Stated Meeting, June 13, 2024

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 13, 2024 10:18 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Last day at Council session. Very, very exciting day. We welcome you to City Council. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council is now coming to order. Our members will please take your seats. All visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. I'm going to ask for any sidebar conversations to please be taken outside the chambers, and I will ask that all of those who are present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Mohammad R. Chowdhury, Mufti Raihan, Founder and Principal of Global Islamic Education, Khatib and Religious Director of Masjid Al-Madinah Upper Darby Islamic Center USA, and Principal of Al-Madinah Islamic Academy and School in Upper Darby. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. I will ask that all members and guests please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)

May God bless you all. This is a great honor for me to join this event. Today I'm going to recite a few verses from the Holy Quran reminding to be successful here and hereafter. (Arabic Translation). I start in the name of Allah, most merciful. Allah 3, Verse No. 185, Every soul will test death and you will receive your full reward on the day of judgment. Thus, one who is saved from the hellfire and admitted to the paradise, indeed he is successful. Remember, this worldly life is but a deceiving enjoyment. You will be tested through your wealth and your life. Allah Almighty says in Chapter 87, Verse 14 to 19, Successful indeed are those who purify themselves. Remember the name of their God and pray, but unfortunately you prefer the life of this world only, even though the hereafter is far better and more lasting. This is certainly mentioned in earlier scripture, the scripture of Abraham and Moses. In Chapter 3, Verse 64, Allah Almighty says, O Prophet, Muhammad say, O People of Book, let us come to common terms, that we worship none but Allah, associate none with Him, nor take one another as lords instead of Allah. But if still they turn away, then say, Bear witness that we have submitted, to Almighty Allah. We pray, may Allah gain and grant successful for all of us here and hereafter. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

The Chair thanks the gentleman for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6, 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6, 2024 stand approved. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.

The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.

Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the Minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.

The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar to today's session.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in the chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, we welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. As there are no presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeantat-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor in her possession to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.

I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable body a resolution approving the re-appointment of Reverend Bonnie Camarda as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and A resolution approving the appointment of Erin Dwyer as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: 240181 and 240182. 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 240336 not for approval; 240382, 240415, 240421, approval with amendments; 244023, 240425, 240426, 240427, 45-day hold; 240431, 240432, 240435, 240473, approval with amendments; 240493, 240495, 240496, 240497 and 240499. And I am pleased to advise you that on June 12, 2024 I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at session on May 30, 2024: Bill Nos. 240005, 240187, 240220-A, 240241, 240245, 240303, 240383, 240423, 240425, 240431 and 240435. Council President, there are no other communications in my possession.

Thank you very much. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.

Good morning, Philadelphia. Good morning, Council President Johnson and colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions for introduction today. God bless.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one non-privileged resolution and would like to be recognized after the Chief Clerk reads the resolution.

Would the Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.

A resolution authorizing the creation of a Not-for-Profit Provider Task Force to review the City's contract and procurement processes with nonprofit providers and proposed recommendations for improved business practices.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I humbly move and request that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Calendar. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion passes. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Good morning, Council President. Today I have four non-privileged resolutions and nine non-privileged resolutions on your behalf.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution also naming the 4,000 block of Baring Street at the intersection of North Preston Street "Yolanda LaneyBasketball Way" to honor Yolanda Laney, Esq., for her trailblazing in women's basketball and contributions to the next generation of women players.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And also naming the 3600 block of West Warren Street "Coach Lurline Jones U-City Way," to honor Coach Lurline Jones and her long history of coaching and mentorship in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the consideration at our next session of Council.

Also naming the 6200 block of West Pine Street "Westside Weekly Way" to honor the Westside Weekly newspaper and its impact on West Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And also naming the 1400 block of South 55th Street between Springfield Avenue and Chester Avenue as "Mont Brown Way" to honor Mont Brown and his dedicated community service to Southwest Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And the resolutions on your behalf, Council President, approving the re-appointment of Reverend Bonnie Camarda as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution appointing the appointment of Erin Dwyer as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the appointment of Darrell Clarke as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Ethel Wise as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Lynette M. BrownSow as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Ismail A. Shahid as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Herbert Wetzel as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Asia Coney as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the appointment of Sandra Dungee Glenn as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion concerning the resolutions just read.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the consideration of the four non-privileged resolutions introduced on my behalf and the nine non-privileged resolutions introduced on your behalf that were just read into the record by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I have two resolutions. One on your behalf, Council President.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigate the incidence, rate, impacts and outcomes of homeless students in the School District of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution introduced on your behalf calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to enact House Bill 2370 to fairly fund schools in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth to ensure fair allocation of resources for all students.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged and two non-privileged resolutions, and I'd like to be recognized after one.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged and non-privileged resolutions.

And two bills, correct, Councilman?

Oh, excuse me. Two privileged resolutions and two bills.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.

An ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-524, entitled "/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District," to add provisions related to affordable housing, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," to add a chapter requiring individuals with responsibility for determination or evaluation of means and methods used during construction or demolition to provide notification to the City upon becoming aware of a violation or law or a substandard practice that presents a substantial threat of serious bodily injury or damage to property and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution honoring Masjid Quba and the Quba Institute for their work organizing Quba International, Senegal, an initiative to enhance education in West Africa further welcoming Senegalese Minister for Education, Moustapha Guirassy, to the United States.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Anthony Glass for his outstanding work as a Legislative Director for the office of Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., and wishing him luck with his future endeavors at the University of Notre Dame Law School. (Applause.)

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau -- sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.

Yes. Briefly, Mr. President, thank you. Joining us today are also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Glass. We want to give them a round of applause for coming down. Please stand. (Applause.)

We also want to recognize the hefty, hefty bill they will be paying. So thank you very much, Mr. President.

You're welcome. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.

Yes. As Fox Chase residents, the Glass family, I'd be remiss if I didn't welcome them to City Council and tell them how impressed we are with the son they raised. And I think I speak for the whole Council. That's an easy one for me. And good luck, Anthony. (Applause.)

Salute. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues and guests. I have two privileged resolutions today.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution authorizing Joint City Council Committees on Education and Children and Youth to hold hearings exploring the creation of a School District of Philadelphia Chief of Joy.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Joy Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia's James Beard Restaurant and Media Award winners Vietnam Restaurant; Inquirer critic Craig LeBan, photographer Jessica Griffin and authors David Suro, Gary Paul Nabhan and Danny Childs.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada.

Thank you, Council President. Today I offer two privileged resolutions.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the humanitarian efforts of the Puerto Rican community who rally to protect family, friends and the island of Puerto Rico during cataclysmic hurricanes, earthquakes and any major disasters that strike.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing June 2024 as Children's Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and three privileged resolutions.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions please.

An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, replacement and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 615 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19123, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing the 10th through the 13th days of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijr as "Eid al-Adha" in the City of Philadelphia during June 2024.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And recognizing the month of August 2024 as Public Safety Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing the week of June 17th through June 23rd as "Sanitation Workers Week" in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.

Thank you, Council President. I have five privileged resolutions to introduce today.

Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.

A privileged resolution commemorating and celebrating June 19th as Juneteenth, when final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was ordered in Texas, marking the end of enslavement of Black and brown people in the United States.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Joint City Council Committees on Education and Children and Youth to hold hearings on the prevalence of the usage of exclusionary school discipline and the use of collective punishment practices in public schools across Philadelphia, and on how these and other policies and practices perpetuate antiBlackness and anti-Black racism and harm students academically, socially, emotionally to the detriment of their health, wellbeing and future life outcomes.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Maurice Mitchell, a community organizer, social movement strategist and national leader in the Movement for Black lives and the National Director of the Working Families Party, on the occasion of his visit to Philadelphia. (Applause.)

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution declaring the month of July as Disability Pride Month in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the team creating the Autism Play Date for their work on autism awareness, and inviting all to attend the Autism Play Date at Smith Memorial Park this August.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

I have no bills or resolutions today, Council President.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.

Thank you, Council President. I do have two privileged resolutions to introduce today.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the labors of brotherly love, sisterly effectiveness and sibling solidarity committed by Aid Workers who have crossed rivers and oceans and tears to feed the hungry, to build shelter, to bring music and to bring healing and warmth and compassion to those in the greatest need.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Palestinian theologian and educator, Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, the Pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour, Dean of Bethlehem Bible College, Director of the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference, and Coordinator of Global Kairos for Justice. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.

Thank you, Council President. Simply want to say that we are honored to be joined today by the Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac.

Can you stand, sir?

Say again?

Could he stand?

Yes, please. Dr. Munther, please stand. (Applause.)

Week after week we have heard testimony, family members, concerned citizens raising awareness about what's happening in the Middle East. We have here today joined with us clergy who is in, as they say, the throes of all that's going on literally pastoring a church in the place where Jesus was born, and is known for his work and his preaching that reminded us that if you're asking where God is in the midst of all this, God is under the rubble. So we're thankful to have Dr. Isaac here with us today and I'm honored to honor him today as well. (Applause.)

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll.

Morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.

Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills. An ordinance amending Chapter 12-1100, ("Miscellaneous Regulations and Penalties") and Chapter 12-2800 ("Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations") of The Philadelphia Code, making revisions to disability parking space standards and procedures, creating an application process for residential disability parking spaces limited for use by a specific person with disability, creating a new administrative hearing process, and amending applicable penalties.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a bill continuing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, in the area that generally includes both sides of Frankford Avenue from the west side of Delaware Avenue to the southwest side of Lehigh Avenue, both sides of North Front Street from the north side of Poplar Street to the south side of Diamond Street, both sides of East Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue continuing to the west side of East Berks Street, the north side of West Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue to North 2nd Street, and the south side of West Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue to Howard Street, and certain blocks of streets that intersect portions of these streets; approving an extension of the boundaries of the District to include North Front Street from Montgomery Street to Diamond Street, East Girard Avenue from East Fletcher Street to East Berks Street, and the north side of West Girard Avenue from Front Street to North 2nd Street; continuing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, as the neighborhood improvement district management association for the District; approving a plan for and report concerning the District; authorizing the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to execute an agreement with the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District relating to the District; and re-authorizing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District to assess property owners within the District a special property assessment fee to be used in accordance with the approved plan; all in accordance with the provisions of the Community and Economic Improvement Act, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three privileged resolutions, one on your behalf.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution calling upon Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement as well as the United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Human Services to investigate and prevent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud for those in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a resolution recognizing and commending the Save the Train Coalition for the preservation of Philadelphia SEPTA services in the community's time of need.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution on your behalf honoring and recognizing the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity for being a pillar of strength and symbol of hope for Philadelphia through its social justice activism. (Applause.)

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm honored to offer this resolution on your behalf. And I just really wanted to recognize Bishop Lewis -- the President Bishop Lewis Felton, if he is here. I did not see --

Can the members of Black Clergy please stand?

Or the members of the Black Clergy, Philadelphia Black Clergy. (Applause.)

And so, Bishop Felton has long been a pillar and the Black Clergy has been a pillar of strength in our community. Always a guiding light when things seem at their darkest in the City of Philadelphia. And so, I just really wanted to recognize him and thank them for the work they do. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.

Thank You, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

As there are no reports from Committee today, we will now go to the consideration of bills on our Calendar. 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read Bill No. 240242.

Bill No. 240242 on first reading, is an ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-524, entitled "/FDO Fourth District Overlay District," to establish use, regulations on medical facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final 2ND READING Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the following resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar: Nos. 240168, 240487, 240535, 240536, 240537, 240538, 240539, 240540, 240541, 240552, 240584, 240585, 240586, 240589, 240594, 240595 and 240602.

Is there a second? (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. 2ND READING All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. We will consider the resolution consent agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: Nos. 240332, 240385, 2ND READING 240415, 240421, 240426, 240305, 240380, 240382, 240384, 240418, 240419, 240420, 240424, 240469, 240473, 240475, 240493, 240495, 240496, 240497, 240414, 240468, 240474, 240476, 240498, 240429 and 240433. The following bills on the Calendar are being held: 240368. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

2ND READING The ayes have it. The motion carries and we will consider the bills on the consent agenda shortly. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up any additional bills and resolutions on our regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you again, Mr. President. In addition to the bills and resolutions being considered on the consent agenda, the following bills and resolutions are on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today: Nos. 240598, 240604, 240179, 240180, 240181, 240182, 240492, 240058, 240157, 240466, 240372, 240373, 240374, 240375, 240376, 240377, 240378, 240379, 240416, 240417, 240467, 240470, 240494, 240428-A, 240434, 240371, 240500 and 240018. The following bills are being held: 240427.

Thank you. Before considering the bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hassen at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Y'all ready for the summer? Council is resumed. Today the time limit will be two minutes due to the volume of individuals who be public commenting. In order to be fair, all those wishing to speak I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes has passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

Rusina Rodriguez. May Maria Diaz, Olivia Rodriguez and Veronica Perez also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

You can begin your testimony.

Rusina will be delivering her testimony in Spanish and I will deliver the same testimony in English for her.

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation). Good morning, Councilmembers. My name is Rusina Rodriguez and I'm the organizer for the Latino community with the National Domestic Workers Alliance in Pennsylvania. I worked for 10 years for cleaning houses and in this industry, there are many abuses by employers and it is necessary to have better laws and protections for all workers in Philadelphia, not just domestic workers. It is very sad to know that we do not have the budget for the Office of Work Protection under the Department of Labor that we fought so hard for.

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation.) This office does not have the staff to be able to respond to our complaints when employers do not respect the laws and we have to wait months to get a response. I am deeply concerned about the safety of workers because we are essential and we contribute much to the economic growth of the entire City of Philadelphia because we contribute with taxes even without an immigration status. Our contribution is vital to economic development.

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation). Leaving workers without protections is terrible because they cannot defend their rights. We have a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights that is not respected by employees. Having fully funded Office of Worker Protections helps us to have a quick response to complaints, filed materials in different languages and to be able to educate workers and employers.

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation). I'm disappointed by this budget decision, but we'll continue to fight for more protections to protect all workers against retaliation, and we will be introducing this law this coming fall. And remember, every single worker needs to be protected. Thank you so much for your time to listen to our testimony. (Applause.)

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation). Good morning. My name is Ms. Maria Carmen Diaz, and I'm a member and leader of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I come from Mexico and have been a house cleaner, caregiver of children and the elderly for 27 years. Today I'm here raising my voice and expressing my feelings. I'm very sad to see that the City budget approved not only did not fully fund the Office of Worker Protections but also cut the money by close to $470,000 from last year's budget. This is unacceptable. We have to keep fighting to get this budget. It is not fair that most of the working people in this City go through wage theft abuse. We are essential. The City cannot ignore us. We trust the Office of Worker Protections. We are tired of threats of immigration. We are tired of retaliation and losing our jobs for defending our rights. The City Council approved labor legislation that is applauded all over the country. However, it has again left those mandates unfunded and unenforced. It is so shameful that the Office of Worker Protection is in such a condition even though we know how much Philadelphia has grown. This office has one fulltime employee for every 197,000 workers, and although the staff works very hard with this shortage of funds means a lot to us. And after this failure of this budget, we believe you owe workers this protection. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation of testimony.) Good morning. My name is Olivia Rodriguez and I'm a member and leader of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I was a nanny for over five years and now I continue to be a domestic worker as a house cleaner with over a decade of experience. Today I'm here to express my feelings of disappointment and discontent about the City budget with the support for the Office of Worker Protections. As a domestic worker, I feel it is important that our Office of Worker Protections is fully funded. We have to wait months to see a response and it is not fair that the budget is cut even below last year's levels. This is not fair to us workers because the impact of the lack of funding for all workers in Philadelphia continues to affect us because of the lack of labor protections. The Bill of Rights that we already have must be respected by our employers. As domestic workers, we suffer from discrimination, wage theft, total lack of benefits and no overtime. When our work is cancelled, we are not given advanced notice despite having already paid for transportation costs. We are invisibilized and this budget cut invisibilized us even further. In my case, I would like you to support us in order to win our campaign against retaliation because even though we obtained the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, employers continue to violate these labor laws. We need your support in order to win our campaign in the fall when we introduce the new Anti-retaliation legislation. I ask you to please support us and I appreciate your time. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation of testimony.) Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Veronica Perez and I'm a mother and community leader and I am part of the Restaurant Worker Committee, El Committee. I am here because I feel completely cheated by the budget approved by the City Council. I came here to City Council in April and told all of you about the intense experience with sexual harassment in the restaurant industry and how I had no support system. I am appalled that the City budget passed and not only did not fully fund the Office of Worker Protections but there was also an additional cut of $447,000 below last year's budget for the Department of Labor. Sexual harassment is rampant in the restaurant industry. Now, workers like me who experience harassment in restaurants will have even less support from the City. It is your role to provide us with these protections. Elected officials have absolutely failed the low-wage, non-union workers who rely on the City through the Office of Worker Protection to protect their labor rights. After the failure of this budget, we now depend on each of you to support new legislation to expand protections when we introduce them in the fall. You owe us these protections and we will remember the actions you take. Thank you. (Applause.)

We also have Maria Lelez and Rosalia Lerma.

I appreciate everyone's patience with language justice.

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation of testimony.) Good morning. My name is Maria and I'm from Mexico. I've been a cleaner for 18 years and have suffered labor abuses. I joined the National Domestic Workers Alliance because it gave me a light that things could change. Thanks to our Domestic Worker Bill of Rights we already feel a little bit of hope. Now, there's someone who supports us to take action. But today I'm very disappointed because the budget does not include the workers and cuts our dreams to make the Bill of Rights and other labor rights a reality. All we want is to work for a decent living. We need to do something drastic and stop these abusive bosses. The Councilmembers and the Mayor cut the budget for the Department of Labor which implements our rights and that is an attack on our rights. We are still seeing labor abuses. We need the City and also a new Antiretaliation law. It's the only way to confront these abusive employers. We want your support to pass our new law in the fall. It is a necessity for our city to feel protected. We have no real protection from retaliation when we fight for what rights we have in the job. Thank you for listening to us and we will still fight until we achieve the budget that Philadelphia needs. (Applause.)

(Testimony in Spanish).

(English translation of testimony). Hello. Good morning. My name is Rosalia Lerma and I've been working as a domestic worker in Philadelphia for 15 years. I am from Mexico and a leader of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I am here to share my disappointment and anger because we were not given the budget we were requesting. And on the contrary, the budget for the Department of Labor where the Office of Worker Protections is was reduced. We know that our domestic worker colleagues have waited up to six months for their labor abuse case to be investigated and now with these changes, it will be worse. We already know that the employers are not complying with the laws. There's still a lot of wage theft, humiliation, threats of deportation, discrimination, sexual harassment at work and retaliation even with death. Many people are afraid to file a claim with the government because they fear retaliation. While this budget decision made by the Administration even after I request for financial support, justice against these abuses will not be possible. They will not be able to put more personnel to do the necessary investigations. While we have felt that the government was not providing the necessary support for safe dignified and retaliation-free work, at this moment we feel even less protected. We will be counting on you to bring us the protection by supporting new legislation towards making sure worker abuse is taken seriously. We will see you when we introduce it in a few months. Thank you very much and I hope you listen to our pleas. (Applause.)

May Bishop J. Felton, President of the Black Clergy, please make their way to the podium. Then Maurice Mitchell, Nicole Klingerman and Kate Perez. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Bishop J. Louis Felton, President of the Philadelphia Black Clergy.

Thank you so kindly certainly to Councilwoman Cindy Bass and President Kenyatta Johnson, to the City Council. We, the members of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, are committed to making life better for all the citizens of our great community. We are interdenominational, interracial, ecumenical and we seek to serve through the mantra of servant leadership. We believe that leadership begins with a servant's heart. And so, we have with us a number of members of Black Clergy who have come today to accept your resolution. We appreciate you being involved with us. You were with us in January, Councilwoman Bass, for our celebration of Martin Luther King as well as our installation. September 11th, we will observe the anniversary of this attack upon America by honoring law enforcement and first responders. Our normal meetings will begin the 4th Thursday in September in Mt. Airy at 9:30 in the morning. We also will be observing Martin Luther King Celebration again the second Sunday in January 2025. We want to urge every citizen of our community to register and vote because this is one of the most critical elections that we will have in the history of America. Philadelphia is the birthplace of America. May God use us for a spiritual renaissance, a rebirthing, a commitment to freedom and justice for all people. Thank you, Councilwoman Bass. (Applause.)

Maurice Mitchell. Then Nicole Klingerman, Kate Perez and Adriana George. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good morning. My name is Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. (Applause.)

Good morning, members of Philadelphia City Council and members of the community. It's such an honor to be with you all. I am so grateful to be here and to be joined with members of the Working Families Party's Pennsylvania State Committee. State Committee members, our WFP friends, leaders and members of the Working Families Party, I am grateful to lead a party with representatives like Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks -(Applause.)

-- and Minority Whip Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke. (Applause.)

Our WFP reps have fought and won big for working people. We have the receipts. Eviction Diversion, the Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Act, legislation to protect community gardens, 19 million in rental assistance to keep people in their homes, increase -- yep, you can clap for that. (Applause.)

Increases in funding for Community College of Philadelphia, funding the Built to Last program. And today we're also voting out a resolution on the party's biggest legislative priority this year, fully funding our public education system and stopping Republican billionaire voucher schemes -(Applause.)

Those schemes use taxpayer dollars to fund private institutions with the false promise of saving students. And unfortunately, Pennsylvania has the widest funding gap between wealthy and poor school districts of any state in the country, with the wealthiest school district spending 33 percent more on each student than the poorest districts. Last year the Commonwealth Court found this system unconstitutional. The clear solution is fully funding our schools and not the voucher programs that Republicans are pushing, which primarily benefit wealthy families already sending their children to private schools. Vouchers do not remedy Pa's broken and unconstitutional school funding system. I -- you could clap for that. (Applause.)

I for one am proud to be a part of the WFP and to help build a party that delivers for working people every day. We've got to get to work. We hope that you will join us. Thank you. (Applause.)

Nicole Klingerman, Kate Perez. Then Adriana George. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Hi. My name is Nicole Klingerman and I'm the Pennsylvania Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. We represent the 16,000 nannies, house cleaners and caregivers in Philadelphia. And we're here also today to represent the 750,000 Working Philadelphians who depend on the Office of Worker Protections to protect their labor support and who were left on the cutting room floor at 2:00 a.m. in your budget negotiations. These workers have been here every single Thursday including today losing money that they absolutely don't have. Domestic workers make an average of $10,000 a year in this City. They are cut out of every level of labor protections because the codified legacy of enslavement in this country. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights that you all unanimously passed and complained to us every single Thursday that how would it be enforced, I'll tell you how it would be enforced. If you funded the Office of Worker Protections. We're asking for $2.6 million in a $5 billion budget and instead Council and Mayor Parker are cutting $469,000 from the poorest people, Black, Brown, undocumented, don't speak English, genderoppressed, single moms. For why? Like, whatever kind of political stuff happens in this building, to leave these women on the cutting room floor is absolutely unacceptable and it's disgraceful. We know that the money is here. We know that the staff are making $300,000 a year. We know that taxpayers' money are paying for their mustangs cut in front of this building and you're going until 2:00 a.m. And we know who stood with us because we're not dumb-dumbs. These women deserve so much more respect than the budget that you're about to pass. And we know who supports us and we thank you for that, and we're going to be back in the fall with Minority Leader Brooks's legislation to expand antiretaliation protections and we expect every single one of you to be co-sponsors on that legislation. (Applause.)

Kate Perez. Then Adriana George.

Good morning, Honorable Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmembers. My name is Adriana. I am a former nanny with 16 years experience and presently an organizer with We Dreaming Black Philadelphia, a program for Black domestic workers within the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I am here to express my anger and frustration that the City budget passed and not only failed to fully fund the Office of Workers Protection but cut an additional 460,000 below last year's budget for the Department of Labor, which the Office of Workers Protection is housed within. Once again a workforce that is non-unionized who rely on the City via the Office of Workers Protection to protect the labor rights are left out. This industry is mostly dominated by Black and Brown immigrants. Many of us are constantly faced with intimidation due to our immigration status. Defamation of character by our employers that prevents us from getting jobs often leaves us with great financial burdens and wage theft, to name a few of problems, that are deemed not important by this budget. This has a devastating and disproportionate impact on people like me, Black, Brown, undocumented and gender-oppressed people who do the work that make this City run. Too often I am hearing from my nanny peers that are suffering in silence but don't feel safe in coming forward because there is not enough protection in place for them to do so. With an underfunded Office of Worker Protection, workers are not able to take full advantage of the City labor protection. Domestic workers deserve strong investment in the Office of Workers Protection. You cannot continue to fail domestic workers. We are the ones that make all other jobs possible. We appreciate the Councilmembers who have constantly stood with workers. And now, we are expecting every single one of you to support our new legislation, expanding protection for domestic workers in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Kate Perez. Can Aurora Munoz, Nina Huang and Madison Nardy also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Kate Perez.

Good morning, Councilmembers. Can you please raise your hand if you've ever been to Israel? You may have noticed how differently people are treated based on which passport they held, how only some people were allowed to walk on certain streets and other people were kept on strict calorie counts and even children inhalers were banned from crossing their borders. In Israeli exchange programs, our PPD trains with an army so violent that just yesterday the United Nations concluded that Israel has committed the crime of extermination in Gaza. This comes right after they added Israel to the list of perpetrators --

Ms. Perez, I'm sorry. You signed up to speak on the operating budget.

I'm so sorry. I'm going to change that to the Aid Workers bill.

Okay. Can you go back to the operating budget, which is what you signed up to speak about?

Okay.

Thank you.

So with our taxes, Israel kills about 10 children on average. They -sorry, not kills, they lose about one or both legs every day in Gaza. Now, Palestine holds the record for the country with the highest number of child amputees in the world. Our budget is funding the police workers but ignoring our aid workers. On April 30th --

Ms. Perez.

Yes?

You have to speak on the operating budget.

Okay.

That's what you signed up -- that's what you said you were here to speak about.

On April 30th, the UN reported that 254 aid workers have been assassinated since October 4th. I just wanted to honor some of them --

Ms. Perez. Ms. Perez.

Yes?

You have to -

Here we go. Freedom of speech (inaudible).

Councilman Jones, as you are aware, there is a --

(Inaudible) -

As you are aware --

(Inaudible) -(Applause.)

Councilman Jones, that's not accurate.

(Inaudible). I'd like to be recorded voting aye on all bills. I'm out.

Councilman Jones, as you're aware when folks sign up to speak on a certain topic, that is what we ask them to speak about. She said she wanted to speak on the operating budget so I'm asking her to keep your comments related the operating budget please.

Okay. The operating budget is allotting another extra about 30 million for the police while our schools are still underfunded, while our domestic workers are still begging for rights. All of this money is going towards funding the country that Israel reported has killed more than -- that the UN reported has killed more than 254 aid workers. I just wanted to honor the Palestinian Red Crescent Society whose ambulance was targeted and Youssef Zeino and Ahmed Al-Madhoun were killed during their rescue mission, their approved rescue mission for the 6-year-old Hind Rajab. Regular civilians have become aid workers as they dig through the rubbles to try to collect pieces of their neighbors. We have to talk about Palestine every chance we get to honor the martyrs and fight for the living. (Inaudible) said, getting used to genocide is the best way to ensure its completion. Free Palestine. (Applause.)

Aurora Munoz, Nina Huang, Madison Nardy. Then Erika Ford. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good morning. Hello again. My name is Aurora Munoz and I'm the Organizing Manager for the National Domestic Workers Alliance in Pennsylvania. We're here all of us united because we want to express our frustration and deep disappointment with the 2025 City budget. Since the beginning of the year, we asked for a $2.6 billion million budget for the Office of Workers Protection. You signed pledges, accepted our Valentine's. We testified, spoke to you in the halls of this building and sent letters of support for this budget. Week after week, very low-wage workers took off from work to speak with you about the need to fully fund their labor protections and their City let them down. Domestic workers face widespread labor abuse, like wage theft, retaliation, sexual and racial harassment, forced labor and even assault, and they've been systematically excluded from labor protections like the minimum wage and the right to unionize, even protections that include them are continuously violated. For example, wage theft which the Economic Policy Institute estimates to be up to $50 billion annually in the country. That's more than all robberies, car thefts and burglaries combined. We have seen victims of this theft be evicted, not be able to pay bills and then have to expose themselves to even more abuse by accepting exploitative jobs. This Administration says it cares about law enforcement and making the street safer for residents, but it is not enforcing laws that would make workplaces safer. And we asked for $2.6 million out of a budget of $5 billion so that we can start to pave a foundation for a city that truly respects all kinds of work. This is a minuscule amount compared to the severity of labor abuse and it was deemed too much. We will continue to fight for more because domestic workers deserve more and Philadelphia deserves more. In a few months, we will be introducing Anti-retaliation legislation to protect all workers. Our disappointment today will fuel our efforts to win. Thank you and see you in the fall. (Applause.)

Nina Huang.

Hi. My name is Nina Huang and I work at the National Domestic Workers Alliance as the Director of Operations. I am also a new resident of Philadelphia, and it is why I'm here today to express my disappointment that the City's budget has passed with significant cuts to the Office of Worker Protections. This office has never been fully funded and the additional cut of $469,000 significantly hinders the work that this office could do. I moved to Philly last November and in part chose the City as my new home because of its reputation for being workerfriendly and for passing pretty groundbreaking progressive laws, like the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, which protects nannies, house cleaners and caregivers. But it is one thing to have and to celebrate laws that protect workers and it's another to actually enforce those laws to make sure everyone can benefit from those protections. By cutting the Office of Worker Protections' budget even further, you are sending the clear message that you do not care about the workers that make the City run and that you do not value their work. The Administration wants City employees to come back to the office into this area, but what about the workers that care for your children while you are at work, who serve the food you eat and who make your morning and afternoon coffee pick-me-ups? Those workers are now even more vulnerable to exploitation from bad employers who can continue to steal their wages, deny them sick time and to threaten workers who advocate for their legallymandated rights and all with minimal repercussions. The City Council has the opportunity to let the workers of this City know that they are valued and that the City has their back by reinstating the funds that were originally cut from this office's budget and supporting legislation this fall to expand protections against employer retaliation. After the failure of this budget, you owe workers this protection. Thank you to the Councilmembers who have consistently stood with domestic workers and other low-wage workers, and for the opportunity to testify on this issue. I look forward to seeing your co-sponsorship of the new Anti-retaliation legislation this fall. Thank you. (Applause.)

Madison Nardy, Erika Ford, then Lorenzo Cannon-Umstead. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good morning, City Council and my comrades. My name is Madison Nardy, residing in South Philadelphia and I'm a longtime worker and community organizer. I started my organizing experience in high school fighting to end the School Reform Commission and then as a worker leader with One Pennsylvania fighting for a Fair Work Week. Today I stand before you as the Director of 215 People's Alliance, and I am proud to speak in support of honoring Maurice Mitchell. Maurice Mitchell, the National Director of the Working Families Party, has been a dedicated organizer for racial and economic justice. His efforts have championed Black and working-class communities in Philadelphia and nationwide, fighting for resources and against the privatization of public schools and so much more. Maurice's leadership began in his teenage years and continued to Howard University where he led efforts against police brutality and private prisons. His life took a pivotal turn after Hurricane Sandy and the tragic killing of Mike Brown, leading to support on-the-ground organizations in Ferguson. Under Maurice's leadership, the Pennsylvania Working Families Party has built a political home for multi-racial working-class people leading to the progressive victories like the election of Larry Krasner and Councilmember Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O'Rourke. Their efforts have resulted in significant achievements, including the now permanent Eviction Diversion Program and substantial rental assistance to keep people in their homes. Councilmember Kendra Brooks secured over 50 million for her plan for Philly families, supporting home repairs, Community College funding and various community programs. True leadership means listening to our communities and making decisions that improves lives, qualities Maurice truly embodies. And I urge this Council to follow the footsteps of powerful leaders like Maurice who tirelessly fight for working people. The workers in the City as well as the workers behind me deserve your support. Our community feels deeply disappointed and betrayed by this Council's failure to fully fund the Department of Labor, leaving our City workers unprotected. Additionally, I support Resolution 240598 condemning private school vouchers. As a product of public schools, someone who grew up in poverty, faced eviction and as a result struggles with PTSD into in my adulthood, I know firsthand that our schools need full funding. Kids in our schools endure hardships like I did every day and they deserve full resources that benefit all students, not just the ones that are cherry-picked to go to private schools with vouchers that do not even fulfill the bill. I got one sentence left. Thank you, Maurice, for your unwavering leadership which has achieved so much and inspires us to continue fighting for worker protections and fully-funded public schools so that we can all be liberated. Thank you. (Applause.)

Erika Ford. Then Lorenzo Cannon-Umstead and Briheem Douglas. Then Joana Diaz. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good morning. My name is Erika Ford. I am an educator. I am also a proud parent of three children, two previously attended public school and one who currently attends public school today. My two oldest children graduated from public school and my youngest daughter will be a sophomore in the fall. My children have been through private schools as well as charter schools and public schools. Far by the best experience they've been in public schools. Each of them have had traumatic experience in private as well as the charter schools. We cannot allow the private schools to operate without any accountability or oversight. And we cannot afford to defund our public schools which is what vouchers are about to do. Our regular City high schools have good staff and support our children, including mine. It doesn't make sense to put money into vouchers when our state could invest that same money into public education and give the children the basic necessities, extra resources and the support staff that they need. It will make our public schools, the ones that my children love, and my child who's currently in public school also love that much more successful. Thank you to our City Council, specifically my favorite City Councilmember Kendra Brooks, for leading this important resolution. The Pennsylvania state legislation needs to say no to school voucher expansion and needs to fully fund our public schools. Thank you. (Applause.)

Lorenzo Cannon-Umstead. Then Briheem Douglas, Joana Diaz. Then Julia Boyer. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good morning to my comrades, Council here, Council President, guests, workers and the people of the City of Philadelphia. Good morning. My name is Lorenzo P. Cannon-Umstead. I am the Northeast organizer of 215 People's Alliance. 215 People's Alliance is an organizational affiliate of the Working Families Party PA State Committee. WFPA has played a key role in wins for progressives across the Commonwealth which has captured the attention of Pennsylvanians and have shown them what the potential here could really be. The reason I'm here to speak today is in support of Mr. Maurice Mitchell, the National Director of the Working Families Party. Mr. Mitchell has been an impactful voice and an example for the working class in cities like Philadelphia for the working class, working endlessly around securing resources for our children and countering the current attempts to privatize their education. For me Mr. Mitchell has been an influence and inspiration to get involved with the more serious realities of the political landscape for marginalized people. In our city, something I have noticed growing older is that in cities like Philadelphia there can often be a playground in it for a culture of political and community misleadership if that makes sense, which I feel has had a hold on our city and other cities but especially our city and it's going back to the early 20th century. Misleadership as a concept can be defined as a maladaptive behavior that is usually formed by a person or people who in our society is usually marginalized but use forms such as the small business community and local government to bring forth selfish or opportunistic agendas, and these agendas are often weaponized against the rest of the marginalized community in the name of achievement based on identity while disguising all of this as a quest for personal ambition, excellence and success. People like Mr. Mitchell aren't misleaders but stewards of liberation and results where they are and where they work. People like Mr. Mitchell have an ambition for their people and a collective liberation for us more than personal ambition. Personal ambition isn't a bad thing, but for real progress under this society we must push aside personal ambition for the greatest collective ambition of our people and the collective ambition of our workers here also, who should be protected to the utmost. The collective ambition of our children also, their needs need to be considered and is taken as seriously as some of us take the ambition of billionaires and contractors here in our city and other cities in America. Today let's think of and raise up leaders like Maurice Mitchell in our cities and communities so the best results can be produced with decency. My name is Lorenzo P. Cannon-Umstead and I'm the Northeast organizer of 215 PA. Thank you. (Applause.)

Briheem Douglas. Then Joana Diaz, Julia Boyer and Shavon Almobovar. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Hello. My name is Briheem Douglas. I'm the Outreach Coordinator of the UNITE HERE Philadelphia Hospitality Academy and the Vice-president of UNITE HERE Local 274. (Applause.)

This is really simple for us. We are very proud of the work that we've been doing, the partnership with Working Families Party. We stand together for working-class people. I'm happy to be here to speak on behalf of Mr. Maurice Mitchell and all the great work that he has accomplished. For working people, check this out. Eviction Diversion Program, 19 million in rental assistance. If do more talk less was a person, it's Maurice Mitchell. With Working Families Party, we will continue to fight for working-class people, including stadium workers who are fighting for wages and health care as we speak. (Applause.)

Again, we support the Working Families Party. Let's pass this resolution on behalf of Maurice Mitchell. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

Joana Diaz.

Good morning, City Council. My name is Joana Diaz and I serve as the secretary of the Board of Taller Puertorriqueno, a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation and celebration of Puerto Rican arts and culture situated in the Fair Hills section of the City. This year marks our 50th anniversary of dedicated service to the Puerto Rican community that is dispersed all over the City of Philadelphia. We appreciate the opportunity to support the resolution brought by Councilwoman Lozada to recognize the community organizations that advocate for the needs of Puerto Ricans that often move back and forth between the island and Philadelphia. In 2017 as Hurricanes Maria and Irma approached, Taller Puertorriqueno joined the grassroots collaborative known as Unidos Pa'PR to offer relief in anticipation of the impending hurricanes. However, the extent of the devastation that unfolded on the island surpassed all expectations. Through the collaborative effort, over $400,000 was raised. Beneficiaries of this support included the donation of waterproof solar lanterns, the establishment of a mobile clinic and the restoration of several fishing peers. In 2022 Hurricane Fiona barreled into a still struggling Puerto Rico and once again Pa'PR stepped up to provide support. Funds were raised for three organizations, Abajo, a coalition of environmental and agricultural organizations to protect the natural heritage of the island; Taller Salud, dedicated to improving women's access to healthcare; and Comedores Sociales, an organization dedicated to combating hunger on the island. As the 2024 hurricane season approaches, Taller Puertorriqueno remains steadfast in its commitment to offering lifesaving support to the people of Puerto Rico in times of disaster, be it hurricanes, landslides, power outages or earthquakes that affect our beloved families and friends. We appreciate the continued support and recognition received from the Councilmember Lozada and all those involved with these crucial efforts. Gracias and I am a proud graduate of George Washington High School and employee of the School District of Philadelphia, so please fund our schools. (Applause.)

Julia Boyer. May Shavon Almobovar and Jazmine Taylor also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Hello. My name is Julia Boyer, and I was one of 33 peaceful protesters wrongfully arrested at the UPenn Gaza Solidarity Encampment on May 10th. I'm disgusted by the allocation of another $30 million to the police in this City's budget instead of anything that actually benefits our community. PPD waste taxpayer funds to violently suppress peaceful protests against the ongoing genocide of Palestinians. At 5:30 a.m. on May 10th, I woke up to hundreds of police beginning to swarm us. As we sat on the Ben Franklin statue, I watched a huge parade of officers in riot gear wielding batons enter the encampment. Beforehand I had hoped the police would not come in the early morning since the overtime pay would be so expensive, but considering the extremely disproportionate number of officers relative to protesters, clearly PPD cares more about intimidation than not wasting City resources. PPD responded immediately with violence. Police exercised excessive use of force in the entirety of the sweep. Arrests began with an officer throwing a girl about my size face first into the concrete. They continued to drag multiple protesters from the statue and throw them to the ground resulting in head trauma for some. They kneed people in the face, dislocated shoulders, pulled people's hair and double-cuffed people indiscriminately resulting in loss of circulation. I had bruising afterward for weeks. At a follow-up protest on May 17th their use of force increased. An officer grabbed me by the neck and used that hand to push me over into a pole. They used tasers and batons and injured many of my fellow protesters. Please note the police departments all across the country, including ours train with Israel with the IOF through programs such as those offered by the ADL to exchange tactics of state violence like suppression of protests and racial profiling. Increased police funding does not keep us safe. This is not even mentioning the harm inflicted on communities of color by the PPD. PPD stifles our First Amendment right to protest against the genocide of Palestinians, not because of our conduct but our cause. As we speak, bombs rain down on Rafah. On June 8th, the IOF disguised themselves as humanitarian aides to begin their massacre on Nuseirat refugee camp where they murdered 274 Palestinians. Body parts cover the streets; 37,000 martyred; 17,000 children orphaned. I urge the Council to end its complicity in the ongoing genocide against Palestinians and call for a ceasefire and to pass a resolution honoring the aid workers and martyrs of Gaza. And I urge this Council to vote no on the budget which approves another $30 million for the police department which protects the genocidal project over our community. Free Palestine. (Applause.)

Shavon Almobovar, Jazmine Taylor and Stephanie Ridgeway. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good morning, City Council. My name is Shavon Almobovar. I live in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, District 5. I'm a constituent of Councilmember Young. I'm here to testify on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and I want to tell you how disappointed I am. I'm a parent advocate and I've been working for the last two years to encourage our City electeds to prioritize our children in their actions. I worked with the Kids Campaign last year, and this year I was here in March with other parents to begin our advocacy for kids. I've been following the budget process closely ever since. I'm reading in the news how the budget funds Mayor Parker's cleaner, greener and safer initiatives. It puts money in affordable housing, homelessness and drug treatment. I think all these things are good and needed for the City, but I'm disappointed that City Council didn't do anything beyond what the Mayor proposed to make our children's lives better. You say children need to get educated K through 12, but they don't have the adequate tools for their education and there is no clear pathway in the new budget to change that. I've been in this City all my life. And some problems that we have in the schools today are problems we had decades ago. Our children continue to suffer. It's tiring and it's things like this that contributed in my decision to move. Earlier this year my husband and I decided to pack up our bags and leave Philadelphia because it is too difficult to make it here. We have three sons that are growing up very quickly. They are 11, 10 and 5. We want them to have an opportunity to be safe and even to play outside here in the City. But in Philly all we are met with is struggle and lateral moves. I know I'm not the only family that has made this decision and I want City Council to know this: We all know that our children are our future so why didn't City Council do more to invest in them. (Applause.)

Jazmine Taylor. Then Stephanie Ridgeway and Andrea Blassingame.

How you doing, City Council. My name is Jazmine Taylor. I live in West Philly. I am testifying about the 240179, '25 City Council budget. I'm disappointed that y'all didn't decide to put money inside the schools. Our preschool kids start first. They need money for books, activities and more for education. Our preschoolers need help of activities and having more. Definitely for our preschoolers, they need things like devices and things to help them out. I'm angry and upset and disappointed that everyone going inside the schools telling our children and taking pictures with them, but no one has time to put money inside the schools. (Applause.)

Putting money inside the schools will help out our autism children, help out our children and teachers. Instead of them taking money out of their pockets for our kids, they will have more money for our children, definitely for our children, for food, nasty food that our kids have to eat. That's not going to help them grow their education. They can't think smart if they don't eat smart. Our children have to have an education to have the power to do things. Y'all want our kids to do something in the community, but they can't because they have nowhere to go to. Our kids go to Cecil B. Moore and do the dumbest things because they have nowhere to go to, no afterschool, no programs, no things for our kids to do. And our children have started small at things that -being a small mother like I am having an autism child, my child has nowhere to go to because there's no programs for them to go to. So something needs to be changed and it starts with us and the City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)

Stephanie Ridgeway. Andrea Blassingame and Steve Grosswald. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good morning, City Council. My name is Stephanie Ridgeway. I am the Lower North Philadelphia CDC President. We are a nonprofit operating out of Lower North Philadelphia. Today I'm here to speak on the resolution or the bill 240379. How many City Councilmembers have had the support of nonprofits to help them get to where they are? Probably everybody in this room. If this bill is passed, it will make it more difficult for nonprofits to move forward and more paperwork. Meaning, that those that are the boots-on-the-ground in the community will not be able to do the work that they're doing now. The suggestion that I have is that perhaps we create some type of oversight or working group that can assist the nonprofits but making it more difficult to work through problems to receive funding and to work with the City that often takes a long time to distribute its funds to nonprofits is not a good idea. Our nonprofits are actually those that work in communities on a regular basis on a shoestring profit and they don't do it because they're looking to make money. They do it because they're concerned about their residents and their neighbors. So if you're sitting on City Council now and you've received help from nonprofits to get where you are, this is not the time to pass that bill. It is more likely that it would be better for us to look at ways to help nonprofits grow. Thank you. (Applause.)

Andrea Blassingame, Steve Grosswald, Darenha Arce and then Carmencita Maria Pedro.

Good morning, City Council. Hi. My name is Andrea Blassingame. I am a Philadelphian, West Philadelphian in Jamie Gauthier's District. I am here to talk about and testify for Bill 240179, the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. I must tell you that I am a champion for literacy. I am a proud Reading Captain. I volunteer with WePAC and Philly Reading Coaches. I am also a single mom of one son Andrew who is 15, pause for my heart attack, and the auntie of a now 17-month-old and we are all Philadelphians proud here. But I am here to tell you how disappointed and frustrated I am about this budget. So I know that as a literacy coach that this budget affects us because you guys didn't really do more and I think you could have done more. So I know there's a state budget. I was in Harrisburg. Trust me, I was there. And we're waiting on more decisions. And of course that's going to help us when it's passed. But you guys have the opportunity to do more now right here in Philadelphia. And it's very sad and heartbreaking that you didn't do more than what was already asked. So my issue is I grew up here and now I'm a mom, and it seems hard that my kids may have less than what I had. When I was in school, I had a library. You had a library when you were in school, right, but most of our schools don't have that. And it's foreign to me that that's okay. It's not okay. It's just not -- it's just to say it out loud in English is really hard. It's not okay. And I want you guys to feel that. As a mom, I want to crack your knuckles and I want to pop your fingers because you could have did so much better. As a mom, I'm going tell you I love you and I'm praying for each and every one of you, but you could have done so much more. And I want you to keep that and I want you to do more from now on because you can do more. You can do better. These are basic necessities. Principals should not have to decide between hiring a counselor and a police staff and food staff and get resources and things fixed at the same time. They need it all and --

Thank you, ma'am.

-there's more of them now, so it takes more. My --

Thank you. Thank -

-- time is up so I'm out of here. But I love y'all.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Steve Grosswald, Darenha Arce and then Carmencita Maria Pedro, Rory Durgin and Emily Cordero. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

City Council, my name is Steve Grosswald. I'm the Executive Director and founder of Mission Philadelphia. Our vision is ending hunger and homelessness --

Could you speak into the microphone, sir, please.

Hello. Is that better?

Yes, much better. Absolutely.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

My name is Steve Grosswald. I'm the Executive Director and Founder of Mission Philadelphia. Our vision is ending hunger and homelessness in Philadelphia by July 4, 2026. And this is Zoro, my service animal. I want to congratulate the Mayor and City Council for being on the precipice of passing a $6.37 billion budget, an increase I believe of 2.8 percent, an additional $178 million. How about a round of applause for the City Council. That's it? (Applause.)

Well, I'm not either. Okay. But two things can be true simultaneously. The Council can do a great job, but the Council can be criticized incredibly for not funding a program of 32 years of your predecessors in this Council of passing, and that's SSP. The Mayor said we cannot afford the City of Philadelphia to appropriate our very scarce resources to do it. On a $6.37 billion budget not to fund $900,000 that started with Mayor Rendell is two things: It's, A, fiscally irresponsible and, B, it's morally reprehensible. The program saves $250 million a year so to not spend $900,000 but to spend 250 -- now, granted that's not all out of City budgets. That could be state, federal budgets, et cetera, private insurance, fiscally irresponsible and morally reprehensible. But we met with Adam Thiel and Deputy Gates -(Geer.)

Okay. And we asked them to find alternative funding to City Council and the Mayor if you're not going to fund a no-brainer, at least find partners, Penn, Drexel, Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, someone else can fund this thing, $900,000. You know what the cost of AIDS treatment is a year, $94,000. Hepatitis treatment, $84,000. You don't have to have too many people getting AIDS and hepatitis to hit $900,000.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Darenha Arce, Carmencita Maria Pedro and then Rory Durgin.

Good afternoon. First, I'd like to give honor to God for being here today and be able to give my testimony or my statement. I'm here to oppose Bill 240379 only to ask that the Council get more information and seek discussions with community partners about this bill to oversee the nonprofits. The nonprofits already are burdened with paperwork not getting paid on time. We do want a fairer and a more quicker process for being paid, but I think that more information needs to be sent out to the public about this bill because we just -- I just received it two days ago. And while it talks about exemptions, what exemptions are they talking about? What nonprofit did you even speak to see if this is something that the nonprofits want to do? We're just asking that this bill not be voted on today. We need more information. We need to know what the processes are, who's going to be involved. I know it comes from the Finance Committee, but we want to be -- this is supposed to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusion so where was the inclusion? What nonprofits were a part of this decision? What community partners were a part of this decision? What residents? So we're asking that you do not vote on this bill today, 240379. Thank you.

Carmencita Maria Pedro. Then Rory Durgin, Emily Cordero and Rafael Alvarez Febo. (Witnesses approached the podium.) Mr. DURGIN: Hello. Good morning, City Council. And thank you for letting my voice be heard today. My name is Rory and I am a 6th grader in Philadelphia public schools and I am here to encourage you all to keep vouchers out of our school. You could give me a voucher to go to a different school, maybe a newer or nicer building with more staff, but that would only help me and it would only maybe help me. I would rather help hundreds of my classmates by funding the school so we all have everything we need to thrive. Please support this resolution so that anyone at the Capital who is trying to take away from our school knows where Philly stands. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Emily Cordero, Rafael Alvarez Febo. Then Reverend Ruben Ortiz.

Good morning, everyone. My name is Emily Cordero, Director of Communications for Association Puertorriquenos en Marcha, also known as APM. We're a nonprofit agency serving Philadelphia residents. We have over 15 centers in the City and we are very proud to be here today. Thank you so much Councilwoman Lozada for presenting our resolution today for honoring people and agencies who have helped victims of hurricanes in Puerto Rico. Philadelphia is deeply connected to Puerto Rico. It has the largest concentration of Puerto Ricans in one area. When Hurricane Maria struck, many families sought refuge here in Philadelphia. Collaborating with numerous Latino organizations, government agencies and nonprofits like Lutheran, APM was part of this group spearheading the Greater Philadelphia Long-term Recovery Committee, a groundbreaking initiative to eight evacuees despite disaster not occurring locally. This united effort supported over 2,000 families, 2,000, with housing, essential supplies and comprehensive assistance. APM's dedicated team augmented by partnerships with organizations like PHA facilitated housing, clothing and furniture for over 200 families. Additionally, PHA provided crucial emergency vouchers showcasing the collective commitment to restoring stability to vulnerable families. The collaboration across governmental and nonprofit sectors from city to state levels exemplified unity and action, transcending differences for the greater good. Witnessing the solidarity unfolds was a source of immense pride for APM and all involved. I personally had my father over there in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria hit, didn't hear from him for 10 days. Lost my grandmother over there. So it's great to see that Councilwoman Lozada is presenting this and honoring people who have fought for relief efforts of Puerto Rico. So thanks so much for hearing us today. On behalf of APM's President, thank you so much.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Rafael Alvarez Febo. Then Reverend Ruben Ortiz and Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac.

Good morning, Mr. President and members of City Council. My name is Rafael Alvarez Febo. I am the Vicepresident for Advocacy and Community Development for Esperanza. This is my first time addressing this body after working here on and off since 2008. What is colloquially known as the last day of school for many Councilmembers and staff and honored guests, I'm here to speak about Councilmember Lozada's resolution honoring, recognizing the humanitarian efforts of the Puerto Rican community who rally to protect family, friends and the island of Puerto Rico during cataclysmic hurricanes, earthquakes and any major disasters that strike. In the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Puerto Rican community in Philadelphia and across the country rallied to help the nearly 3.5 million people on the archipelago impacted by these climate disasters. This is a climate resolution, very important. These hurricanes were some of the most costliest natural disasters in history, damaging more than $90 billion worth of property and infrastructure. This is 15 times more than Philadelphia's annual operating budget, just to put that into perspective. But worse was the humanitarian toll. There were 4,645 people who died. Many died waiting for medical attention. They died gasping for air as their oxygen tanks ran out -- excuse me, did not expect that. This is important stuff, guys. They died from hunger and lack of basic medical care. You guys know me. I don't do this, so I really, really apologize. Puerto Rico's lush vegetation was completely stripped, leaving the island almost unrecognizable. Seeing this tragedy unfold and the callous and unforgivable lack of response from the Trump Administration, the Puerto Rican people sprung into action. Everyone added to the collection efforts, from the humblest can of soup to larger donations of generators, supplies and funds. Councilwoman Lozada went to Puerto Rico two weeks after this tragedy, and I know she's very humble and she won't talk about it, but she was feeding people. She was there surveying the damage. She was there part of the initial response from the Salvation Army. Reverend Bonnie Camarda who you guys know was helping organize that. Here in Philadelphia under the leadership of many community organizations and my mentor, former Councilwoman Maria QuinonesSanchez, we started Unidos Pa Puerto Rico. It means to collect resources and funds to distribute those to people the most in need in Puerto Rico. This organization collected thousands of dollars and helped countless people who could not rely on their federal government to meet these needs, as outlined in this resolution. These climate events are forecast to become more frequent and stronger. Just last night Puerto Rico's inadequate power grid led by a for-profit -- not people -- company left nearly 350,000 people without electricity, not a raindrop, not wind, nothing. A regular day in Puerto Rico under a heat wave, 350,000 Americans are without power. The advocacy for sustainable and thriving Puerto Rico must continue and I am certain we are ready to lead that change. Thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Reverend Ruben Ortiz. Then Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac and Phyllis Coppinger. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good morning --

Excuse me one second, sir. Council will be at ease while Councilman Jones is recognized. (Council at ease.)

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm requesting leave of absence to do business outside the building. But before I go, I'd like to put on the record an official apology to the Deputy Majority Whip, Ms. Cindy Bass, member, and I hope still friend.

Yes.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Mr. Jones, would you like to be recorded voting aye on all bills and resolutions?

Yes, Mr. President. Thank you.

You're welcome. Noted. Go ahead, sir.

Good morning, Council President Johnson, Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada who is introducing this resolution that I'm supporting and all City Councilmembers in this beautiful city of Philadelphia. I am Reverend Ruben Ortiz, a Puerto Rican born and raised here in Philadelphia. I serve as Executive Director of Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphian Vicinity. I am here to express Hispanic Clergy support of the resolution to honor and recognize the humanitarian efforts of the Puerto Rican community, particularly during major disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. I spent my entire childhood, my teenage and adult years here. I was educated through our public school system, attended college and seminary here in Philadelphia as well. My parents were very intentional about raising me and my nine siblings in a righteous way. They spoke Spanish at home, raised us in Spanish-speaking churches and did their best to integrate us into the rest of American culture. They would also send us to Puerto Rico during the summers where I met my cousins, aunts and uncles, some of whom worked for companies such as Hanes Clothing and AT&T and some were military veterans. Although being exposed to el campo or the country, meaning the farmland, was not familiar to me as a city boy. The trips were formative to my identity, my culture and my people. Over many trips as a child and later as an adult, I learned that if they had their true desires fulfilled, they would rather earn a living at their homeland, whether in the campo or in the pueblo, a city, to earn a living, raise families and contribute to the community and to our country. I continue to visit Puerto Rico almost every year and sometimes several times a year. My adult children, although they are third generation, they love the island. They enjoy time with family, the people and as they would say the vibe. This story is reflective and very similar to tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of other Puerto Ricans across the United States of America. I'm going to close all these statements just to say we're in support of this resolution not only on behalf of our fellow citizens on the island but also needs to happen for the sake of our own integrity here in Philadelphia as the founding city of the United States of America. We must honor and recognize the people of faith who prayed for the well-being of Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico and also honor and recognize those who continue to pray and those who to this day are still supporting the recovery efforts of Puerto Rico. Thank you and God bless you. (Applause.)

Reverend Dr. Munther Isaac. Then Phyllis Coppinger and Dina Portnoy. (Witnesses approached the podium.) REV.

Honorable Councilmembers, my name is Munther Isaac and I am a Palestinian Pastor and Theologian. I bring you greetings from Bethlehem, the real one, not the one in Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. I am truly honored to be here. I have a special affinity to the City of Philadelphia having attended seminary here in the early 2000s. And I'm proud to say that I am the biggest Eagles fan in Palestine. (Applause.) REV.

I'm truly honored to be here. I'm truly honored by the resolution for my recognition. I wish it was in different circumstances to be honest. I wish I was not here -- I wish I was not in the United States to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza to stop the genocide in Gaza. So the acknowledgement is not for me but should be for the people of Gaza, for the people of Palestine. And I'm particularly grateful for the resolution to honor the aid workers of Gaza, many of whom sacrifice their lives to save lives. In fact, some were killed in torture. They work across the hour nonstop. They are the ones who deserve our recognition. The Bible speaks of them, the world is not worthy of them. Councilmembers it is hell on earth in Gaza literally. A genocide has been normalized. I ask how is the world okay with the killing of 15,000 children and the orphaning of 17,000 children. We need moral courage to stop this madness and this is how we honor those workers. In Christmas, I said Gaza has become a moral compass to our world. So it is a moral and ethical obligation to stop this war, which came after 16 years of brutal siege let's not forget. The streets have spoken. Many people of faith have spoken. The students have spoken and it is time decision-makers act with moral integrity. Your support to bringing an end to this is appreciated. And I know I am a guest but please accept my candid remark. I am aware that the City Council granted $24 million from federal tax money to Israel. This is money that is used for war and revenge. This is not how we honor those heroes of Gaza, the aid workers. And let us be clear what is happening in Gaza is a vengeance campaign. War crimes are taking place and we are all accountable before God for how we spend and invest our talents. Honorable City members invest in peace, not apartheid. Invest in people, education and transformation, not in war and segregation. This is how you can actually contribute to peace and justice. This is how sympathy and empathy translates into active, effective solidarity. So thank you again for this recognition. Thank you for particularly recognizing the aid workers serving the least of these as Jesus said. And I want to conclude with the words of Nelson Mandela who recognizing that South Africa and Palestine are facing the same ideology of apartheid, declared South Africans won't be free until Palestinians are free. Thank you and God bless you. (Applause.)

Phyllis Coppinger.

The Chair -- Council will be at ease. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas. (Council at ease.)

Thank you, Council President. I apologize, but I have to attend to other Council business. I would like to be recorded as aye on all bills, resolutions as well as amendments that we'll be voting on today. Thank you, Council President.

Grant is leave -- leave is granted. Thank you very much. Thank you, Phyllis. Just go ahead and begin your presentation.

So good afternoon, Council. First and foremost, I want to thank Councilman Anthony Phillips for finally hearing the concerns of the residents on my block. I live in Oxford Circle. I've lived in Philadelphia my whole entire life and raised my three kids here. I've lived on Marcella Street for 30 years. For 20 of those 30 years, I've had to look at this tree that is in front. Thank you, Councilman, for making these pictures available. These encroaching trees are destroying properties, and I'm here today -- I had this all written because Councilman's office did it for me, but I'm going to speak out of this, right, because some of you are familiar. I have worked with Councilwoman Tasco, I have worked with Councilwoman Parker, and the only person who moved forward was Councilman Anthony Phillips, okay, and I'm very grateful and as are all my neighbors. When this tree falls, there will be property damage. People will be hurt or killed. And guess who will be standing out there saying I have asked for help? I will be there, right. Many of you I'd like to believe are my friends. I'm active in the community. I work for an elected official. I'm a committee woman. I am passionate about my community and I'm just imploring to move forward -- let me get the Bill No. 240371 regarding encroaching trees. And again, I want to thank Councilman Phillips and all the other Councilmembers who gave me their number and I reached out to them and I asked for their support. Thank you.

You're welcome. (Applause.)

Dina Portnoy. Catrice Chetton and Sam Kuttab also make their way to the podium.

Good morning. My name is Dina Portnoy and I'm a retired Philadelphia School District teacher living in Germantown. But today I've come to talk about the importance of the Palestine/Gaza, Israel issue and the resolutions that are before you. As a Jewish American, I have been grieving ever since the initial events of October 7th. And over these many months as the war goes on, my grief continues. Especially as the destruction of Gaza and its inhabitants is done in my name with my and your tax dollars. I really believe that we are all connected in our humanity or should be, and that City Council can and should take a stand on this issue. I believe we all need to pay attention to it, including in classrooms whereas a retired teacher I feel it's so important to encourage young people to have open and civil discourse about some of the most important and difficult questions. But I have a very particular story to tell and from that story, I hope will emerge some hope and some promise and some understanding. In August 1948, my mother and father and their new baby, me, traveled to the new country of Israel established in May of 1948. My parents met in the '30s responding then and later to the anti-Semitism that propelled the Holocaust and looking for a Jewish home, though they were secular and did not actually believe in a Jewish state. They married when my father returned from fighting fascism in Europe and we settled in Kibbutz Sasa in the north of Israel. But I now know that this Kibbutz replaced a Palestinian village also named Sasa. I realized this and took my mother back in 2011 where she said for the first time, I'm not sure we should have done this. Before we got there, that village was viciously attacked. It had been a village that was started in 1596, that I think is the background or some of the background of the current events and the catastrophe that continues in Gaza and in the West Bank. And it's why I think it's important for us all to take a stand. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Catrice Chetton, Sam Kuttab. Then Lisa Sharon Harper. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Hi. Can you hear me?

Yes.

My name is Catrice Chetton. I'm a spiritual advocate here born and raised in Philadelphia along with my brother. I'm here about 240604 regarding Office of Homeless Services and contracted service providers trying to collect pregnancy status data at intake. Me and my brother have been unhoused for about a yearand-a-half now off and on. We went into the shelter system. It was quite traumatic. We had the exit for our own safety and well-being, and the data was used that we gave them in ways that were not conducive to helping us get a home for ourselves. It was very abusively used, so I'm quite concerned when you want to collect data on women and particularly for respecting babies in that type of environment. It's a quite traumatic, stressful environment, very underfunded. And I'm going to go here. I'm a person of God. Many of the staff, they are people of evil. They maybe pray to Satan or other entities that are not of God or the light so we come into contact with them. I don't feel comfortable with any type of evolution that will allow a pregnant woman to have to tell or person that's pregnant to have to tell that they're pregnant in those type of circumstances and that environment was not safe spiritually or physically for most people in that environment. That's been my lived experience and my brother's. So I oppose that resolution. (Applause.)

Sam Kuttab. Can Lisa Sharon Harper, Shane Clayborne and Sharif Ahmed also make their way to the podium.

Sam Kuttab had to go and Shane Clayborne is no longer here. I'm Lisa Sharon Harper. I'm the President and Founder of Freedom Road. I am here to support the resolutions being introduced today to support aid workers in Gaza and to support the resolution to recognize the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac. The Honorable Kenyatta Johnson and Honorable Councilmembers, as of April 30th the UN reported that 254 aid workers had been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. According to the Human Rights Watch, Israeli forces have carried out at least eight strikes on aid workers, convoys and premises in Gaza since October 2023 even though those aid groups had provided their coordinates to the Israeli authorities to ensure their own protection. This is a direct breach of International war law -International laws of war, which prohibit the targeting of aid workers. Those same laws prohibit the targeting of homes. They prohibit the targeting of hospitals. They prohibit the targeting of sources of sustenance like food and water and electricity. And all of these laws of war have been breached since day 2 of the conflict in Gaza, furthering the increased need and valor of these aid workers, working within the context of Gaza and the West Bank. We are the City of Brotherly Love. We are the City of Sisterly Affection. We are the birthplace of democracy, the sacred system of governance that recognizes the inherent dignity of all human beings within its jurisdiction, including the 10,000 Palestinians who live within this jurisdiction who have family members and friends who have died at the hands of this lawless crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. Faithfulness to our own heritage demands that we stand in the gap for those aid workers in Gaza. The front line of democracy in a lawless conflict that the UN, the International Court of Justice, and every single reputable humanitarian agency operating in Gaza has recognized as a plausible genocide. Likewise, faithfulness to our heritage as the birthplace of democracy would lead us to recognize and champion the life and legacy of theologian and educator Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, a champion of true democracy in Palestine and Israel. Amen. (Applause.)

Sharif Ahmed. Can Nikki Grant and Ogbonna Hagins also make their way to the podium.

As-salamu alaykum, peace be upon you all. I'm going to talk about the bill that is to recognize the Palestinian aid worker. First, I want to say a few things. Over 100 cities throughout the United States ceasefire bill, but what's going on with this City Hall here? The man in charge of this City Hall is quiet. He's an African American. African American brothers and sisters was genocide 400 years and they're still suffering from that, but guess what. He's not saying a word. What are you afraid of, sir? If you need money, go to Kensington. Do not sell the Philadelphia. This is the birthplace of freedom. Stop this nonsense. These people here, the Councilmember, we've been speaking to them for nine months. That's because they're afraid of you.

Could you stay focused on your message, sir. You have the opportunity to speak on the bill and the aides. So talk about supporting the aid workers in Palestine.

Yes. You know, letting us speak. You see, every time we want to speak, it's all about you. People are afraid of you. Can you address that?

No one's afraid of you, sir.

People does not need to be afraid of anybody.

I'm going to ask you one more time or I'm going to cut your time off. You're going to speak on the bill or not.

I am talking.

Either you're going to speak on the bill or you're not.

I'm talking about the bill. If you only stay quiet, I can talk.

Say something else. You either going to speak on the bill or you not.

I am talking about the bill.

All right then. Stick with the bill.

Okay. So one more thing, we're going to go back to the genocide, okay, because that's what's going on in Palestine. There was a genocide in Bangladesh, 1971. Sister Nina Ahmad, her family was victim of it. And she herself being a Bengali does not recognize the Palestinian ceasefire, does not even mention the word ceasefire. So shame on her. (Inaudible). Okay. Thank you so much. Resign (inaudible).

Next speaker, Liz.

Nikki Grant. May Ogbonna Hagins and Reverend Bonnie Camarda also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

I just want to remind -- oh, Ogbonna Hagins, unseated council president, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I want to just remind everybody who's speaking up for everybody else, you got to stand up for the American Freedmen who saved this nation to make it possible for you to come here in the first place. I am in favor of naming Allegheny Avenue between 25th and 26th Street Cut Master Butter Way, but -- I'm sorry Councilman Jones left -- I would be very careful of honoring entertainers, case in point, the City of Philadelphia gave Jay-Z keys to the City when accommodating his Made in America festival and now --

Mr. Ogbonna Hagins, excuse me, sir. The bill you're speaking on is 240180 -

I know. I --

Slow down. Amending code to reapportion real estate taxes. That's the actual bill that you're reading on.

What I'm saying is that they got it wrong. I'm speaking about the changing of the --

Street renaming?

Yes.

Proceed, sir.

Council President, you see what I'm talking about and you know that it's on the bill so you can obviously see that I'm switching what I'm talking about.

Proceed, sir.

And now, this same person has come back to bite the hand that feeds him, I'm talking about Jay-Z. This is what happens when you invest in social climbers and not freedom fighters. A man who rapped about doing anything to reach billionaire status has the City Council wondering how could he be so heartless and undermine the education of the poor. When people tell you who they are, you better believe them. What is also strange is that the same people who refuse to address my structural racism Bill 2024 after months of me lobbying and presenting bills and referendums, the same people went to Harrisburg to ask for assistance in stopping Jay-Z and Jeff Yass from destroying the public school system. But you never stood up for structural racism. You never stood up for the bill that would eliminate a Jeff Yass and a Jay-Z. So what's the deal, Council? See the problem is you're under the Moynihan Report, ignore the Negro and pay attention to the immigrants. And that's what this whole Council session was about, ignoring the American Freedmen and paying attention to the people who needed us to save this country to even be able to come here and speak. And, Council President, you ought to be ashamed.

Thank you, sir. Could the next person proceed for comment please.

Reverend Bonnie Camarda. May Robert Previdi, Jeremy Blatstein and Ahmad Ibrahim also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good afternoon, Councilmembers. I'm here to support the resolution of honoring and recognizing the humanitarian effort of the Puerto Rican community in the City of Philadelphia. I know that two of the colleagues have spoken and I'm not going to take much of your time. But I want to tell you that the City of Philadelphia rally under Unidos Pa Puerto Rico where Quetcy co-chair a part of that. And Councilwoman Lozada was two weeks in Puerto Rico sleeping in a bunk to help all the communities in Puerto Rico. The humanitarian effort that came from Philadelphia to the island of Puerto Rico was amazing. Dollar-by-dollar we were able to send over $350,000 to help the people in Puerto Rico. And when I give -- I went to the -Councilwoman, you were amazing. It's another person in this place, that is Mr. Bill Ryan from Einstein, who when we saw (inaudible) to Puerto Rico with Councilwoman and I, and drove the crazy women around little towns that didn't have a road to deliver the supply that the people need. Thank you, Councilwoman, and I -(Applause.)

Thank you, Reverend Bonnie.

Robert Previdi, Jeremy Blatstein, Ahmad Ibrahim and Mary Beth Brownlee. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Bob, you can begin your public comment.

Thank you very much, Council President. I'm Robert Previdi of the Save the Train Coalition and I'd like to introduce our friends here, but I'm going to start with Joanne Winter.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Good afternoon.

My name is Jo Winter and I am the Executive Director of West Mt. Airy Neighbors and the Campaign Manager for the Save the Train Coalition. I'm joined today by my friends and representatives at the Chestnut Hill Community Association, Chestnut Hill Conservancy, East Mt. Airy Neighbors, High Point Cafe and West Central Germantown Neighbors, just a few of our many partners. Thank you, Councilwoman Bass, so much for recognizing the efforts of this outstanding Coalition. In January, we began hearing rumblings that the Chestnut Hill West Line was in danger of being cut along with significant cuts to the Chestnut Hill East Line and the 23 bus. Over the past several months we have formed a Coalition of 70 Northwest organizations, including RCOs, houses of worship, developers, environmental groups, educational institutions, small businesses as well as nine elected officials. This effort represents an unprecedented level of collaboration and we look forward to continuing to work together on this and future issues that are critical to our community. We understand from our legislators in Harrisburg that we need to keep up this intense level of pressure. And so, we're also here today to rally for more support not only for public transit across the Northwest but across the City. We want to be sure to not only save the train but secure full funding for SEPTA. We have a couple more -- we have a few more remarks from some of our team members. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Hi. Thank you, Cindy Bass, you're a wonderful person, and President Kenyatta for allowing us to come today. I just want to speak about my personal experience today because I missed the train to come down with my comrades. And if the schedule was back to where it was, I could have waited for about 20 minutes and got down here on time. But instead I had to go drive in horrific traffic to come down here and park in the underground garage to pay I don't know how much for the day. However, I want you to think about that we do not connect the dots when we pass bills and we support different situations. We pass bills to support development around public transportation, but now that same public transportation is in jeopardy. Now, we have our Mayor mandating people to come back into the City to work and we already have horrific traffic jams now. What will it be like in September if we do not support public transportation, increase the scheduling and make this a mobile and moving prosperous, progressive city. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. That's it?

When I heard that -- my name is Suzanne Ponsen. I'm president of West Central Germantown Neighbors. When I heard in January that the Chestnut Hill West and 23 and the Chestnut Hill East lines were going to face severe cuts and probably closure, I made the point of gathering our neighbors together creating a coalition, which Jo mentioned some of the people that are involved in that organization. We just want to ensure that we have safe, reliable public transportation for the whole city. We started out with the Save the Train, but our goal is saving SEPTA and make us into a 21st century public transportation system. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you very much. MS. McNIFF: I'm going to be really, really quick. My name is Ann --

You got to be super brief because only one person signed up to speak, ma'am. MS. McNIFF: My name is Ann McNiff. I'm the Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Community Association along with my other civic organizations here with us today from Chestnut Hill. I want to thank Councilwoman Bass and let everyone know that we look forward to working with this City Council going forward to make sure that public transportation is what it should be here in Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Thank you for your advocacy.

Jeremy Blatstein. May Ahmad Ibrahim, Mary Beth Brownlee and Khalif Alexander also make their way to the podium.

Good afternoon. Two weeks in a row, City Council President Johnson.

My batting average is still pretty -

I know, but hey, it's still better than your predecessor. So first off, I would like to say job well done I think for the first six months of this year, you've done a very good job of overseeing this Council, so thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.)

I am Jeremy Blatstein. Some of you may know me from my Twitter account, Next Philly Mayor. Unfortunately my videos aren't as fire as Council President Johnson's videos. But today you're voting to confirm seven members to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. On May 24, 2024, the Commonwealth Court ruled that City Council did not have standing appealing a ZBA ruling. Do not waste taxpayer dollars appealing ZBA rulings or figuring out whether or not this body even has standing -- do not waste taxpayer dollars appealing ZBA rulings or figuring out whether or not this body even has standings to appeal ZBA rulings. Please appoint people that you trust. Trust them to do their jobs and allow the ZBA to operate as it's intended. Additionally, regarding the Homestead Exemption there was a lot of discussion regarding ending the 10-year tax abatement a couple years ago. That was going to bring an additional $120 million to the Philadelphia School District over 10 years. That just got wiped out times two, right. The increase of the Homestead Exemption is an unnecessary tax cut that applies to every single homeowner. The last piece I will say and I really want to make this clear is thank you for introducing the Aid Worker bill today, Councilmember O'Rourke, honoring the aid workers who are helping the people recover from the horrific attacks of October 7th. Hamas still has over 100 hostages. The aid workers who are -(Unidentified speaker yelling.)

Excuse, ma'am. Could he be respected and give his time just like everybody else that's speaking on this topic is coming to give their time. Go ahead, sir.

I am speaking on -(Unidentified speaker yelling.)

I am using the words of the bill that was introduced today by Councilmember O'Rourke honoring the aid workers, so thank you. Thank you very much. And I would like to make it clear that I believe in a ceasefire now. Bring them home, bring the hostages home. There is a ceasefire now agreement on the table that Hamas is refusing to accept, so I would like to just make it clear as we move forward that this is a very nuanced topic and this body should not be addressing it. It is a topic that should be addressed on the national level and this is the type of thing -(Unidentified speaker yelling.)

-- that we can have the conversation, but thank you, Council President Johnson, for allowing me to have the time to understand this but -(Unidentified speaker yelling.)

Excuse me, ma'am. Excuse me, ma'am. (Unidentified speaker yelling.)

All right. So at this point in time, Sergeant-at-Arms, if anyone decides to disrupt moving forward, I'm going to ask you to remove them. It's real simple.

Ahmad --

Next person, come on up. Ahmad.

Ahmad Ibrahim. May Mary Beth Brownlee, Khalif Alexander and Michael Gibson also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful, the God of justice God of peace, God of love. I'm here -- first of all, I want to thank Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke for introducing this resolution and I also want to thank him for honoring my great hero Rev. Dr. Isaac Munther. He is the (inaudible) of what heroism is, so I thank you for that. I'm here as a health care worker. I am from West Philadelphia and I just want to recognize this resolution. And again, I want to thank everyone who's going to support this resolution. As a health care worker, I could only imagine putting myself in the shoes of those health care workers who have sacrificed their lives so that others can live. I could not have done so as a health care worker. I could not have made that sacrifice. Those are the heroes and we are here to recognize them, and I just want to highlight the numbers of health care workers that have been killed by the apartheid settler colonial murderous genocidal regime. For more than 500, imagine the numbers, 500 health care workers that have been killed. More than 258 workers have been killed indiscriminately, and this is happening in front of our very eyes and we are choosing to remain silent for what, because we're afraid of the lobbyist. We are afraid of the big money donors that we cannot speak to save lives. At the end I want to say shame on all the City Councilmembers. We know who you are. We know who you serve. We want to say shame on you for failing to formulate, adopt and pass a resolution for ceasefire, a minimum ceasefire so that lives can be saved, the children's lives can be saved. I am a father of two children.

Thank you, sir.

My heart beats every day every night --

Thank you, Ibrahim Ahmad. Thank you, sir. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

Mary Beth Brownlee, Khalif Alexander, Michael Gibson. Then Nadira Griffin. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

So good afternoon, everyone. My name is Khalif Alexander and I am here to speak on Bill 240494, and I'm actually in support of this bill. In fact, I believe that it is important for the City of Philadelphia to apply and to rebuild the City in better conditions for our citizens. In fact, the City of Philadelphia is one of those cities that have had many great leaders and citizens, such as Absalom Jones, Richard Allen, Octavius Catto, Sadie Alexander, Leon Sullivan, Cecil B. Moore and many more. Now, the question you may ask is why am I saying these individuals names? Because these individuals are what we call American Negro, American Freedmen, Black American, various things of that nature. Now, the City of Philadelphia was historically built by Black Americans, and this weekend is Juneteenth weekend and next week is Juneteenth. I have not heard anything about Juneteenth this entire City Council meeting since I've been here, which I find not only disrespectful but I'm also disappointed in many of you all. Now, with that being said I'm requesting that City Council begin to look at various different things. Shout-out to Councilwoman Gauthier by the way for setting up the Reparations Task Force. You know we appreciate you for that. And moving forward with the Reparations Task Force, one of the things that we're looking to do is to create an Office for Freedmen Affairs, a remnant of what we had during the Reconstruction era. Now, why am I connecting these pieces like this? Because Juneteenth was our Emancipation Day, which is our freedom day which is our independence day. And with that being said, the first thing that we wanted to get out of emancipation was economic sovereignty, economic opportunity. We do not have proper economic opportunity not only in this City or not only in this state, but in this country as Black Americans. And I'm up here demanding that we look into creating this office immediately. Now, last thing, if you are a descendant of slaves and your folks come from the South, can you raise your hand for me? Raise your hand if you are a descendant of a slave and your people was emancipated in 1870? We got a lot of our people in here, right. So that's what we need to stand on. We need to stand on that and we need to stand on economic opportunity and advancement for Black Americans. My name is Khalif Alexander and thank you very much. Also, real quick before I leave, make sure you come out to Juneteenth this weekend in Southwest. (Applause.)

Michael Gibson, Nadira Griffin. Can Salaah Muhammad and Yvette Young also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Hello, everyone. My name is Michael Gibson. I'm a 74-year-old disabled senior and I lived in Philadelphia for just about all my life. I'm here today because I want to address that resolution that the new Councilman Young, I want to welcome him, and I'm in favor of naming that part of Cecil B. Moore, that resolution of College Avenue -- between College Avenue and Ridge Avenue as Freedom Fighters Way. I'm kind of like a freedom fighter because I'm here and I represent people of color in the City and there has been a lot of racial discrimination and abuse of power by the Philadelphia Police Department and Police Internal Affairs. Recently I was just assaulted in the 22nd Police District for exerting my right to file a criminal complaint. I wake up in pain every day, every morning, when I go to sleep and when I wake up in the morning. This has to be addressed. The new Mayor Cherelle Parker needs to know about this. The District Attorney Krasner needs to know about this. I have the evidence. And Internal Affairs stated that they don't have the video and they did have the video. Being a person that's fighting for your freedom and fighting for your rights, people of color should not have to go through this, not in 2024. We should still have to stand up and fight for our rights this way. I'm now in Federal Court and now District Attorney Brett Zakeosian is saying that he's going to dispute everything I said after I turned it over to the DA's Office. But yet and still he's refusing, and I know DA Krasner doesn't have that information and I'm going to make sure he gets it. They're trying all they can do to stop me from testifying and I'm not going to bite my tongue this time. I'm going to tell everything about all the corruption and all the systemic discrimination in different agencies in the City of Philadelphia. There has been attorneys that sabotaged the complaint, and they did so deliberately to keep me from testifying. I have been assaulted, attacked and intimidated to keep me from testifying in a court of law and I'm going to do that.

Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.

Have a good day.

You're welcome.

Salaah Muhammad and Yvette Young, Nadira Griffin. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Good afternoon, Councilmen and women. My name is Nadira Griffin. I am the Philadelphia ambassador for all 10 Councilmanic Districts on behalf of the people. I speak on Ordinance 240332. We are in support of the bill. This is for urban development, what we want in our communities. There are in our urban communities we know that our nanas and our papas, our abuelas and abuelos, our titis, madres, padres, mothers and fathers. We kept Philadelphia up, especially in the 5th Councilmanic District where we melanated original kings and queens, kept Philadelphia up. And we know that the urban communities, we are the foundation of Philadelphia. We spend the most money and we keep Philadelphia up. So what we need in Philadelphia at the Strawberry Shopping Center right over there on Girard Avenue, right there at 26th and 27th and Girard Avenue on Germantown and Lehigh, we have Foodway and Integrity Meat Market, we had Shopping Bag right there on Girard Avenue around the 2600. We have over there in Strawberry Shopping Center, we have old food that's outdated, obsolete buildings, obscure regentrification. We know that our grandmothers and pops kept Philadelphia up in these stores, so what we want is a grocery store that our grandparents can go to. We want stores that depict us and foods that depict us with good dated food that keeps us having a quality of life, and we also want to make sure that when you have these urban developments that you keep our moms and pops and our -- our mom-and-pop stores because these are the stores where we went and everybody knew our names. When we were short on funds, we can actually go there and get credit, where we can sustain our families until we have enough money. So what we want in our communities is grocery stores that depict us and depict the foods that we have quality food just like you have in the suburbs. Thank you. (Applause.)

Salaah Muhammad and Yvette Young. (Witnesses approached the podium.)

Yvette Young. Good afternoon, everyone. I'm speaking on Resolution 240598. My last year working at the School District of Philadelphia as the Assistant Director of Facilities, we closed 27 schools and that year was full of empty seats, hysteria and rightsizing messaging. That was very damaging to the School District. Dozens of schools were closed without adding counselors or nurses with no regard to the merging of students from different neighborhoods, without considering the impact to different neighborhoods and the businesses that were supported by the students and the faculty at those schools, which decimated a lot of communities. Class sizes went from an average of 22 to 25 to even beyond 32 which is what it's supposed to be and beyond, so basically now there are a lot of overcrowded classes because they closed too many schools. Many displaced students were placed into low-achieving schools without any resources being added or any consideration for the added burden of traveling longer distances to get to school. Displaced students had more absences and received more suspensions after their original schools closed. Studies have found that the farther students had to travel to reach their new schools the more they struggled. One of the key lessons that is concentrating disadvantage into the same school is not good for any student. That quote was made by Matthew Steinberg in a 2019 article by Avi Wolfman-Arent. After 10 years of deferred maintenance at the School District and over $7 billion in incomplete capital projects and improvements, Philadelphia schools have been left in dangerous conditions full of asbestos and lead. Many of our students are suffering from lead exposure and they have gone untested and untreated, which is a shame. Before we take public 6/13/24 - STATED - 2ND READING dollars to go to private schools and stadiums, we have to address structural racism, reverse structural racism and invest into our neighborhood schools. Thank you so much.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Council President, there are no further names for public comment.