Philadelphia City Council, April 18, 2024
Highlight of Introductions:
Councilmember Young introduced an ordinance amending the Construction Code to require proof of certain insurance certificates.
Councilmember Jones introduced a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 1130 to create the Safer Communities Grant Program, which will make Philadelphia safer by providing funding for lighting and security cameras around schools, playgrounds, community centers, and other high crime areas.
Councilmember Jones introduced a resolution supporting the Biden Administration's finalized rule that aims to expand certain background check requirements for firearm purchases and close the "gun-show loophole."
Councilmember Landau on behalf of Council President Johnson introduced a resolution recognizing April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Philadelphia and celebrating the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a landmark federal civil rights bill that protects individuals and families from discrimination in the housing market.
Councilmember Young introduced a resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to hold hearings to investigate commercial office building market viability in Center City Philadelphia.
Councilmember Driscoll introduced a resolution proclaiming May 2024 as Dual Asian American Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage Month in Philadelphia to pay tribute to the rich history and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Jewish Americans to our Country, Commonwealth, and City.
Councilmember Driscoll introduced a resolution celebrating 75 Years of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
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Highlight of Final Passage:
Bill 240088 introduced by Councilmember Harrity. The bill covers certain service employees (security, janitorial, food and beverage, parking, hotel services) working in large buildings or facilities (50k square feet or 50 residential dwelling units) in Philadelphia.
When a building is sold to a new owner or converted to a new use, the contractors servicing the buildings are typically replaced with new workers. The bill would require companies to temporarily hire these displaced contract workers when there is a contract change.
Resolution 240297 introduced by Councilmember Harrity that urges the United States government to take immediate action to protect and enshrine reproductive rights and ensure abortion access for all birthing people.
Bills 240176-A, 240177 and 240178 introduced by Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for Council President Johnson. The bills will transfer approximately $65.6M in mid-year funding in the current Fiscal Year 2024 Budget for programs implemented by Mayor Parker’s administration.
Resolution 240294 introduced by Councilmember Lozada that authorizes the establishment of a "Special Committee on Kensington '' to analyze and examine the effectiveness of current policies to further develop data driven solutions and restore stability in the Kensington area.
Resolution 240295 introduced by Councilmember Harrity for Council President Johnson, which expresses the Council's support for food service workers at the Philadelphia Sports Complex and urging Aramark to negotiate fair and equitable contracts that provide these workers with a standard minimum wage and healthcare coverage.
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Upcoming Committee Meetings:
The Committee on Technology and Information Services will be meeting on Friday, April 26th at 10am to hear testimony on Resolution 240043.
The Joint Committees on the Environment and Global Opportunities, and the Creative/Innovative Economy will be meeting on Friday, April 26th at 3pm to hear testimony on Resolution 240172.
The Committee on Rules will be meeting on Monday, April 29th at 10am to hear testimony on Bills 240192, 240215, 240216, 240242, 240244, 240247, and 240248.
The Committee on Rules will be meeting on Friday, May 3rd at 11am to hear testimony on Bill 240220.
Budget Hearings:
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 @ 10am:
SEPTA
Department Callbacks
Public Testimony