You got to press your button because it's not up here. Go ahead. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. Can you hear -- okay. In my main speech in this Stated Meeting 61 02/15/2024 chamber, which was received with mixed opinion as many was sure to let me know.
We ain't singing today, Bro. We ain't doing that. (Laughter.)
I wanted to be in that speech intentional, pointed and clear about several things but one in particular, that I really, really want to put money in people's pockets. I want to give people money. (Applause.)
Which is why today I introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings to explore Philadelphia's existing guaranteed income pilot programs and the Stated Meeting 62 02/15/2024 to more and more people across this City. When I first raised this issue, I mentioned universal basic income in the tradition of Dr. King's adoption of the idea in the late '60s. And during this Black History Month, I think it's particularly important to remind us of King's unfinished work, his goal of translating the political and material gains of the Black Freedom Movement to poor people's pocketbooks. In the years and decades to come as long as the people will have me here, and certainly after my time here is done, it is my hope that we can grasp the universal aspect of King's vision across a wide range of issues, but specifically for basic income. For now I want to start on Stated Meeting 63 02/15/2024 familiar ground, that of targeted guaranteed income. I speak today not to get the ball rolling on this idea as if it were a new or original idea, but rather to pick up the baton from where this body itself left it four years ago. In 2020, former Councillors; namely, Maria Quinones-Sanchez as well as Councilman Allan Domb had a vision for a broad scale guaranteed income program in Philadelphia. They shared this vision in the Poverty Action Plan, which had support from former Council President Darrell Clarke and community partners across the City. Of course, a global pandemic threw a wrench in their plan, as it probably did for most of us, which in this plan envisioned cash transfers to people Stated Meeting 64 02/15/2024 challenges in the City, that is, moving money from where it is to where it's not, from where it's currently kept to where it's long been needed. Cash transfers to folk struggling, struggles like pervasive poverty that we talk all the time about, struggles like transitioning out of foster care. Like returning to life after incarceration or those who are fleeing domestic violence. These are times in people's lives when the stakes can't be higher, transitional phases when their next move might literally make or break their chances of building a better life. The Poverty Action Plan's vision for unconditional cash transfers also included Philadelphians fighting addiction, which is timely and a key detail in light of this Council's efforts in combating the Stated Meeting 65 02/15/2024 and citywide. And while that basic income plan hasn't come to fruition in these halls, Philadelphians are already experimenting with this concept, more than you might expect. As we speak, there are seven -- as we speak there are seven guaranteed income pilot programs running in the City. Five of these programs began just last year. Hundreds of Philadelphians have received guaranteed income payments in the last couple of years and hundreds will in the years to come. Soon we will have a unique wealth of local data on the impact of these kinds of programs. By then, I believe it will be to the glory of this body and this institution to have its own strategy for a robust set of Stated Meeting 66 02/15/2024 use this wealth of local data findings as part of its knowledge base. But let me just impress upon again what we already know about what happens when folks are offered guaranteed support when we simply give people money: In most studies, particularly when dealing with folks below the poverty line, families and individuals have more money to feed themselves.
Increased food security is literally the most common impact for program participants. More often than not, participant families see increased school attendance and higher educational attainment. Good nutrition powers better educational outcomes, a fact proven over and over and over again. This one is key to me. These programs help alleviate mental burdens, not Stated Meeting 67 02/15/2024 feed your family. That's a different kind of stress that's too common amongst our neighbors. You got to live it to know it. It's the kind of pressure that can be tied to shame or to guilt that can lead to those make or break decisions. And too often our society crafts narratives around the havenots that compound these pressures. Even guaranteed income isn't a fix-all option, but it's becoming harder and harder to see why it shouldn't be a central tool in our arsenal as we fight against poverty. I envision such a program being known for its efficiency since direct transfers can cut through the administrative tape that exists for the expressed purpose for slowing support and creates barriers for many who Stated Meeting 68 02/15/2024 we can draw in the local academics and participants experimenting in the world of guaranteed income. Experts from around the country can see how we might sharpen this particular spear. So let me close. I understand this proposal might run contrary to some folks' norms and expectations, getting something for nothing as some might put it goes against a certain kind of commonsense. Yet, here's the commonsense I think that we need, I'm convicted that we need. The basic assumption that we must never forget, not getting something for nothing, but rather giving something because you're someone, because you exist, because you breathe, because you need it. And more than we in power would like to admit, we do have it to Stated Meeting 69 02/15/2024 from 2020 was meant for those down on their luck trying to make real change at key turning points in their life. All in a world where what we've been through, familial trauma, abuse, incarceration, addiction can reinforce the false idea that they're a nobody, a nobody who isn't deserving of support in this way. Something because you're someone is the kind of commonsense we need in Philly. It's the kind of commonsense that we need in this world quite frankly. It's a kind of commonsense that's backed up by research and tested in cities across the country. Colleagues, what do you say we pick up the batons again and get people what they keep telling us they need. We can do it. So let's get it done. Stated Meeting 70 02/15/2024 you, Council President.
The Chair recognizes speeches by the Majority, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge because we extended beyond the public comment part. We have two renowned, worldrenowned radio personalities who are here in support of the renaming of a street after the great Frankie Beverly. I'm going to ask for Ms. Patty Jackson to please stand as well as Ms. Dyana Williams to please stand. (Applause.)
The Gentle Lady from Germantown will expound on their relationship with the great Frankie Beverly. But I also want to acknowledge, I Stated Meeting 71 02/15/2024 but most importantly the community advocate around all things gun violence, the great Darryl Shuler from North Philadelphia. Where's Darryl Shuler at, right there? I want to acknowledge him as well. (Applause.)
The Gentle Lady from Germantown, Member Cindy Bass, the floor is yours to speak.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. And Germantown via North Philadelphia.
I just wanted to say a few words. Number one, I wanted to thank all of my colleagues for their strong support of this resolution in terms of a Stated Meeting 72 02/15/2024 When you think of Philadelphia, Frankie Beverly is someone who immediately comes to mind. He has done so much. He is homegrown. He is someone who is a native of Philadelphia and loves all things Philadelphia. The good, the not-so-good and everything in between he supports us day-in and day-out. And so, I really wanted to just follow up on the Council President's acknowledgements and recognize the great Patty Jackson -(Applause.)
-- for taking time out of their very busy Stated Meeting 73 02/15/2024 down here. Listen, we've never moved this fast. I got to tell you. We don't usually start on time, but we have moved at warp speed today. I can't think of the last time in all my time on Council that we've gotten done almost by 11 o'clock, less than an hour. So we really moved very quickly today. So in moving so quickly, we weren't able to capture their comments during public comment, but I look forward to seeing documentaries and all kinds of accolades and interviews that are going to be happening around this very momentous occasion that's scheduled some time for the spring. So we want everyone to be included. We want to make sure that everyone knows all of the details as they come out. And so, these are your Stated Meeting 74 02/15/2024 of your sources, again Patty Jackson, Dyana Williams and Darryl Shuler who will be spreading the word about the great work that this Council is doing and in honoring one of our own who has brought so many wonderful things to Philadelphia, including most importantly in my opinion great music and great memories to each and every one of us. So thank you, Mr. President.
Congratulations. Good job. Councilwoman Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to speak to the Stated Meeting 75 02/15/2024 The rate of maternal death has been rising steadily ever since we started measuring it 34 years ago, up to 457 percent. My daughters today are more at risk than I was since they were born. It is imperative we drive it down. Critical to note the alarming fact that Black maternal mortality rate is three to four times higher and they are more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum period. Every level of government has a role to play. There has been work done in this regard as far back as 2018 when our current Vice-president was Senator, Kamala Harris, and Congresswoman Alma Adams had introduced the Maternal Care Act in 2018. And finally, in 2021 November President Biden signed a Stated Meeting 76 02/15/2024 that came under Congresswoman Underwood as a historic omnibus legislation which has 13 bills included in it. We've had our own work done here in Pennsylvania and in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania House Bill 2110 of 2019 to 2020 requiring mandatory implicit bias training for all state licensed health professionals by our own Representative Morgan Cephas and many members of our Philadelphia Delegation. It has been in committee and we want to make sure we advocate for that to get through. And in our own City, my colleague Kathle -- Kath -- not Kathleen -- Katherine Gilmore Richardson who is co-introducing this resolution with me today, has been recognizing along with my Council colleague Cindy Bass Stated Meeting 77 02/15/2024 health and wellness of Black mommas and birthing people by acknowledging Black Maternal Health Week in April. The hearing in the Public Health Committee that we will be introducing and making sure we have a good hearing on this will be building on the work done by so many who have sounded the alarm. In 2019, Councilmember Cindy Bass had a great hearing, actually I testified in that hearing. And however, there was a pandemic soon after and progress has stalled. So we need to revisit the public conversation about this, and the City has a duty to examine the role in reducing maternal mortality and eliminating racial disparities while also advocating for solutions on a federal and state level. Stated Meeting 78 02/15/2024 all my Councilmembers who signed on to this resolution, and I look forward to a robust hearing and we will be scheduling it soon. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I just want to thank Councilmember Rue Landau for introducing the resolution for Kurt. Kurt is a great guy. He's the founder of Down North Pizza on Lehigh Avenue in the 5th Council District, which hired -- before he left the business, hired incarcerated individuals to work at his pizza shop. So I want to thank you for that, Kurt. Stated Meeting 79 02/15/2024 Ahmad, thank you for your resolution. Parts of North Philadelphia have the highest rates of mortality -- maternal mortality rates in the country. So I look forward to having that conversation in your Public Health Committee. But I'm speaking today to just thank a group of people who helped me out this Saturday. This past Saturday we went to Strawberry Mansion to a block that was hit by tragedy on January 14th. There were two individuals killed with a total of six shot at an illegal speakeasy in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia. That was the talk of the time, the talk of the news at the time. The news cameras came. The police were there. But once a shooting is over and the cameras are off and the sirens are gone, Stated Meeting 80 02/15/2024 a block, what is left for a community. And so, this past Saturday we went door-to-door on that block to let those residents know that your City government is here for them. We provided resources to the members of the block. We gave them information on who to contact for whatever issues they may be having, and it was a good feeling. Those folks were appreciative. And I want to thank the residents of the 2400 block of Myrtlewood Street in North Philadelphia for being receptive to us, allowing us to come on their block to talk to them, to meet them where they're at and provide resources. I want to thank State Representative Roni Green for participating, Strawberry Mansion Community Concern, Pastor William Stated Meeting 81 02/15/2024 Church Worship Center, Black Male Community Council, Temple University Medical School, Charles Scott and Temple University Hospital, the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Network of Neighbors, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, Shirley Moy and the Temple University Lenfest Center for Workforce Partnership, Philadelphia Anti-Drug AntiViolence Network also known as PAAN, Eddie's House, my good friend Tyrone Morris, 24th Ward Leader Keith Harris and most importantly my staff for putting this together. That was the first time we did this, but it will not be the last. So for all who are in North Philadelphia hear my voice, when tragedy strikes, you can always count on us to be there for you. Stated Meeting 82 02/15/2024 able to stop crime, but we can be able to provide you with resources to help you cope with the issues that you're dealing with in your communities. So thank you so much, Council President.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you so much. Thank you, Councilmembers. Thank you, Council President. First, just want to say a note to my colleague Jay Young for his remarks he just said. You know, as the former head of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, I know far too much about the ripple effect that crime Stated Meeting 83 02/15/2024 neighborhoods, and it is not just that horrific tragedy that happens, but it affects blocks and communities and neighborhoods and we all have to be here together to help communities heal and to grow stronger and help them make connections. And it sounds like that's exactly what you did this weekend, so thank you so much for that and we're here for you. Any time you call on us we'll be there. And also, I want to thank everyone who supported my resolution honoring Philadelphia Chef Kurt Evans, who's made his storefront a safe haven for formerly incarcerated people who are seeking a new life in our city. My resolution introduced today honors not only Chef Evans, but his advancement of civil rights through the food and hospitality Stated Meeting 84 02/15/2024 industry, creating career opportunities for returning citizens and youth and drawing attention to issues affecting Black Philadelphians. During Black History Month and continually, I believe City Council must uplift and highlight the experiences, expertise and work of Black Philadelphians who make up the vibrant and diverse tapestry of our city. I'm so grateful for Chef Evans' advocacy and for his contributions to North Philadelphia and our entire City. His work serving his community is not only delicious, it serves as an inspiration and motivation for all of us. So thank you, Chef Evans. Second, I'd like to take a moment to thank my colleagues for your support moving my Tax Preparation Transparency bill into Stated Meeting 85 02/15/2024 tax season as we all know, and too many Philadelphians shell out too much money for commercial tax prep, unaware of free alternatives. The intention of my Tax Preparation Services bill is to make more people aware of free tax preparation services and to make hidden fees from for-profit preparers more transparent. This is a small but important step to ensure more money stays in the pockets of low and moderate income Philadelphians, and especially the elderly. When it comes to financial decisions, all Philadelphians should have the right to make informed decisions. And this bill is aimed at giving working people who can't hire expensive financial planners a fuller picture of free resources that are available to Stated Meeting 86 02/15/2024 them, including making for-profit tax preparers disclose their fees. According to the IRS, there are approximately 240,000 Philadelphians who are eligible for VITA services, but less than 25 percent, a quarter, take advantage of these services. It's crucial to note each year low and moderate income Philadelphians are leaving literally millions of dollars on the table of unclaimed tax credits, money that can go into their pockets if they took advantage of VITA and TCE. I'm excited to stand up for consumer protection. And again, I'd like to thank my colleagues for sharing my passion. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Stated Meeting 87 02/15/2024
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to acknowledge my colleagues. Today's actions, if you look at it, whether you talk about Member Young dealing with post-traumatic stress of gun violence, knocking on those doors, bringing those resources matter. Bad things are going to happen. It's what we do after it happens that matters to the people on that block. I want to also acknowledge Member O'Rourke. When he talked about -- when public comment talked about we're not addressing systemic issues of poverty and structural racism, I would argue that we are. We say it different. We do it differently maybe, but the intent of what you're talking about addresses that. Stated Meeting 88 02/15/2024 some of the work that's being done now with Member Landau, which she just talked about, it addresses a lot of the issues that public comment raises. Sometimes we say it different. Sometimes we call it something different, but it has the same intent and impact. So I want to acknowledge my colleagues for doing the work, for actually not just talking about it but being about it in their work. So, Mr. President, thank you and the body for moving the agenda, moving the agenda beyond just words but into our actions, into our budget and into our policies. So thank you, colleagues.
Stated Meeting 89 02/15/2024 a Task Force on Reparations. I thought we addressed that a long time ago, but it's a different conversation. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Okay. Your light is on. Any other speeches? (No response.)
No, okay. If there are no speeches, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I move that City Council Stated Meeting 90 02/15/2024 Thursday, February 22, 2024. And if you haven't noticed, 10:00 a.m. promptly. (Applause.) (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
They ayes have it. ) Stated Meeting 91 02/15/2024 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.