PHILADELPHIA, April 4, 2024
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP, which offers a $30 a month subsidy to low-income households, was not included in the recent spending bills passed by Congress. According to the Federal Communications Commission, ACP will end on April 30, 2024.
This will affect the ability of people to access healthcare and human services, children will have problems getting and completing homework assignments, and seniors won’t be able to schedule rides for appointments. This is a definite issue in today’s world, where most business is conducted via the Internet, creating the potential for a social quagmire, with the people who can least afford to be affected the most. Resolution 240227
Calling on President Biden to prioritize a permanent reauthorization and funding of the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Eviction Diversion Program
The Eviction Diversion Program, established in 2020 during the pandemic, has been so successful it’s become a national model, and City Council is looking to make it permanent.
“It’s proven to be an enduring asset,” said Councilmember Jamie Gautier. “As rent and housing costs continue to soar, the Eviction Diversion Program remains important for the health and vitality of our neighborhoods as it was in 2020. Thanks to the Eviction Diversion Program, there’s an average of 10,000 fewer evictions than pre-pandemic.”
Adverse property conditions can also force renters out of stable housing, so Councilmembers Nicholas O’Rourke and Rue Landau introduced a resolution to explore how the Department of License and Inspections enforces rental codes, with the legislation connected to budget requests for increased money for rental assistance and home repairs.
Rue Landau, who’s spent a decade of her working career as a housing attorney, said, “Housing is a fundamental human right for all human beings.”
Privilege Resolution Honoring Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman
Introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., joined at the podium by Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas, Rue Landau, Quetcy Lozada, Mike Driscoll, Jim Harrity, Jamie Gauthier, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, and Nicholas O’Rourke. Counsel recognizes Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman for being the first African American woman CEO in the 150-year history of the Philadelphia Zoo, which opened July 1, 1874, with its charter having been signed in 1859 but delayed by the Civil War.
Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, the first African American CEO and President of the Philadelphia Zoo, considered the first zoo in America, joined the City Council with a mascot for the day, “Roho” a Boa Constrictor. This snake is famous and has been in the news for having given birth to a baby snake though she was never in the presence of a male.
“Fundamentally, people can’t be what they can’t see. I’m happy and honored to be here to be the steward of the nation’s oldest zoo and ready to demonstrate the power of animals in our lives. Animals have so much to teach us.”
Councilmember Jones shared, “I rediscovered our zoo. This isn’t our grandparent’s zoo. It’s more interactive and more prolific in its presentation of plants, mammals, and other animal life. It also boasts a biosphere that incorporates plants.”
Council Announces Dates And Locations For Neighborhood Town Hall On Proposed Fiscal 2025 Budget
Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) invites Philadelphia residents and community leaders to a series of Neighborhood Budget Town Halls to review and provide feedback on the City of Philadelphia’s $6.29 Billion Fiscal Year 2025 (FY’ 25) Operating Budget, proposed by Mayor Cherelle Parker on March 14, 2024.
Neighborhood Budget Town Halls will be held on the date, time, and locations listed below:
TOWN HALL # 1 Hosted by Councilmember Mark Squilla 1st District, Wednesday, April 10, from 6 pm until 7:30 pm at South Philadelphia High School located at 2101 South Broad Street (corner of Broad & Snyder), Philadelphia, PA 19148
TOWN HALL # 2 Hosted by Councilmember Cindy Bass 8th District and Anthony Phillips 9th District., Monday, April 15, from 6 pm until 7:30 pm at Martin Luther High School located at 6100 Stenton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19138
TOWN HALL # 3 Hosted by Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., 5th District, Thursday, April 25, from 6 pm until 7:30 at John F. Street Community Center, 1100 Poplar Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
TOWN HALL # 4 Hosted by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, 3rd District, Monday, April 29, from 6 pm until 7:30 pm at West Philadelphia High School located at 4901 Chestnut Street (corner of 49th & Chestnut Streets), Philadelphia, PA 19139.
In addition to Budget Town Halls in the neighborhoods, City Council has scheduled several budget hearing days at City Council Chambers reserved for the public to comment on the City’s proposed budget. They’ll be on Wednesday, April 24, from 1:30 pm until 4 pm, and testimony in the School District of Philadelphia’s funding request to the City will be on Wednesday, May 1, from 1:30 pm until 4 pm.
What to Expect: During the Neighborhood Budget Town Halls, the public will first hear a brief FY’25 Budget overview from City Council’s Chief Financial Officer. Following the presentation, members of the public can testify about what they’d like to see or not see in the FY25 budget. Council will hear public feedback from as many people as possible at each event.
Procedure For Testifying: Speakers interested in making public testimony should call 215-686-3407 or email Budget.Hearing@phila.gov by 3 pm the day before the public testimony session at which they wish to speak.
Speakers can also sign up to testify at the April 24 and May 1 public testimony sessions on the day of the hearing by visiting Room 400 (4th floor), Philadelphia City Hall.
The public can read the proposed FY25 budget and obtain up-to-date information by going to FY2025 Budget Center, as information on the budget is subject to change.
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