Good morning, Councilmembers, the Beyond the Bars community and guests. My name is Becca Graham, and I'm the proud Program Director for the organization that we're honoring today. I've lived in Philadelphia for almost 12 years. And during that time, I've worked as a bartender, a freelance-teaching artist, an arts nonprofit administrator and a performing artist. I'm grateful to live in such an arts-rich city, one that has provided me with several opportunities to work in nearly every type of community with every type of young person. I've heard the stories of young folks of all backgrounds and experiences about their joys and frustrations to the medium of songwriting and live performance, bravely expressing the full spectrum of their emotions. Since joining the BTB community in August 2023, I've witnessed more beautiful examples of this work that I can count. We meet students at community hubs, trauma centers, clinics, juvenile detention facilities, charter schools, rec centers, places equipped with brand new gear and tools, but in most cases, spaces that are severely underresourced and working with what little they have. If BTB can help augment and expand what is available in these centers, we will. And if it's not within our capacity, we have not hesitated to call upon the awesome partners and leaders within our evergrowing ecosystem to give a hand. After 10 years, 55 music labs built and thousands of youth served, we are very proud of what we've done to open avenues for our students, teachers and staff to expand access to the Philly arts and culture community. We owe it to those we serve, especially our young leaders and artists, to provide spaces of quality, not only in the physical equipment we provide like guitars and IMAX, but with thoughtful and informed culturability and mentorship as well. I especially want to shout out the day 1 members of Beyond the Bars, many of whom are here today. These are folks that started as young students building up their music creation and performance skills. They became student teachers in what was probably their first job in opportunity learning, to lead classrooms and are now part of our talented group of adult teachers and administrative staff. While we're excited for our community members to choose any career path, especially they can remain in our city, it is an example of a beautiful full-circle moment that we celebrate, knowing that there is potential within each and every one of us to grow and give back. Lastly, I want to thank every person that has crafted this resolution. Beyond the Bars is grateful to be acknowledged and be in the company of so many youthcentered organizations that have come before us and exist alongside us. Let's all work when -- let's all continue to do our part because there's no short of work when it comes to providing the young folks of our city, spaces to express themselves through the vehicle of music. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Matthew Kerr and I am a Co-director of Beyond the Bars. Thank you so much to City Council for having us today. 10 years ago Beyond the Bars began in a jail cell, myself and some other amazing community-based teaching artists. My Co-director Chris Thornton, we began teaching some of the most amazing young people we've ever met. Now, this was not just a juvenile facility. It was for youth who were tried as adults. And during that time when we came in on Thursdays and Sundays, we'd work with young people and we'd see the ways in which they thrived when they had access to music, when they had access to a community that supported them where they could just be a young person. During this time, we heard far too often that we were one of their first music programs and how much they wished they had it before as well as hearing of the different systems that didn't serve them in their adolescence. We would hear things like housing insecurity, food insecurity, educational divestment, lack of access to mental health resources when trauma came around. So we listened to our young people. The young people that we taught in jail, they were leaders. They said, we want to have more musical spaces across the city, we want to have more spaces where our little brothers and sisters can learn how to play music. So we branched out. And 10 years later, the amazing Program Director Becca Graham already addressed it, we have 55 music labs. Now, the way we did that every single step of the way was built with our community but also with youth leadership. We started as just one amazing spot called the CEC in West Philadelphia. And during that time, we taught amazing young people, many are here today, but too often we still heard of those same scarcities. We still were teaching amazing young people playing music, but they were still talking about food insecurity or housing insecurity and our young people, they branched out. They said, we want to build more spaces. So today we're in youth shelters, trauma clinics, foster care, rec centers. Wherever young people are, we want to have access to a musical space where they can grow not just as musicians, but also as leaders. So when you go to Beyond the Bar space, know that that's been built by a young person, for a young person and now is being run by former students in the program. But also, none of this would have been possible without our amazing 75 partners. The amount of grassroots orgs that do powerful work in the city, not just music, but all the different resources that we were talking about that is done by countless grassroots orgs that definitely are always in need of city funding. So not just Beyond the Bars but so, so many amazing community-based grassroots, please, please, please, continue to fund. Thank you so much.
Good morning, City Council. I am Isaiah Robinson and I am a program facilitator with Beyond the Bars. I joined Beyond the Bars in 2020 during the pandemic. For me, it was just a zoom class where I can get to learn how to play drums at the time. And surely, I realized how beautiful and loving the community is, and that's why I'm here today to talk on the importance of youth employment and the importance of creating safe spaces for youth. As I was growing up and being in so many different programs, I've realized how important communities are, the connections that we build, the relations that we have, the spaces that we create. These all give youth opportunities to be themselves, to stay out of trouble and to be able to create something that they haven't dreamed of or have. So for that, for me it was always a great opportunity. And then having youth employment is another thing. When going to different spaces and in different places, we hear that kids say they want to have dance classes or they want to be artists or they want to be engineers, but they don't have the opportunities to the finance to find those classes. And I think it's very important to create these spaces so then they can go into these spots and build those skills, because it is very important for us to start to change the future. And for us now to save the future, we have to change today. Thank you.
Hi, guys. So my name is Shylynn. I've been working with Beyond the Bars for three years now. When I first came into Beyond the Bars, I was just a junior in high school at CAPA. This was one of the first jobs where I actually felt more than just a paycheck. It was more of like a purpose where I actually developed personal skills, growth. And now in the process of me becoming a mentor with Beyond the Bars as a teacher, I get to see my experiences take place in other youth that were in my position. It's really meaningful to see how the cycle continues with programs like this and nonprofits like this. Beyond the Bars is so much more to me than just a nonprofit. It's a community that's built to an advancement for not just the students and the people working with it but as a community as a whole. Yeah, I've worked with so many children from so many different backgrounds where I get to see how those children, those needs are very important that they don't always receive from school or home. This is a connection where we can bridge those gaps of resources that we always need as far as friends, people to talk to, mental support, food support, all that. Yeah, as I'll say as a teacher it's really nice to see how as I get older it -- yes. As I get older, the more I teach, the more the children, actually they understand these lessons. But it's more than just the music. They've connected through so many other ways. And also, I just want to add as well we do have Saturday at 8:00 p.m. we have a show for our youth. But, yeah, just to promote how much they've grown. These are student teachers and students that we've taught and worked with and they've also just had the niche of wanting to play music. And from that, they've built so much more than just their artistry. Okay. But last important I want to say, just coming -- I'm so nervous, sorry, guys. The employment aspect of this thing is one thing, but I will say it's definitely more when it comes to the people you meet. There's so many great people working with Beyond the Bars, especially in the state of the world where you don't really see much support given. This is a program where there's undoubtedly enormous amount of support. But, yeah. (Applause.)
We have Talona Coleman, David Alexander Jenkins. May Tawana Fleming, Vanessa Ewing, Lynn Landes, Ogbonna Hagins and Wanda Walker also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Madam Chair, Council and guests in the chamber. David Alexander Jenkins. As a point of privilege, a special thanks to Councilmember Jones and to the City of Philadelphia for the dedication of Will Smith Way yesterday. We stood as a unit peacock proud to celebrate the achievements of a man who, even in his perfect imperfections, has left an indelible mark on the society as a whole, at home and abroad. Will is a cultural icon whose achievements surprised me not because I was privileged to receive the same generational wisdom from our forefather Gregory Holly, who armed all of his progeny with the traditional American folk wisdom that Will spoke to yesterday. If a task has once begun, never leave it til it's done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all. Will certainly has done it well. I rise, Madam Bass, in favor of the resolution as brought by Councilmember Landau, 250225. I believe it was Abraham Lincoln, wasn't it, who touted that government should do for the people what they cannot do better by themselves. Nevertheless, this Administration seems hell bent on punishing the morality of they whom stand on the side of dignity and whom champion decency. The decision to suspend income-driven repayment plans and weaponize the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is not administrative. It is however ideological. It is an affront to those whom serve their communities, those whom teach children, those whom heal the sick and those who defend the vulnerable. To politicize access to debt relief based on who one serves, be it an immigrant, a transgender child or a peaceful protester in opposition to one's own stance on issues of politics or social justice is not only unlawful but is undignified. It is unAmerican. This is an economic retaliation against consciousness. I echo the statements of Representative Carroll. If Mr. Trump wishes, as it seems, to pattern his actions after a king, then let it be the King who reminds us injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Today we rise to condemn a cruel and calculated attack on justice itself. And I beg your conscious and your unanimous vote. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Tawana Fleming. Good morning, City -well, good afternoon, City Councilmembers. I want to thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I've lived in Philadelphia for over 50 years. I've been a homeowner for over three decades. I am also the founder of a nonprofit organization named Family Feed and Family Inc. I am in support of Bill No. 250245, Housing Initiative called H.O.M.E. As a resident, community service advocate and nonprofit founder, I can attest that the population we serve over the years would have greatly benefited and still can from this initiative. Most of our participants were struggling to afford the basic life necessities for survival and wellbeing, which included food, water, clothing and health care. Majority were either in the first stages of being evicted or recently evicted. In most cases, they were employed or receiving some form of income, just not enough to maintain their basic needs. If this bill is approved, the Philadelphia Land Bank would be authorized to dispose of, my understanding, vacant lots for use in the H.O.M.E. Initiative. This could serve as an excellent example of all components of this initiative being utilized due to the positions of the lots in question and adjacent properties. The program would be able to build affordable homes on the vacant lots and assist renters facing evictions, providing existing homeowners with funding for home improvement and removing blight from the city. I am asking City Councilmembers to vote in favor of Bill No. 250245. Let's assist the citizens of Philadelphia that are in need of affordable housing, homeowners in need of repairs that will keep them safe and healthy in their existing homes and the removal of blight as much as possible to beautify our beloved city with this initiative. I want to thank you again for your time. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. I'm Lynn Landes of Lynnlandes.com and a Republican activist. I oppose Resolution 250255, which once again accuses President Trump, and by extension we, his Republican supporters, of being anti-immigrant, anti-trans and anti-free speech. Republicans enthusiastically support legal immigration, but not illegal immigration, particularly when it amounts to an invasion of millions of people from all over the world. Republicans are not against transboys and men who want to be girls and women. Republicans are against boys and men violating girls and women's rights to female sports, female showers and female dorm rooms. Republicans are not against free speech. In fact, it is Democratic-controlled Philadelphia City Council and Democratic-controlled City departments who are against free speech, as they have for years, if not decades, systematically restricted public comments at public meetings to agenda items only, which violates our First Amendment free speech rights and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. Other Pennsylvania municipalities such as Pittsburgh do not do this. As a result of this censorship many issues rarely, if ever, get discussed, such as the COVID lockdowns and its repercussion. Lastly, it is a common but disturbing practice to accuse others of what the accuser is guilty of. Unfortunately, such is the case with this unfortunate resolution. Thank you.
Good afternoon, City Council. My name is Vanessa Ewing. I'm a member of POWER Interfaith, representing Second Baptist Church of Germantown which is in Councilmember City Bass' District. I am deeply concerned about rising rent costs, property taxes and increased displacement in our city. I've had had conversations with many people in my community and they are deeply concerned as well. I've grown up in Philadelphia, I've gone to high school and college in Philly and now I work in Philadelphia. Throughout my life here in this city, there's always been housing insecurity, there's always been homelessness. I've grown up seeing people living on the street, asking for food, looking for shelter, asking for money, and I've watched them be consistently ignored. As a kid, this really bothered me and today that hasn't changed. It hurts me to see people living without shelter, a basic necessity in our society that can bring a sense of safety, protect us from disease and harsh weather, bring us comfort, give us a sense of pride and ownership. As a Christian, I believe in God's love, God's abounding love for each person and that our purpose is to love God with all of ourselves and to therefore love each other, to love each person as we would love ourselves and as God loves us. I believe that we are all connected through that love. And while others suffer homeless, hungry, lying cold on the ground like they do every night in our city, being constantly ignored by their own human race, their own brothers and sisters and treated like they are less than human obviously hurts that person, but it hurts us too. We as the ones who walk by, who ignore, who don't engage because we're told not to, or we think we don't have anything to offer them or don't know how to help, it hurts us. I believe greatly in what Dr. Martin Luther King said that we are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. And you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. Our brothers and sisters who are homeless can't be what they ought to be living in the injustice of homelessness. I'm going to cut through a lot of what I wrote because I'm running out of time. But I invite Councilmember Cindy Bass to please join us for a town hall that we will be hosting in your District in the late spring and we will get you that information to your office. I invite City Council to join in partnership. (Applause.)
Thank you. We look forward to the invitations. Awesome.
Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I just want to let Council President know that I bought the whole Jackson Five here today, including Jermaine. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is designed to help individuals working in public service roles such as government or nonprofit organizations by forgiving the remaining balance of their federal student loans. And, yes, income-driven students loan repayment plans have been temporarily suspended but not by Donald Trump. This decision stems from the court ruling that blocked the Biden Administration saving on a valuable education plan, which was introduced in 2023 to provide more affordable repayment options. The ruling expanded to include other income-driven repayment plans. Trump had nothing to do with it. He wasn't even in office. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program itself has not been suspended. Recently, President Trump signed an executive order limiting eligibility. This order targets certain nonprofit organizations deemed to have a substantial illegal purpose. Those nonprofits are the ones that make it their business to aid and abet illegal aliens. Simply put, if you want loan forgiveness, stop breaking the law. Stop conspiring with nonprofits to harbor illegal aliens. Stop laundering money under the guise of the Powers Act. Stop intentionally deceiving the public, committing ethics violations and stop the nonfeasance of the 13th and 14th Amendment. And to the public, if you vote not knowing the political philosophy of the people you vote for, you're responsible for more deaths in Philadelphia than gun violence. Ogbonna Hagins, President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition. Over and out. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, beautiful people. My name is Wanda Walker. And as always, I'm going to talk about generational wealth. So we're going to go with 250245, the Land Bank. I guess maybe I'm for it, but I need the Land Bank to have more transparency. I've sat here since September of last year and watch certain City Councilpeople give a lot of properties to the Land Bank, and yet we only have about 250 affordable homes that were built. So I'm sort of getting tired of saying the same thing. We have to protect our seniors. Our seniors are the ones that allow people to come back home, but they can't do that if they don't have a home. After 30 years of paying taxes, they shouldn't have to pay taxes. I know that sounds sort of crazy, but I did some research and found that other cities and states are starting to say the same thing. I also picked out three articles I would like everybody to look up and read from WHYY, and it explains what Philadelphia is about to do. Someone suggesting that developers should have 20-year abatements if they're going to rehab the properties downtown, that parking lots downtown should pay less taxes and that PPA should be able to charge more money, those are some of the things that are coming up. We know about Mayor Cherelle's proposal for $2 billion for housing and that sounds wonderful, but it's not until we have a workforce that can do that work and it's not as long as developers come in and build stuff that's not affordable. So we have to worry about home first, the citizens here first. And the articles I want you to look at for WHYY, Philadelphia Mayor Parker's budget proposal, you'll find a lot, WHYY. Four things to know about the Philadelphia Reform Commission, that is very powerful. Then you have Pew, how property is taxed in Philadelphia. So if you read those three or four articles, you will start to understand exactly what's coming down the pipe. And we have to start coming together to say no about this. We need a workforce that is of Philadelphia that can build these houses so that we stop outsourcing everything. That's what's making us go broke, one of the things. Thank you very much. I want to give a shoutout to our Sheriff Rochelle Bilal because she is one of the people that is trying to by court order stop banks and developers from just coming in and getting everything. 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING So she's doing it by court order. And when you read an article about a particular politician and it might be negative, go have a conversation with them and ask them their side. Thank you. (Applause.)
We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250245.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of 708 North Shedwick Street, 710 North Shedwick Street, 714 North Shedwick Street and 723 North Shedwick Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250245.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250245 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250255.
A resolution condemning President Donald J. Trump and his administration for their decision to suspend income-driven student loan repayment plans and for politicizing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to target advocates working to oppose his anti-immigrant, anti-trans, antifree speech agenda. 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250255.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250255 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title -(Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250066-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 11-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Openings and Excavations in the Streets," to impose additional penalty penalties on violators of underground permitting requirements, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring March as National Reading Month and recognizing Read by the 4th Initiative for its commitment to early childhood literacy. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next title of resolution in her possession.
A privileged resolution Honoring and Celebrating Beyond the Bars on the occasion of their 10th Anniversary for Their Dedication to Empowering Philadelphia's Youth Through Music Leadership and Community Engagement. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Dr. Anthony Phillips for a motion 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING on the resolution.
I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution declaring 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING March 17, 2025, as "Bayard Rustin Day" in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing March 31, 2025, as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Philadelphia, a day to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of transgender people and to lift up the joy, light and laughter that transgender people experience and bring into our communities. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk -(Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing Sanaa Rahming, Samiyah Rahming and 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Julissa Ortiz for their middle and high school girls' wrestling accomplishments on the occasion of Women's History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the Life and Legacy of former heavyweight champion "Big" George Foreman. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the life Eusebio "Bonn" Batan, Fishtown's "Mayor of Crease Street." Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Chef Kyle Timson for winning Season 23 of Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thanks, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and honoring the work done by advocates to reduce barriers to social and civic participation experienced by people living with developmental disabilities. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the Montreux Jazz Festival and the rich jazz history of Philadelphia 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING and expressing the City's desire to host a world-class jazz festival in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating Sharon A. Powell on the Occasion of Her Official Retirement. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.) 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Dr. Arlene Parsons Bennett for her contributions to the City as a prominent community organizer and the first Black woman to graduate from the University of 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Pennsylvania's Medical School, on the occasion of Women's History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and celebrating the extraordinary efforts of WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 3/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. Today I'm introducing a resolution to recognize March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The goal of the month is to shine a light on the barriers people with living with disabilities experience on a daily basis. If you have not already, I encourage you to check out the artwork on display on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors of City Hall. All of it is created by individuals with autism or neurodevelopmental disabilities. Also today in partnership with my Minority Whip Councilmember O'Rourke, I are calling the People's Tax Plan. The plan takes recommendations from both the Tax Reform Commission and the Tax Advisory Commission, and it aims to protect working families and small businesses from uncertainty and cuts of the Federal Administration. Over the last decade, corporate taxes have been cut at the federal, state and local level with promises of growth by these same corporations, only to see shareholder profit become larger. The federal and state level are already promising to cut corporate taxes this year. When ask locally, small business owners rank taxes low on the other concerns. They want better City services, less poverty like all of us. We need growth for business owners. That's my focus this budget season. First, we have a bill to make more people eligible for the wage tax refund. City Council created this tax refund in 2020 to help low-income families. Let's build on a successful growth and sign up for the current wage tax refund we heard yesterday from the Parker Administration. My legislation makes more families eligible and expands it. That means we're putting money in the pockets, enough to pay a bill or to buy things your children need or just to help with rent. The package also includes an update to the BIRT tax exemption. This is a strategic tax investment we can make ahead of 2026. This will bring hundreds of around the world. We need to set them up for success on this world stage. Let's have this conversation publicly. Without the exemption, about 80,000 small businesses are affected. We owe it to them this year so that next year we are not explaining to them on why they have to pay it for the first time. For the third part of the plan, we are reintroducing the wealth tax that I proposed in 2022. We made changes to protecting working- and middle-class families by exempting educational savings accounts, retirement savings accounts and mutual funds. It would raise $200 million for the City and help shield us from the Trump Administration. I welcome any questions or discussions about this proposal as we work towards to the people's needs and meet the challenges of the moment. On a different note, I want to celebrate my two brothers are in competition right now today for this state championship. We have Mayor Ed Gainey out of Pittsburgh has a son at one school and our own coach, Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas. I wish them both well as they fight for this championship basketball game. So shout-out to that. And lastly, I want to take a point of personal privilege. This week has been really hard for my family, and I would be remiss in not taking the time to talk about or if anyone has seen -- someone stole my dog. So my dog was stolen on Saturday, March 22nd at 12:15 at 15th and Wingohocking -- I'm so sorry. Okay. Buzz is a light brown Miniature Poodle. He has a chip. And I'm just asking if you have my dog, you can drop him off at any animal shelter or hospital and he will be reconnected with our family.
If you have any information about his whereabouts or just have a tip, please feel free to call my office at 215-686-0461. Thank you. )
Thank you, Member Brooks. And we all will be as a Council family making sure we put the word out regarding the return of your dog. The Chair recognizes Member O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. the Minority today and that word is reclamation. Reclamation, just continuing on from the thought that Leader Brooks lifted around our newly proposed People's Tax Plan. Just seeing this as one of those things where we're claiming monies, reclaiming monies for the people through the People's Tax Plan, just tax policies that put money in working people's pockets by reclaiming it like through the wage tax refund I think is good business. This plan prioritizes working-class Philadelphians by ensuring that our tax system is fairer and more inclusive rather than favoring the ultra wealthy who contribute little to our city's well-being, as has been lifted up hearings. Just as tax policies should find ways to keep money in working-class Philadelphians' pockets, something that I set out in this chamber to want to do, put money back in people's pockets, our City's budget decisions should also reflect that same commitment to equity, particularly in a time right now when we pretend that equity doesn't matter. Yet the choice to cut the Zero Fare program does the exact opposite. So I want to lift that up as well. We have Mr. Blatstein come every single week, as he told us, to talk about SEPTA, but my brother didn't lift up Zero Fare today. Zero fare isn't just about free rides. It's about economic mobility, access to opportunity and ensuring that no choose between affording transportation and meeting basic needs. It is literally a lifeline in the built infrastructure of our city and in the life of our citizens. While the fight to protect essential programs like Zero Fare continues, there are also moments of progress worth celebrating. And so, in that reclaiming not just Zero Fare I want to take the time out to lift up the victory won by faculty and staff at CCP. I think them folks was up to fo a.m., 4:00 in the morning. That's early, but I believe that what they were able to accomplish, this agreement is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of standing firm in the fight for fair wages and for appreciate the claps. And if y'all can send them some cookies or something just to congratulate them for their work, I think that's worth it. That haven't been said, Mr. President, again, the word today was reclamation and I hope that we got that spirit in the work that we do. Have a good one. Thank you, sir. (Applause.)
Thank you, Member O'Rourke. And I also want to acknowledge in that same spirit a late-night phone call. The young lady was in the mix of the negotiations and calling back and forth with the Administration, and that's Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson as well as our Majority Thomas, keeping me up while I'm watching Netflix, keeping me updated on how they were trying to make sure that the next day it wouldn't be a total shutdown. And so, for all the Members who showed up at the press conference and showed up at the rally and supporting the faculty at Community College, I just want to also commend all of you for standing up for working-class people. So continue to keep doing the great work of this body. (Applause.)
Speeches on behalf of the Majority. And I see this young man is taking a cue out of the book of the senior member Councilmember Curtis Jones, because his light was on since like 10 o'clock, Dr. Anthony Phillips. The floor is yours, sir.
I had to learn something. Colleagues, today I rise to recognize, lift those who are making a real difference in the lives of our children and families and those who dedicate themselves to this work, not for recognition, not because it's trendy but because they believe in the power of education, the arts and the community. Now, all too often individuals and organizations doing the most impactful work are overlooked, but today I want to shine a spotlight on two organizations that are truly changing lives. That is why today I've commenced the children and youth spotlight. Read by the 4th and Beyond the Bars are doing people. Read by the 4th is a citywide initiative dedicated to ensuring that every child in Philadelphia is reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade, by mobilizing schools, community organizations and policymakers. Read by the 4th provides essential resources, training and support the children and families and educators. Their efforts laid a foundation for academic success, opening doors for future opportunities and long-term achievement. Thank you, Read by the 4th. Beyond the Bars is a transformative program that uses music education to empower you, especially those impacted by incarceration and systemic barriers. What started in 2015 10 students inside a correctional facility has grown into a movement establishing 55 music labs across the city, graduating 75 student teachers and mentoring over 800 young people through music. Beyond the Bars is giving our youth a voice and a purpose and a path forward, the power of education, the power behind the arts, the power of mentors and community leaders right here in Philadelphia. That is why I will continue to highlight and uplift those who dedicate themselves to this work, and it's also because I come from a background where I ran nonprofits that were dedicated to helping young people and I want to recognize the organizations that are doing that today. So with that being said thank you, Read by the 4th, and thank you, Beyond the Bars. Lastly, I also want to take a moment to recognize someone within our own office who's a young man who embodies the same commitment to service, Brandon Chism, who is right behind me, began his journey with us as an unpaid volunteer intern. And thanks to you, Council President, we were able to bring him on as a paid intern later on. But because he started off with us unpaid, he believed in the work that we're doing, he understood the experience that he was gaining, the knowledge he was absorbing and the impact he was making far outweighed the fact that he wasn't yet being paid. And so, we're so thankful that for the past year or a dedicated professional and he's been willing to challenge, go challenge, you know, get challenged and also push himself. And none of that has gone unnoticed. You have been an integral part of our team. And as you move forward on your path to your first professional gig after graduation from Temple, I have no doubt that you will continue to be a trailblazer. Philadelphia needs more people like you. And, Brandon, you have set a great standard in office, and we know your future is right, and we wish you the best of luck. Congratulations. Brandon, please stand and be recognized. (Applause.)
Thank you, Member Phillips. The Chair recognizes Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. Today I rise to honor two incredible forces in our city both doing the work of healing, both shaping a better future for all of us. First, I'm proud to recognize Dr. Arlene Parsons Bennett, a pioneer psychiatrist, a proud graduate of Philadelphia High School for Girls and the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania's Medical School. She enrolled at Penn Med from 1960 to 1964, a time when racial tensions were high and doors were still being closed to women of of only six women in her class. To even get to college, Dr. Bennett enlisted in the military to afford her education. Her journey took great brilliance and unwavering purpose. But what makes today's recognition especially personal for me is this: Dr Bennett was my neighbor. She's a friend and mentor to my daughters, one of whom is also going into medicine, and she continues to be a practicing psychiatrist at 91 years young, showing up every day with wisdom, care and a deep commitment to her patients and her community. Dr. Bennett has never stopped advocating for women, for families, for equity, and that is why I chose to honor her during Women's History Month. She is living history, a legend in our midst, an icon living. And I want to do my part and give Dr. Bennett her flowers now. I also want to just acknowledge our intern, Amaya Madarang, who actually wrote this and researched it. I'm very grateful to her. She's a senior at the University of Pennsylvania. We are also lifting up WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, a cornerstone institution in our city for more than 50 years. As the only rape crisis center in Philadelphia, W-O-A-R, WOAR has provided survivors with free 24/7 crisis counseling, therapy, legal advocacy and educational outreach that impacts tens of thousands of people each year. As we approach April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we survivors and to supporting the critical, compassionate work that WOAR needs every day. To Dr. Bennett and WOAR, thank you for showing us that healing is not only possible, it is powerful. You are the soul of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you colleagues that joined us yesterday at the street renaming for Will Smith. In 40 minutes, I will be at Shepard Recreation Center finally doing a groundbreaking. We passed Rebuild and the beverage tax 2017. I mentioned in budget that we have a 10-year backlog in capital projects that I'm praying our mayor, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker will work on. I have had recreation centers in my District where a young man 7 years old said, Councilman, I want a skate park because I do my thing on the skateboard. We finally got that park built as he was a freshman in college. It shouldn't take this long. It does not take two hours to watch 60 minutes. We should be able to do it faster. So as we enter into this budget process and as we finally break ground -- thank you again, Mayor Parker, thank you again, Recreation Commissioner -- we have to get better at providing because if we do the math, by the time you center, 10 more are ruined. And so, we have to kind of put a little bit of our organizational skills to cut down those times that it takes to move these projects through the ship. I love what we've done for PreK, but we can do better for our brick-andmortar rec centers. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Member Jones. The Chair recognizes Member Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduced a resolution recognizing Monday, March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility, a day not only of recognition but of joy, resilience and celebration. Monday is an opportunity to honor the countless who have shaped our history and continue to lead us into the future. It's a time to remember the leaders who paved the way, Jaci Adams, Charlene Arcila Moore, Janis Stacy, Ebony Ali, Celena Morrison and more. Their courage and advocacy have brought us closer to true equity. We also see Trans Day of Visibility as a moment to uplift the work of Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major and Marsha P. Johnson who stood at the front lines of the future. But visibility alone is not enough. Across this country, we've seen a wave of anti-trans legislation, bills attacking the rights of trans youth, banning health care and gender-affirming care, policing identities and their homes. It's hateful. It's violent. It's important to speak up and denounce it. Philadelphia is a city where trans people belong, where we will continue to fight for our rights, health care access and protections. So on March 31st in spite of it all, let's celebrate. Let's honor trans joy. Today I also introduced a resolution recognizing March 17, 2025, as Bayard Rustin Day in the City of Philadelphia, honoring a historic member of the LGBTQ+ community whose courage and vision shaped our nation's history. Born in the Philly suburbs, Rustin's commitment to justice led him to become a key strategist in the Civil Rights Movement, mentoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and 1963 March on Washington. His work helped pave the way for the civil rights and voting rights acts. Yet despite his incredible contributions, Rustin faced discrimination not only as a Black activist, but as a gay man. Even when sidelined, he never stopped fighting, becoming a champion for countless marginalized individuals in both the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. I'm honored to commemorate his legacy in Philadelphia and alongside Representative Andre Carroll, who was able to recognize March 17th on the state level. I'd like to take a note that later today Oscarnominated actor Philly native and Overbrook High and Temple University grad Colman Domingo, who Netflix movie, will be joining us in the building. My staff has invited all of you, my Council colleagues, here to join us and meet Colman. You'll recall that we honored Colman's contribution to the film industry along with his recent Oscar nominations a few weeks back. I hope you join me and welcome him in City Hall. And thank you all so much for your time.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. So just a couple of things I wanted to mention. The first is, I want to thank Councilwoman Nina Ahmad for the Bennett, who is just really a gem and has been a mentor to me for many, many years and has really looked out for African American women in the community and supported. It wasn't just lip service. It was real full true support that was tangible. And so, she will always have a place not just in my heart, but in the hearts of so many other women of color that she's reached out and touched. I also wanted to follow up and piggyback on what Councilman Jones said about being able to build our rec centers faster, because any time we can -- and I used this example the other day during the budget hearings, but any time we can rebuild I-95 in less than two weeks, then we can do things better. We can do things faster, and it really does require us to do so to be able to keep our young people safe. So I just wanted to mention that as well. I also was honored today to introduce a resolution recognizing Sharon Powell, who is a true champion for the city of Philadelphia. Many of you know her work because Sharon has dedicated her life to public service through her work in broadcast media, local government and corporate philanthropy. From her time as a community voice on the radio to her leadership roles in elections, voter mobilization and Comcast Internet Essentials Program, Sharon has left an inspiring mark on our city. She has served on many boards, earned many awards, and above all, has tirelessly worked to resolution honors her remarkable legacy and celebrates her profound impact on Philadelphia. And for those of us who have been here in these chambers for a minute or two, Sharon we know was here on behalf of Comcast for many years, sitting right behind the rail and here faithfully every week to check in, to talk to us, to work with us, to connect with us. And so, she's just always been a joy and a pleasure to work with. So we really did want to carve out some time and give her her flowers as well and recognize her. And more to come on that in the future. I also briefly wanted to say that I was proud to introduce a resolution recognizing the Montreux Jazz Festival's global impact and proposing a similar world class As the birthplace of jazz legends like John Coltrane, Billie Holiday and Dizzy Gillespie, Philadelphia has a rich musical legacy that continues to thrive through its vibrant local scene and cultural institutions. This festival would celebrate our City's contributions to jazz, foster new talent and create an exciting opportunity for cultural exchange and economic growth. With collaboration from local artists, institutions and City officials, we can bring this vision to life and further solidify Philadelphia as a global hub for jazz music. And I also wanted to make note that as you know, Mr. President, we've been hosting our Jazz Funk Soul Music Series every summer at Morris Estate for more than a decade now. And so, it we would want to welcome, recruit and bring the Montreux Jazz Festival here to Philadelphia, as they've gone to other cities as well like Miami and here and there. We would love to welcome them here and the hundreds of thousands of tourists that they bring with them. And the last thing that I just wanted to say was in reference to Councilmember Brooks' situation with her dog. Anybody who knows me knows that -
-I'm a dog lover. I have four fur babies of my own. And so, I just wanted to say as a Board member for Animal Care and Control Team, which is a city agency which handles animal care, we have that. And Pennsylvania SPCA. But ACCT is a city entity. And I can't tell -- I'm enraged about the theft of any dog because I know on any given basis, any given day, we probably take in between 12 and 20 dogs that are coming back out. So if you want a dog, don't steal somebody else's. Go and get your own at ACCT, 111 Hunting Park Avenue. Go get a dog and there's plenty there. They will waive the fees for you. But if you want a dog, you don't have to steal someone else's. You can go get one for yourself. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Very well said. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to echo the words of Councilmember O'Rourke today and congratulate the faculty and staff at CCP for winning this historic contract. I want to thank my colleagues today for also passing resolutions, I'm honoring the life of Fishtown native Eusebio Batan, also honoring George Foreman and congratulating Chef Kyle Timson. But the crux of my speech today is going to be talking about the resolution I introduced honoring three young women here in the city of Philadelphia. So for those who don't know, the NCAA Wrestling Championships were held here in Philadelphia this past weekend at the Wells Fargo Center hosted by Drexel University and University of Penn. They are the offer D1 wrestling. It's estimated that that NCAA Wrestling Championships could have an economic impact of up to $20 million to the city of Philadelphia. And according to the Philadelphia Convention and Business Bureau, 80% of the fans came from out of town representing 42 states and Canada. So on this last Council day of Women's History Month, I felt it fitting to honor three history-making young women from the city of Philadelphia in the sport of wrestling. Across the country, Pennsylvania is known as probably the top wrestling state in our union. And Sanaa Rahming is a 7th grader at Andrew J. Morrison School. She won the Keystone State 11- and 12-year-old divisions. Julissa Ortiz is a junior at Mariana Bracetti Academy, and she is the first girl to win a Philadelphia Public League Title. And along with Samiyah Rahming, who's a junior at Northeast High School, both Julissa and Samiyah are two-time Public League champions back-to-back, again wrestling against boys in the Public League, mind you. And so, they also are both two-time PIAA a state runnerups in the Girls Wrestling Championships. And so, according to a March 2024 article by AP News, girls wrestling is the fastest growing high school sport in the country, which is now sanctioned in 45 states. So thanks to the efforts of organizations like Girl, the Police Athletic League and Beat the Streets Philadelphia, girls wrestling and the sport of wrestling in general is on the rise. So for those who don't know, I'm a fan of wrestling. I started wrestling in middle school and fell in love with it then. It gives opportunity for our kids to experience discipline and hard work. And a lot of kids who are from these innercity neighborhoods, it gives us a chance to let go of some aggression that we have in a positive manner. You can just slam somebody and not get in trouble for it, right. So I encourage everyone, all our youth, to just take a look at that sport. It actually creates great football players as well. a little bit just to let folks know. And some other athletes who are boxers also wrestled. So it's a foundational sport that can help you throughout life -- sorry, Mr. President. But before I end, I definitely want to give my condolences to my cousin Tiffany, who lost her son Zahkir Whitfield aka DJ. He was a 15-year-old. He would have turned 16 a couple days ago. And, you know, my heart goes out to her, another mom, another Black mom in this city who had to bury their son due to gun violence. And so, I just want to bring that to the forefront of everyone's mind here in the city of Philadelphia, that that is still considered to be the number one issue that plagues our city.
You the city, from any corner of the city that that will continue to come up to be the issue that we really need to pay attention to. And I also want to give my condolences to the Community News and Engagement Bureau of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Inquirer slashed that bureau. I don't know if it's following trends of DEI cuts that are going on throughout the country, but this further silences the voices of Black and Brown communities in our city, in a city where Black and Brown communities again are dealing with gun violence, gentrification, critical issues of our public education system. Sometimes we need that those good news stories so we know that everything that's happening in negative, right, so we can see that there are some positive things happening. But unfortunately, The Inquirer decided to cut this particular bureau, with half of those reporters cut being Black or Hispanic. So I just want to put that out to our communities that we have to continue to show our own stories to shed light on what's happening in our communities in positive ways. And so, hopefully we can use other news outlets to like The Tribune, like WURD to continue to show things that are happening in our communities. So thank you, Mr. President, for allowing me that time.
You're welcome. You're welcome, sir. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good afternoon, everyone. I just wanted to start off by thanking everyone for voting for my pothole bill, in lack of better terms, unanimously today. While this isn't the first bill I passed, this is definitely the bill that I've worked on the longest. I thought I knew a lot about construction and construction holes until I got into this. I started this bill when I first got here after the special election two years ago, but I believe this bill is now done in a way where we will not upset progress, but we can still go after the bad actors that are tearing up our city streets. As Councilman Young just said, gun violence is the number one problem in the city of Philadelphia. The fact of the matter is when I was running, there was a poll done and of course, the first two were what you would think which was gun violence and education. But the No. 3 concern on people's minds, which blew No. 4 away, was potholes. And being a highway worker and knowing that there's an actual definition for a pothole, and I won't explain it again. You guys probably heard me tell you this definition for a long time, but this year was so we can go after the people that are digging up our streets illegally without getting a permit and then causing our residents to have issues with their car when they drive over this massive hole and it bottoms out they contact the City of Philadelphia saying their car was messed up by a pothole. And they say, okay, send us a picture. And they send a picture and they say, oh, no, that ain't no pothole, that's a construction hole. So this now gives us the opportunity to go after these bad actors by not only finding them, but to also suspend their license when they have multiple offenses until they rectify the situations that they have going on, which would be to redo what they did so it can be inspected and made sure that the people getting these services into their homes. This is their water. It has to do with pressure, gas, all that stuff like that. We have to make sure it's done right. That's why we get it after you do work like that, the City comes itself to fill those holes in because it has to be done a special way. So I thank you all, and I definitely thank my staff because they've worked hard on this bill and had extreme amounts of meetings with different people and different stakeholders. So I thank you all. And also, just a shoutout. I will be in the Council President's District tonight with your little brother Anton Moore at his Iftar celebration. Looking forward to that. So hopefully I'll see you later on tonight. Thank you all.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Council President, and just thank you very much and to all the colleagues. Today we want to take an opportunity to wish our colleague, our Majority Whip and our coach here in Philadelphia City Council well as he leads Sankofa Freedom Academy, their boys basketball team to their PIAA Class 1A boys basketball championship game today. And Councilmember Brooks mentioned the game and the rivalry we have with Pittsburgh right now, but we want to wish Coach Councilmember Isaiah Thomas and the team well at 2:00 p.m. today for the PIAA Class 1A Championship game.
As there are no more speeches, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. -- sorry, wrong one. I make a motion to adjourn until Thursday, April, 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Thank you very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. E. m. S.