Thank you, Madam President. According to the Philadelphia Traffic Court, there are about 1.9 million citations outstanding and $391 million owed in traffic tickets, and that's just in Philadelphia. The difficulties that many of these individuals may owe thousands of dollars and it's not financial possible for them to every pay it. This morning, I presented a resolution that you were all so kind to pass unanimously asking the State House of Representatives, and I've sent a copy of my resolution to the Philadelphia Delegation in the House. My resolution, and I sure hope that it will be turned into bill, will amend the Vehicle Code to allow the courts to order community service as an alternative sentence for part of the cost of those individuals who cannot financially afford to pay the total amount of their tickets. I think this is a way of getting our people that are driving license, unlawful drivers, giving them an opportunity to do community service as a way of paying off their fines, get them to get their licenses, get them to get insurance. And I think that all of this is revenue generating, but we're going to need the support of the House of Representatives. I've spoken to the Office of the Speaker and a number other State legislators from Philadelphia that are very interested. Thank you, Madam President. And concerning the issue of the scholarship program. I'm disappointed with the comments of our Mayor, however, I have not lost hope that we can still find a way to get this resolved. And the Archdiocese reiterated yesterday that they still consider themselves in talks with the Administration concerning this issue. Thank you.
Thank you. Before we adjourn, I would like to remind the members of the Rules Committee that we do have a public hearing scheduled at 2 o'clock today, and I would ask you to please be there promptly. Are there any further speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 22nd at 10:00 a.m., 2004. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until April 22nd. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:30 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, April 15, 2004, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR