and the layoffs of 3525 26 232 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 juvenile probation and/or domestic2 relations hearing officers.3 Our members are supervising4 over 60,000 adult offenders in the5 community, over 5,000 juvenile offenders6 and also conduct 2,500 support hearings7 weekly, ensuring that the children of8 Philadelphia receive essential child9 support.10 All of these departments are11 currently understaffed due to last year's12 budget cuts and a history of declining13 funding for the courts from the City.14 Additionally, the proposed15 budget could force the courts to close16 for two days a month. That's already17 backlogged, and this could be extremely18 dangerous and create the very distinct19 possibility that violent, dangerous20 offenders' cases could be thrown out21 simply because they're not presented in22 time.23 The proposed cuts to the courts24 will dramatically impact the supervision25 26 233 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 of adult and juvenile offenders in the2 community and also the essential support3 for our children. These are safety and4 health issues that cannot and should not5 be ignored.6 Local 810 today is asking City7 Council not to let these risky cuts8 happen. Local 810 is asking9 Councilmembers to ensure that the Adult,10 Pretrial, Juvenile and Domestic Relations11 Departments within the courts be funded12 adequately so that offenders can be13 properly supervised in the communities14 and that children's essential support15 orders be made.16 Thank you for all the support17 you've shown for our members. Our18 members know that this City Council cares19 about their work and the important way20 that this work impacts public safety in21 our communities.22
This is testimony25 26 234 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 about the taxes and the budget.2 I'm testifying on behalf of the3 Coalition for Essential Services.4 The Coalition has offered5 specific principles concerning6 maintaining City services and funding7 those services through fair and balanced8 taxes. Our flyers with specific9 proposals have been distributed to10 Councilmembers.11 I would like to emphasize the12 need for City Council to pass a budget13 which is fully funded by taxes and other14 fees over which the City has control.15 (Bell rung.)16
Our Coalition is17 very concerned about the City's reliance18 on an increased sales tax as the major19 source of revenue to fund the 2010 budget20 in both proposed budgets, whether it is21 the Mayor's or City Council's. Since the22 state budget with any enabling23 legislation is not likely to be passed24 until the end of June and the City budget25 26 235 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 is due to be acted upon by the end of2 May, the Coalition is very concerned that3 any City Council budget action without4 approval by the state authorizing the5 40-year pension amortization or sales tax6 increase would permit the Mayor to enact7 a contingency budget with massive cuts in8 City services, including layoffs of9 employees providing those necessary10 services and would create untold harm to11 the citizens of Philadelphia. The Mayor,12 Councilmembers and citizens have said13 that tax increases should be fair and14 equally shared. However, there has not15 been discussion about rolling back16 business tax or wage tax reductions. We17 believe legislation was introduced on May18 7th concerning business and wage taxes.19 We welcome that legislation and will20 encourage City Council to enact rollbacks21 in those reductions, reductions which22 have created the loss of 1.2 billion in23 revenues since Fiscal Year 2000. This is24 roughly the deficit the Mayor states the25 26 236 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 City faces over the next five years.2 We ask that all options for3 fair taxation be considered so that City4 services can be restored to their former5 level, no cuts in services occur, and6 those who can best afford to pay taxes7 pay their fair share.8 Thank you very much for the9 opportunity to speak today.10
You're11 welcome. Thank you very much for your12 testimony. We appreciate it.13 We have Philadelphia14 Unemployment Project -- oh, I'm sorry.15 Please forgive me.16 Councilman Goode has a17 question. I didn't see his name over18 here.19
I was not25 26 237 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 going to give up the opportunity to talk2 taxes with you, particularly since you3 were a member of the Tax Reform4 Commission. And during your tenure on5 the Tax Reform Commission, did you study6 the City Controller's tax structural7 analysis of 2001?8
I think we must9 have at that point. We're talking about10 something about six years ago. Yeah.11
Are you12 familiar with how Philadelphia compares13 to other cities in terms of the different14 taxes in terms of how high our taxes are15 versus others?16
I have some passing17 familiarity. I would have to review a18 lot of material to really answer your19 question, I think.20
While the21 data from the tax structural analysis22 report is somewhat dated, I'm sure that23 it has not changed that much until24 recently when, of course, tax rates have25 26 238 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 changed across the nation, but if you2 look at the sales tax in the major U.S.3 cities, Philadelphia ranks sixteenth. If4 you look at the resident income tax,5 Philadelphia ranks tenth highest. If you6 look at residential property tax,7 Philadelphia ranks seventh highest. If8 you look at business gross receipts tax,9 Philadelphia ranks the fifth highest. If10 you look at the general business income11 tax, Philadelphia ranks the second12 highest, according to the report. Would13 that change anything in terms of your14 testimony?15
Nothing, no,16 because -- I mean, rankings nationally17 are really an interesting, more18 academic -- maybe of academic interest19 than practical interest. I think what's20 key is that we want the fair21 apportionment of taxation among different22 groups in the City. We have a community23 of people in the City where everyone has24 to feel that everyone pays their fair25 26 239 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 share. If a whole community of people,2 let's say, businesses as a community, are3 not seen as bearing any additional4 burden, I think there's something5 basically unfair about that, and6 particularly for the business tax, when7 we know that many of those taxpayers are8 out-of-City businesses, they're large9 businesses, they're businesses that will10 never move into the City, and why11 shouldn't we roll back a tax cut for Sony12 or a Coors Beer. You can go down the13 list of lots of large companies.14
I was not15 speaking about any specific taxes in16 terms of what we should or should not do,17 but in terms of whether you believe our18 ranking compared to other cities makes a19 difference in terms of how we make our20 decisions in the end.21
I don't think so.22 I think you are independent enough to say23 what's fair without respect to what other24 cities are doing. I mean, look, New York25 26 240 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 City got rid of its ten-year tax2 abatement on real estate. That may be a3 model that you feel is compelling to4 follow here to deal with tightening your5 tax abatement, but I think you6 nevertheless have to make a decision of7 what's right for Philadelphia, what's8 fair for Philadelphia and make your9 judgment based on that score.10
A second11 question not based just upon tax rates12 but in terms of what cities use in terms13 of where they draw their revenue from,14 the same report says that the top ten15 cities other than Philadelphia on average16 drew about five percent of their revenue17 from business income, but Philadelphia18 draws 12 percent of its revenue from19 business income.20 The same report said that the21 other cities among the top ten drew about22 six percent of their revenue from23 personal income, but Philadelphia draws24 about 33 percent of its revenue from25 26 241 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 personal income.2 And the same report says that3 among the top ten cities other than4 Philadelphia, they draw 62 percent of5 their revenue from property taxes, but6 Philadelphia draws 41 percent of its7 revenue from property taxes.8 Does that surprise you?9
I didn't ask12 whether it changed your views. I asked13 whether it surprised you at all, that14 there is that disparity between --15
Those numbers don't16 surprise me, no. But I still maintain17 that you have to make a decision of18 what's fair for the City and try to do19 your best to apportion taxes among all20 classes, all people in businesses and be21 wary that if you're relying on the state22 Legislature to adopt legislation to deal23 with taxes, it may be this year a weak24 read to rely on.25 26 242 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
So when you2 say that everything should be on the3 table and we should share the burden,4 you're saying that but we should not rely5 upon the sales tax?6
But you're8 suggesting we should not rely upon the9 sales tax or any tax that requires state10 authorization.11
Right. Right. I12 think that's a weak read as much as -- I13 know people have been invested in that as14 a budget item. I think one has to look15 to what taxes you really have control16 about, and you do control your business17 privilege tax, your wage tax and real18 estate tax.19
Well, some of it22 you do, and if that two percent level23 gets met and you can deal with the casino24 money, certainly the difference between25 26 243 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 residents and non-residents is within2 your power to adjust, and I think it3 would be appropriate to say to4 non-residents, Look, you have to adjust a5 bit for two or three years, that half6 percent difference between residents,7 non-residents has to go.8
Two things.9 One, we're not at the two percent yet, so10 we're not at the point where we can make11 that decision. And, second, we're never12 going to sell a non-resident tax13 increase.14
Well, you don't15 have to sell it. You can do it, and16 particularly if the state isn't17 forthcoming in some other areas that you18 feel they should be doing. They haven't19 been paying for the court system for20 years. So, I mean, they have a lot of21 IOUs to the City, and the question is22 what are we really getting for not23 equalizing the wage tax.24
I agree with25 26 244 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you, but the logic has been that if we2 take money from one pot, then they're3 basically going to take it back from4 another. In other words, we're asking5 them for hundreds of millions of dollars6 in terms of what we need in terms of7 revenue, in terms of the pension workout8 and in terms of the sales tax, and so if9 we do something else on wage, we're in10 trouble of losing that.11
No. I understand12 that's a dicy area, but I'm just saying13 that whether you address the non-resident14 issue or not, some rollback of the wage15 tax cuts I think is in order just because16 of the crisis we're in.17
Once we18 reach two percent, which may not be19 before July 1st.20
Well, maybe you21 plan for the likelihood that you'll be22 reaching two percent sooner than people23 think on the second floor.24
Okay. Thank25 26 245 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you, Mr. Stein.2
Thank you,4 Madam Chair.5 COUNCILWOMAN TASCO:6 Unemployment Project, please. Thank you.7 (Witness approached witness8 table.)9
Right.13 My name again is Andre Butler.14 I am the Vice-Chair of the Philadelphia15 Unemployment Project, being reelected16 again last night.17
I'm glad to see24 the Councilmen that are here, Greenlee,25 26 246 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Curtis Jones, Councilman Goode,2 Ms. Miller, yourself.3 I was here, I guess it was, a4 month ago when there was the budget5 hearings for the Health Department, and I6 was very pleased to hear especially the7 ones that are present in this room today8 making it very adamant that they were9 quite upset that there even was a Plan B10 being considered about closing a health11 center, and that there was talk of12 possibly charging fees even though13 supposedly there's some federal law about14 that they always should have been15 charged.16 I recall Councilwoman Blackwell17 saying that at some point we as leaders18 have to make an ethical and moral19 decision when it comes to things like20 that about charging fees that charge or21 doing anything that we think is morally22 and ethically incorrect, even if there23 was a law involved. I was very pleased24 to hear that. So was my organization.25 26 247 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 The health centers -- I use2 Health Center 10. And I'm a caterer.3 I'm a banquet server. I have no health4 insurance. There are many days, many5 days where the decision is between the6 token for the bus fare or the medication,7 the token for the bus fare or going to8 the health center. Many days. And if9 the fees were charged, countless numbers10 of our clients have to make that same11 decision, if not a worse decision. Do I12 pay the $5 for the co-pay or do I get a13 convenience pass or tokens to go to work.14 That's a decision I don't think anybody15 in this room would like to see citizens16 of this city have to make.17 The health center is a very18 vital part of our city. I think we need19 more health centers. Health Center 10 is20 the busiest in the City, and it covers21 the whole Northeast. It's way, way, way22 overloaded. And to think about cutting23 or possibly closing that one or any24 health center, I think it's totally25 26 248 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 unconscionable for the City of Brotherly2 Love.3 So I would encourage the City4 to look at the possibility, as some of my5 colleagues were saying -- keep one thing6 in mind. Over the past 13 years when it7 comes to taxes, the City has lost over a8 billion dollars in tax revenues. And9 think about where that money could have10 actually gone and what it could have11 actually done and how it could have12 possibly saved us from the financial ruin13 in which we now are.14 So I'm thankful, and I would15 like to continue to urge the Council, the16 people that have spoken out in favor of17 not closing health centers to keep18 championing that particular effort. We19 at the Unemployment Project will stand20 100 percent behind you, and we look21 forward to this city being more vibrant22 than what it is now.23 Thank you.24
Thank you.25 26 249 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Thank you for taking the time to testify2 with both groups, and thank you.3
Next we5 have Ms. Madeline Shikomba.6 (Witness approached witness7 table.)8
Well, you15 can say that when you open your16 testimony.17
That's19 fine.20 Would you identify yourselves,21 please, for the record.22
My name is Vivek23 Ananthan, V-I-V-E-K, A-N-A-N-T-H-A-N.24 It's an Asian name.25 26 250 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 I've been living in the City2 since 1972. That's about 37 years. And3 that actually give me a lot of chances to4 know what's going on around here.5 When I came in 1972, there were6 2.2 million people. Now it's been7 reduced to 1.5 million. That gives us a8 lot of indication what's going on within9 the leadership and the City since.10 But at any rate, I don't want11 to get into so many details. But I have12 seen the good part and the bad part in13 this city, but right now what I'm going14 to do is, I'm going to represent the15 Don't Tax Me Out campaign, and we are16 making the following proposals. These17 proposals are not new. You have probably18 had them presented by previous speakers,19 and they're likely to be restated again20 by future speakers.21 These proposals are designed to22 ensure that the current City crisis is23 shared by everyone and not24 disproportionately placed on the backs of25 26 251 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the long-term residents, senior citizens,2 middle class, the working class and the3 poor.4 The proposals: Eliminate5 current and existing tax abatement;6 introduce a land value tax; retain7 business privilege tax; reduce City8 Council's jobs and Mayor's staff; and9 drop full down retirement plan for10 Council; release non-violent offenders.11 Furloughs: City workers are12 asked to take a three-day furlough. It13 will fall on the holiday. Since most14 City workers do not work on the holidays,15 there will be little or no disruptions of16 services.17 Reductions in the City Council18 and the Mayor's Office: The Mayor has19 proposed some reduction in his job.20 However, there has been no mention21 that -- we are suggesting a cut in staff22 salary. A five percent cut in all staff23 earning over 75,000 is suggested.24 It is suggested that City25 26 252 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Council reduce its budget by asking all2 staff and Councilmembers who earn over3 75,000 to take a five percent cut.4 A review of the job serving5 each Council: Members range four to 126 staff members with a budget range of as7 low as 37,500 to as high as 5308 thousand -- I'm sorry; 530,700. This9 excludes the staff of Council President10 and the Minority and Majority Whips. Why11 is there such a disparity?12 Furthermore, why do legislative13 aides who work for City Council earn as14 much or in some cases more than members15 of City Council? Why is this?16 Eliminate the use of City17 Council cars. City Council be encouraged18 to use their own vehicles for City19 business and be reimbursed for mileage.20 Many businesses, including the federal21 government, does this. These are hard22 times, and the City can't afford to23 continue this practice at this time.24 This adds to the burden that the25 26 253 5/8/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 taxpayers must bear.2 Thank you.3