Right now, City Council is considering Mayor Kenney’s proposed budget, and as a part of that process, Council hosts a series of public hearings.
All Philadelphians are invited to attend these hearings to share how the proposed budget would make a difference in their lives. Do you the support budget proposal? We want to hear from you: get involved today!
Pending approval from City Council, the sugary drink tax, proposed by Mayor Jim Kenney in his March Budget Address, will pay for transformative investments in schools and neighborhoods across Philadelphia. These investments will help expand quality pre-K, create 25 community schools, and dramatically improve our parks, recreation centers, and libraries.
On April 19th, 2016, dozens of Philadelphians gathered to voice their opinion. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
Abu was out of town when he received a call about upcoming public testimony.
“As soon as I got the call about testifying, I came back,” said Abu. “Every child deserves a quality library, rec center, and education center. It shouldn’t matter what part of Philly you live in.”
Ray testified to give a voice to all the children in Philadelphia who are too young to share the difference a quality pre-K education will make in their lives.
“We need to better stewards of our city and our children,” said Ray. “My students will not have a voice for their early years.”
Flora, a retired Judge, spoke of the positive effect the tax will have on reducing youth crime.
“If we don’t pay now, we pay later. We can reduce crime and delinquency if we raise educational success.”
Ron supported the tax and the creation of community schools.
“The community schools strategy can help stabilize schools and address the needs of the whole child.”
Ana, a parent, testified that her community lacks affordable pre-K.
“We raise money for three pre-scholarships and it doesn’t begin to cover the need.”
Luther spoke of the important of neighborhood recreation centers.
“Our recreation center serves as an anchor,” said Luther. “We have parents who come back and say, ‘You don’t know what you’ve done for us.’”