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From YouTube: Committee on Finance 5-1-2017
Description
The Committee on Finance of the Council of the City of Philadelphia held a Public Hearing on Monday, May 1, 2017 to hear testimony on the following items:
No. 161061
An Ordinance authorizing City Officials to File Articles of Incorporation to establish a Non-Profit Corporation that shall be called The Philadelphia School Teacher's Reimbursement Fund, Inc., for the purpose of reimbursing personal money spent by teachers of the Philadelphia School District for the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment needed for their classrooms.
No. 170015
An Ordinance amending Section 19-1703 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refunds," regarding credits and due dates, all under certain terms and conditions.
No. 170016
An Ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," to include transfers between stepparents and stepchildren as a transaction excluded from the realty transfer tax.
No. 170205
An Ordinance amending Section 10-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fees," to exempt the Land Bank from paying City recording fees in connection with property it acquires; amending Chapter 16-700, entitled "Philadelphia Land Bank," to provide for the leasing out of Land Bank property; and amending Chapter 19-1400, entitled "Realty Transfer Tax," to exempt the Land Bank, and certain transactions involving the Land Bank, from payment of realty transfer tax; all under certain terms and conditions.
No. 170308
An Ordinance constituting the Sixteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance, providing for certain amendments to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance under certain terms and conditions.
No. 170329
An Ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into an amendment agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., for provision of payroll banking services to the City, under certain terms and conditions.
No. 170330
An Ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into a professional services agreement with Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania for provision of payroll banking services to the City, under certain terms and conditions.
Committee on Finance
Chair: Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell (3rd District)
Vice Chair: Councilman Bobby Henon (6th District)
A
A
A
C
Good
afternoon
chairwoman,
Blackwell
and
members
of
the
Committee
on
Finance
I'm,
Frank
Breslin
revenue,
commissioner
and
chief
collections
officer,
thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
testify
in
support
of
bill
one
seven:
zero
zero
one,
five
which
amends
section.
Nineteen
dash
1703
of
the
Philadelphia
Code
entitled
refunds
regarding
credits
and
due
dates
all
under
certain
terms
and
conditions.
I
would
like
to
thank
Councilwoman
Parker
for
agreeing
to
sponsor
this
bill
and
for
bringing
it
forward
for
a
hearing
today.
This
bill
clarifies
that
a
taxpayer
were
rate
payer
has
only
three
years.
C
From
the
later
of
the
date
a
liability
or
debt
is
due
or
the
date
it
is
paid
to
apply
for
a
credit
on
their
account.
At
present,
the
code
clearly
states
that
refunds
may
only
be
sought
for
three
years.
Without
this
change,
taxpayers
or
ratepayers
arguably,
would
be
subject
to
no
statute
of
limitation
on
filing
amended
returns
and
petitions
seeking
credits
which
can
be
used
to
offset
current
and
future
obligations.
C
We
enthusiastically
support
bill
one:
seven,
zero,
zero,
one,
five
to
promote
consistency
with
refund
and
audit
practices
in
Philadelphia,
as
well
as
with
other
jurisdictions,
and
to
protect
against
unexpected
revenue
losses
that
reduce
the
resources
available
for
city
services.
The
law
already
limits
tax,
better
request
for
refunds
to
three
years,
and
the
department
is
limited
to
looking
backward
three
years
in
audits.
This
change
would
make
the
same
apply
to
request
for
credits,
because
this
limitation
is
on
when
a
credit
may
be
requested.
C
It
will
not
impact
availability
of
business
income
and
receipts
tax
incentives,
such
as
re-entry
employment
program
for
returning
citizens,
tax
credits
that
taxpayers
are
carrying
forward
from
prior
years,
a
three
year
limit
for
credits
would
mirror
the
time
limit.
The
IRS,
the
Commonwealth
of
Pennsylvania
New,
York,
Delaware
and
many
other
jurisdictions
already
have
in
place.
C
A
recent
Pennsylvania
Supreme
Court
ruling,
held
that
business
income
and
receipts
taxpayers
may
apply
for
a
credit
indefinitely,
even
when
the
law
clearly
bars
them
from
applying
for
a
refund
after
three
years
in
ten
of
our
code
was
always
to
treat
limitation
periods
for
credits
and
refunds.
The
same
way,
the
bill
read,
restores
the
code
to
its
intended,
meaning
and
restores
Philadelphia
to
the
national
norm.
C
This
measure
will
protect
City
revenues
and
it
will
protect
regular
taxpayers
that
will
not
need
to
pay
for
the
few
who
avoid
their
fair
share
by
using
this
judicially
created
loophole
without
this
bill,
the
costs
would
be
significant
already.
This
one
Court
decision
awarded
two
companies
more
than
six
million
dollars
in
credits
from
an
overpayment
made
years
ago,
effectively
granting
them
a
refund.
Beyond
the
statute,
the
court
decision
was
based
on
a
reading
of
current
law.
We
do
not
believe
counsel
intended.
C
So
with
this
legislative
change,
we
believe
there
is
no
threat
of
another
such
decision
in
the
future.
The
administration
respectfully
seeks
your
support
for
bill,
one
seven:
zero,
zero
one:
five
to
prevent
further
large,
unexpected
revenue
losses.
If
the
city
cannot
look
further
back
in
three
years
to
increase
the
amount
of
revenue
owed
by
a
taxpayer,
it
is
consistent
and
fair
that
taxpayers
be
limited
to
that
same
three
year,
look-back,
as
is
true
elsewhere.
Thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
testify
this
afternoon,
I'm
happy
to
answer
any
questions.
A
C
A
C
Additionally,
this
would
make
philadelphia
consistent
with
the
Commonwealth
of
Pennsylvania
law
when
transfer
tax
exemptions
among
step
parents
and
stepchildren.
Since
allowing
these
exemptions
is
already
the
existing
practice,
we
do
not
expect
a
material
impact
on
revenue
collections
from
the
realty
transfer
taxes
we'd
like
to
thank
City
Council
for
advancing
this
bill,
which
improves
consistency
and
fairness
in
the
treatment
of
families
when
transferring
property
between
parents
and
children.
Thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
testify
this
afternoon,
I'm
happy
to
answer
any
questions.
Thank.
A
D
Good
afternoon
council,
chairwoman,
Blackwell
and
members
of
the
committee,
my
name
is
Peter
Schneider
and
I
am
a
supervising
attorney
in
the
homeownership
and
consumer
rights
unit
at
community
legal
services.
I
welcome
the
opportunity
to
speak
in
support
of
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero,
zero
one
six
which,
as
was
stated,
would
amend
the
Philadelphia
code
but
stepparents,
stepchildren
and
step-siblings
on
the
same
footing
as
other
parents,
children
and
siblings
when
they
transfer
property
between
each
other
Community
Legal
Services
was
established
by
the
Philadelphia
Bar
Association
in
1966.
D
You
I
would
like
to
support
bill
number
one,
seven,
zero,
one,
six,
which
will
correct
an
anomaly
in
the
Philadelphia
code
that
requires
the
payment
of
the
realty
transfer
tax,
where
it
should
not
be
required.
This
may
not
be
a
large
problem,
but
it's
nonetheless
important
to
fix
it.
To
give
some
background.
Pursuant
to
chapter
19,
1400
of
the
Philadelphia
Code
upon
the
recording
of
a
transfer
of
an
interest
in
real
estate,
a
realty
transfer
tax
of
3.1
percent
of
the
value
of
the
interest
transferred
must
be
paid.
D
A
similar
tax
of
1%
must
be
paid
to
the
Commonwealth
of
Pennsylvania.
There
are
various
exceptions
and
exclusions
to
the
tax
categories
of
transfers
where
the
tax
is
not
assessed.
For
example,
transfers
between
certain
family
members,
such
as
between
parents
and
children,
between
grandparents
and
grandchildren,
between
siblings
and
between
spouses,
are
not
subject
to
the
transfer
tax.
D
The
Commonwealth
amended
its
own
transfer
taxes
requirement
in
2012
to
exclude
transfers
between
stepparents
and
stepchildren
so
that
those
transfers
would
be
did
the
tree
would
be
treated
the
same
as
furs
between
parents
and
children.
However,
Philadelphia
has
never
made
a
similar
change
to
its
own
transfer
tax
requirements,
so
transfer
taxes
between
step
relations
could
be
read
to
still
be
subject
to
the
transfer
tax.
D
Miss
Henderson's
case
was
similar
to
that
of
many
of
our
clients
who
have
to
deal
with
tangled
property
titles
where
property
is
held
in
the
name
of
someone
who
has
died
and
in
the
state
has
never
been
raised
where
the
property
has
never
been
transferred
to
the
heirs.
This
can
delay
and
sometimes
completely
prevent
the
remaining
family
members
from
qualifying
for
a
loan
modification
to
prevent
foreclosure.
Miss
Henderson's
home
was
titled
in
the
name
of
her
deceased
husband,
but
to
obtain
a
loan
modification
and
prevent
foreclosure.
It
had
to
be
titled
in
her
own
name.
D
This
required
the
recording
of
a
deed
to
her
from
all
of
her
husband's
heirs,
including
her
two
children
and
ten
stepchildren
all
were
willing
to
do
this.
But
although
the
transfer
was
100%
exempt
from
the
state
transfer
tax,
the
share
of
the
property
that
long
to
her
stepchildren,
if
you
read
the
language
literally,
was
not
exempt
from
the
city
tax.
The
tax
for
that
share
was
over
$700
an
amount
that
the
family
did
not
have
available
on
short
order.
D
If
miss
Henderson
had
been
required
to
pay
the
transfer
tax,
she
would
not
have
been
able
to
transfer
the
deed
to
her
own
name
in
time
to
qualify
for
a
loan
modification.
Many
other
low-income
Philadelphians
faced
the
same
problem.
While
the
records
department
currently
interprets
the
term
parent
terms,
parent
and
child
to
include
step
relationships
consistent
with
Pennsylvania
law,
the
expressed
language
of
the
Philadelphia
Code
should
be
made
to
match.
D
The
change
in
this
bill
will
help
miss
Henderson
and
others
in
a
similar
situation,
have
a
minimal
or
no
financial
impact
on
the
city's
collection
of
transfer
tax
and,
most
importantly,
will
make
explicit
in
the
fill
a
code
that
all
kinds
of
families
are
to
be
treated
the
same.
My
client
Janice
Henderson,
wanted
to
be
here,
but
she
was
unable
to
come
due
to
a
medical
emergency.
I
would
like
to
thank
chairwoman
Blackwell
councilmember
Parker,
who
introduced
the
bill
and
the
other
committee
members
for
allowing
me
to
testify
about
this
issue
and
I.
A
E
E
E
C
Audit
unit
has
staff
assigned
to
real
estate
transfer
tax.
They
look
at
virtually
every
real
estate
transaction
and
we'll
ask
for
substantiation.
It
gets
tricky
sometimes
of
what
substantiation
you
can
use
when
you're
getting
two
stepchildren,
but
they
will
be
usually
can
work
through
the
process
and
substantiate
guy
and
the
burden
is
on
the
taxpayer,
and
usually
the
taxpayer
is
able
to.
You
know
in
a
bonafide
transaction
able
to
supply
the
requested
information
in
the
event
that
they
can't
repeal
two
fraudulent
transaction,
and
we
would
assess
the
tax
is.
E
A
F
You
Councilwoman,
Blackwell
and
and
good
afternoon
to
each
of
you
thank
you
so
much
for
coming
today
to
testify
just
wanted
to
State
for
the
record
and
I
appreciate
your
response,
but
I
wanted
to
ensure
that
my
colleague,
councilman
Dom
knew
that
and
prep
for
this
bill.
We
inquire
with
the
state
about
whether
or
not
including
stepparents
and
stepchildren,
and
the
exemption
had
any
impact
on
revenue
collections
and
their
bureau
of
research
replied
that
there
was
expected
to
be
a
nominal
nominal
loss,
but
thus
far
there
has
not
been
a
measurable
effect
from
this
change.
F
So
from
a
fiscal
perspective.
I
just
want
to
let
you
know
that
we
did
our
homework
there.
In
addition
to
that,
I
want
to
specifically
say
to
pete
from
CLS.
You
know
the
challenges
we
face
with
mortgage
foreclosure
reverse
mortgages,
and
this
is
a
fix.
Although
our
revenue
department
is
in
essence
informally
following
the
state's
rule,
ensuring
that
our
law
is
in
place
formally
is
extremely
important
to
provide
some
Economic
Security
to
residents
of
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
F
A
You
and
cheering
those
that
all
members
of
this
committee
are
present
all
nine
members,
and
we
thank
them
all
for
being
here.
Thank
you
are
the
comments
or
questions
with
regard
to
this
bill
all
right.
Thank
you
very
much.
We
won't
add
the
clerk
to
read
the
title
of
the
next
bill.
Bill
number
one:
seven,
zero,
zero,
two
five
and
ask
mr.
Pennell
to
come
forward.
Thank
you.
B
An
ordinance
amending
section,
10
1000
of
the
Philadelphia
code
entitled
fees
to
exempt
the
land
bank
from
paying
city
recording
fees
in
connection
with
property.
It
acquires
amending
chapter
16,
700
entitled
Philadelphia
land
bank
to
provide
for
leasing
out
of
land
bank
property
and
amending
19
1400
entitled
Realty
transfer
tax
to
exempt
the
land,
banking
and
certain
transactions
involving
the
land
bank
and
payment
of
the
realty
transfer
tax.
All
under
certain
terms
and
conditions.
G
H
This
bill
accomplishes
two
things:
it
will
codify
existing
city
practices
around
land
bank
property
transactions,
and
it
will
make
the
code
consistent
in
the
way
it
treats
land
all
the
land
holding
agencies.
Since
June
of
2015,
the
Commissioner
of
Records
has
authorized
a
waiver
of
be
recording
fees
for
the
property
in
which
the
land
bank
has
acquired
from
the
city,
pra,
ph
DC
and
the
sheriff's
office
today
dissipate
the
land
bank
approximately
$800,000.
H
This
bill
will
codify
that
waiver
by
exempting
the
land
bank
from
payment
of
city's
portion
of
those
recording
fees.
This
bill
will
likely
save
the
land
bank
approximately
2.5
million
dollars
over
the
next
four
years.
In
addition,
this
bill
exempt
land
bank
transaction
from
the
city
portion
of
the
transfer
tax.
H
When
requires
property
from
a
see
related
agency
or
from
the
sheriff
following
a
tax
sale
and
also
when
it
sells
property
for
nominal,
a
nominal
price
nominal
conveyance,
is
are
largely
for
the
affordable
or
workforce
housing
side
yards
and
community
gardens
transactions
in
which
the
property
is
owed
at
fair
market
value
will
remain
subject
to
the
payment
transfer
tax.
This
change
will
treat
land
bank
transactions
the
same
way
that
the
city
or
Redevelopment
Authority
transactions
are
currently
treated.
H
Finally,
the
bill
would
allow
the
land
bank
to
leave
out
properties
for
one
year
or
less
leases
for
a
longer
timeframe
continue
to
go
to
the
vacant
property
review
committee
and
City
Council
for
approval.
This
would
also
make
the
land
bank
police
policy
consistent
with
city
agencies
and
the
Redevelopment
Authority
I.
H
G
You,
madam
chair,
and
all
members
of
the
committee
I
introduced
this
bill
on
behalf
of
the
administration
and
as
articulated
by
our
director.
For
now.
This
is
really
to
codify
some
of
the
existing
practices,
but
better
it
better
lines
and
allows
the
land
bank
to
manage
its
budget
more
appropriately
in
future
transactions.
So
then
ask
all
my
council
members
on
the
committee
to
support
this
bill.
Thank
you.
E
A
B
I
Rashid
Johnson
city
treasurer.
Thank
you
good
afternoon.
Councilwoman
Blackwell
and
members
of
the
committee
on
finance,
I'm,
brashear,
Johnson
city,
treasurer
of
the
city
of
Philadelphia
and
with
me
today
is
Tracy
border
chief
financial
officer
at
Philadelphia,
International
Airport
I'm,
here
to
testify
in
favor
of
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero.
Three
zero
eight
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero
three:
zero
eight
will
provide
authorization
to
provide
for
certain
amendments
to
the
amended
and
restated
airport
revenue
bond
ordinance
under
certain
terms
and
conditions.
I
The
ordinance
authorizes
amendments
to
the
table
of
contents,
section
2.0,
13.00,
14.0
to
a
section
409
5.01
and
10.0,
one
of
the
amended
restated
airport
revenue
bond
ordinance.
This
concludes
my
testimony.
The
administration
recommends
the
adoption
of
the
ordinance
and
respectfully
request
that
the
committee
gets
this
bill.
It's
favorable
recommendation
and
further
that
the
committee
recommends
that
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended
as
to
permit
first
reading
of
the
bill
at
the
next
session
of
council
I'm
happy
to
answer
any
questions
that
you
may
have
at
this
time.
Thank.
A
I
B
Number:
seventeen
zero
three
to
nine;
an
ordinance
authorizing
the
city
treasurer
on
behalf
of
the
city,
to
enter
into
an
amendment
agreement
with
Wells
Fargo
Bank
for
provision
of
payroll
banking
services
to
city
under
certain
terms
and
conditions,
bill
number
1703,
30
an
ordinance
authorizing
the
city
treasurer
on
behalf
of
to
enter
into
a
professional
services
agreement
with
Citizens
Bank
of
Pennsylvania
for
provision
of
payroll
banking
services
to
the
city
under
certain
terms
and
conditions.
Thank
you.
I
Afternoon,
councilman
Blackwell
and
members
of
the
committee
of
monies
I'm
Christina
Johnson
city,
treasurer
for
the
city
of
Philadelphia
I'm,
here
with
Chris
Swartz
deputy
city
treasurer
and
to
testify
in
support
of
bill
numbers,
one:
seven:
zero:
three:
two:
nine
and
one:
seven
zero.
Three
three
zero
bill,
number
one:
seven:
zero.
I
The
last
payroll
that
Wells
Fargo
would
process
for
the
city
would
be
on
June
30th
2017,
if
approved.
This
would
be
the
last
amendment
under
the
contract,
because
the
city
conducted
an
RFP
process
for
payroll
banking
services
in
December
of
2016
through
the
RFP
process,
and
new
Bank
has
been
selected
to
serve
as
provider
for
the
city's
payroll
banking
services.
The
amendment
to
extend
Wells
Fargo
contract
is
to
ensure
an
orderly
transition
period
for
the
city,
as
we
undertake
the
process
of
moving
services
from
Wells
Fargo
to
Citizens
Bank
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero.
I
Three:
three
zero
will
authorize,
also
the
city
treasurer
on
behalf
of
the
city,
to
enter
into
an
agreement
with
city
citizens,
banks
pursuant
to
which
Citizens
Bank
would
authorize
to
provide
payroll
banking
services
to
the
city
bill
number:
zero,
six,
zero.
Three
eight
seven,
as
adopted
by
City
Council,
requires
the
city
treasurer
to
conduct
an
RFP
process
to
select
a
city
payroll
depository
and
require
that
no
contract
be
executed
until
it's
been
approved
by
City
Council
by
ordinance.
As
mentioned
earlier,
and
our
few
process
was
conducted
in
December
of
2016
and
Citizens.
I
Bank
was
chosen
to
provide
the
payroll
banking
services
to
the
cities
based
on
their
competitively
low
pricing,
scope
of
their
transition
plans,
financial
controls
against
loss,
industry
expertise
and
community
investment
in
Philadelphia
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero:
three:
three:
zero
will
authorize
a
city
and
citizens
bank
to
enter
into
a
contract
for
payroll
banking
services
for
an
initial
term
of
July
1
2017.
Through
June
30th
2018,
the
provisions
of
the
contract
require
city
council
approval
of
any
amendments
to
add
additional
terms.
I
We
have
circulated
an
amendment
to
build
numbers,
one
seven,
zero,
three
to
nine
and
one
seven:
zero,
three:
three:
zero
to
attach:
Wells
Fargo's
and
citizens,
banks
lending
plan
and
Community
Reinvestment
Goals.
The
administration
recommends
the
adoption
of
bill
numbers,
one:
seven,
zero,
three
to
nine
and
one
seven:
zero:
three:
three
zero
and
respectfully
request
that
the
committee
gives
the
bill
its
favorable
recommendation
and
further
that
the
committee
recommends
that
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended
to
permit
first
reading
of
both
bills
at
the
next
section
of
counselor.
G
I
I
I
G
I
I
G
L
G
F
Councilwoman
Parker,
thank
you,
madam
chair
good
afternoon,
is
anywhere
from
Citizens
Bank
who's.
Here
today.
Yes,
my
question
is,
and
I
want
to
make
sure
that
I'm
getting
this
right
for
the
record,
what
we
say
that
Citizens
Bank
has
the
most
branches,
neighborhood
branches
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
G
Hello
and
good
afternoon,
and
thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
speak
today.
My
name
is
Jamila
more
I'm,
a
relationship
manager
I'm
in
government
banking
and
yet
so
we
do
have
55
branches
across
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
25%
of
our
branches
are
located
in
low
to
moderate
income.
Communities
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia
and
76%
of
our
branches
are
within
a
one-mile
radius
of
an
Illinois
community.
Okay,.
F
Thank
you
and
I
appreciate
of
that
response.
Non
related
to
the
issue
at
hand,
particularly
given
citizens.
Physical
presence
in
neighborhoods
across
the
city
of
Philadelphia
I.
Just
wanted
to
note
for
the
record
that
last
year,
this
City
Council,
passed
and
I
had
to
honor
introducing,
on
behalf
of
our
council
president
a
bill
that
increased
the
realty
transfer
tax
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia
by
0.1
percent,
and
that
revenue
is
expected
to
generate
approximately
a
hundred
million
dollars
a
year.
F
60
million
to
be
used
to
help
with
the
backlog
of
our
basic
systems
home
repair
program.
But
another
40
million
dollars
will
be
used
to
establish
what
we
hope
will
be
a
game-changing
revolving
loan
program
for
Philadelphians
that
will
address
issues
associated
with
neighborhood
preservation,
particularly
for
those
people
who
live
in,
what's
now
being
called
as
middle
neighborhoods
right
and
so
their
their
income
just
puts
them
a
nickel
over
the
income,
eligibility
guidelines
or
the
other
program
and
I
say
all
of
that
to
say
citizens
having
a
presence
in
our
neighbourhood
matters.
F
But
it
would
also
be
wonderful
if
citizens
is
one
of
the
major
lending
institutions
at
the
table.
Trying
to
find
a
way
to
get
engaged
in
that
process
to
help
us
with
neighborhood
preservation,
so
you
know
I,
couldn't
let
you
leave
and
be
in
this
room
without
publicly
making
an
act
that
citizens
find
out
about
our
program.
F
Our
Redevelopment
Authority
is
working
with
the
key
committee
to
establish
what
will
be
the
parameters
of
that
program,
but
it
will
be
game-changing
for
neighborhood
preservation
and
we
hope
Citizens
Bank
is
in
the
lead
of
helping
us
make
that
difference.
Absolutely.
Thank
you.
Thank
you,
madam
chair
and
madam
chair,
for
the
record.
I
wish
to
be
recorded
as
voting
in
the
affirmative
for
all
bills.
I
have
a
prior
meeting
and
have
to
leave.
Thank.
F
A
E
You,
madam
chairman,
just
for
the
record
on
behalf
of
Councilwoman
Parker
I,
think
the
realty
transfer
tax
increase
was
about
eight
to
ten
million
dollars
were
borrowing
100
million
dollars.
She
said
a
hundred
I
need
the
total
transfer
taxes
in
the
250
range,
so
just
for
the
record,
where
the
increase
generates
8
to
10
million
we're
using
that
to
pay
a
hundred
million
dollar
bond.
Thank.
A
M
You
very
much
mr.
shields
for
medical
reasons
was
unable
to
attend
and
who's
asked
me
if
I
would
read
his
testimony
into
the
record,
I'll
be
testifying
on
general
matters,
but
he
wanted
to
testify
as
a
victim
of
the
wells
fargo
bank
fraud,
and
it
was
very
heartfelt
testimony.
So
if
would
it
be
okay
with
you
if
I
first
read
his
testimony
and
yes.
A
M
Know
the
one
demographic
we
may
have
in
common
as
our
age,
but
he
really
represents
someone
who
could
not
afford
to
have
the
nickel
and
diming
that
$10
here
in
five
dollars
here
really
hurt
him,
so
I
hope
it
can
hold
him
in
our
consciousness
as
I
try
to
do
justice
to
his
words.
This
is
the
testimony
of
Vann
fields,
four
to
one
five
people's
Alliance,
which
is
also
a
member
of
the
public
banking
coalition.
M
My
name
is
vans
field.
I
am
here
to
testify
for
Bill
number
one:
seven,
zero,
three:
three
zero
one:
seven:
zero
three
to
nine
Oh
as
a
member
of
the
to
one
five,
people's
Alliance,
a
community
organization
working
for
racial
and
economic
justice
and
there's
a
customer
of
Wells
Fargo.
Is
this
assistance?
Okay?
This
is
better
I
believe
that
this
bank
is
the
worst
of
the
bad
and
it
needs
to
be
held
accountable.
I
speak
as
a
consumer
and
a
resident
of
Southwest
Philadelphia
as
a
consumer.
M
I
have
been
the
victim
of
Wells
Fargo,
exploitative
practices.
They
have
a
history
of
taking
money
out
of
my
account,
even
when
there
isn't
any
and
charging
me
heavy
overdraft
fees.
I
am
a
retired
citizen
living
on
a
fixed
income
when
I
told
them
to
stop
taking
money
out
of
my
account
or
change
the
date
that
they
pay
my
bills,
they
refused
or
gave
me
the
runaround.
Besides
overdraft
fees,
they
charged
me
a
$10
fee
for
moving
my
money
from
my
savings
to
my
checking
account.
They
also
charge
you
$10
a
month.
M
If
your
checking
account
is
below
$1500
I,
don't
understand
why
I
am
getting
penalized
for
moving
my
own
money
around.
It
goes
beyond
me
as
an
individual.
My
friends
and
neighbors
have
been
affected
by
the
fake
account
scandal
in
which
the
bank
coerced
bank
workers
into
opening
two
point.
1
billion
fake
bank
accounts
in
people's
names
without
telling
them
they
have
also
been
the
victims
of
Wells
Fargo's
mortgage
scams,
which
targeted
people
of
color
the
most,
as
you
may
already
know.
M
Well,
Fargo
is
responsible
for
putting
more
Philadelphia
residents
out
of
their
homes
than
any
other
bank
in
the
city.
These
practices
are
part
of
their
business
model,
which
is
all
about
cheating
working
people.
These
fees
make
up
one
quarter,
one
quarter
of
their
non
interest:
profits
in
January,
Financial
Times
reported
that
Wells
Fargo
charged
overdraft
fees
of
more
than
five
times
the
rate
of
other
big
banks.
M
They
were
found
guilty
by
the
Department
of
Justice
in
2012,
for
discriminatory
lending
and
in
2016
for
their
overcharged
practices,
which
were
all
about
extracting
the
maximum
amount
of
money
out
of
poor
customers
in
doing
business
with
Wells
Fargo.
The
city
is
supporting
a
known
predator
of
poor
and
working
people.
Secondly,
of
the
residents
of
Southwest
Philadelphia
I
am
extremely
concerned
about
the
oil
refinery,
which
is
funded
by
Wells
Fargo.
The
refinery
is
responsible
for
72%
of
toxic
emissions
in
Philadelphia.
M
As
a
result,
Philadelphia
air
quality
got
an
F
rating
from
the
American
Lung
Association,
and
children
in
this
city
have
an
asthma
rate
of
two
to
three:
the
national
average
Wells
Fargo
with
funding
polluters
that
threaten
the
well-being
of
my
family
and
community,
and
the
city
enables
them
by
doing
business
with
them.
As
a
customer
of
Wells
Fargo
and
a
Southwest
Philadelphia
community
member
I
believe
that
Wells
Fargo
has
got
to
go.
However,
I
understand
that
Wells
Fargo
is
simply
the
worst
of
event
to
get
to
the
heart
of
the
problem.
M
I
believe
the
city
needs
to
hold
its
money
in
a
public
bank
that
will
put
the
people
and
the
environment
before
profits,
invest
in
the
community
rather
than
preying
on
them
and
making
CEOs
rich.
We
call
on
city
council
to
stand
with
working
people
for
our
financial
system
that
is
accountable
to
us,
so
I
have
copies
of
this.
That
I
can
submit
to
the
record
and
which
are
you
taking
this,
thank
you
and
on.
If
I
may
I'd
like
to
submit
my
testimony
now,
oh.
M
Thank
you
if
I
may,
so
my
testimony
is
on
on
behalf
of
the
philadelphia
public
banking
coalition.
My
name
is
Susan
Saxe
Thank,
You,
Councilwoman,
Blackwell,
councilman,
Herndon
and
Thank
You,
Councilwoman
bass
for
introducing
and
pulling
forward
this
legislation,
and
thank
you
for
all
of
you
for
considering
our
testimony.
The
public
banking
coalition
includes
neighborhood
networks,
of
which
I
am
a
member
and
reclaim
Philadelphia
as
well
as
well
as
others,
including
to15.
M
That
I
just
testified
on
behalf
of
we
believe
in
vibrant
public
institutions
and
strong
ethical
principles
for
guiding
the
use
of
public
money.
Neighborhood
networks
and
reclaim
Philadelphia
are
both
grassroots
political
organizations
that
work
for
progressive
candidates,
promote
good
government
and
advocate
for
policies
that
benefit
all
Philadelphians
in
terms
of
economic,
environmental
and
social
justice.
We
applaud
the
decision
of
the
city
to
move
its
payroll
business
from
wells.
M
Fargo,
a
bank
that
defrauded
the
city
out
of
tens
of
millions
of
dollars
in
the
2008
financial
collapse
was
recently
found
guilty
of
defrauding
its
customers
and
stockholders
and
continues
to
engage
in
redlining.
Racist
lending
practice
is
unfair,
foreclosures
and
investments
in
industry
that
harm
our
communities
and
the
environment.
This
is
a
step
in
the
right
direction.
However,
all
corporate
banks
engage
in
these
practices
to
some
degree,
so
it's
not
sufficient
in
our
opinion,
to
merely
move
business
from
one
harmful
Bank
to
another.
M
We
would
have
control
of
our
own
money
as
a
public
bank.
The
interest
would
go
back
into
the
city's
coffers
rather
into
the
hands
of
the
shareholders
and
bank
executives.
As
of
the
spring
of
2010,
North
Dakota
was
the
only
state
boasting
a
major
budget
surplus.
It
had
the
lowest
unemployment
and
default
rates
in
the
country,
and
it
had
the
most
community
banks
per
capita
suggesting
that
the
presence
of
a
publicly
owned
bank
had
not
only
didn't
hurt
but
actually
helped
the
local
banks
that
were
doing
the
right
thing.
M
Neighborhood
networks
has
long
advocated
for
the
creation
of
a
public
municipal
bank
in
the
city
not
outside
share
whose
mission
would
be
to
benefit
the
city,
not
outside
shareholders
and
executives.
We
hope
facilitate
that
Philadelphia
will
join
cities
such
as
Oakland
Portland,
Seattle
and
Santa
Fe,
which
are
actively
exploring
the
creation
of
their
own
municipal
banks.
We
believe
that
Philadelphia
is
a
natural
leader
of
this
movement
because,
in
fact
we're
the
of
public
banking,
which
was
started
by
the
Quakers
back
in
the
day,
although
we
know
how
longer
have
it.
M
M
Even
while
the
details
of
its
creation
are
being
worked
out
in
the
interim,
we
recognize
that
the
city
still
has
to
do
business
with
existing
banks,
and
we
look
forward
to
working
with
City
Council
to
develop
stronger
standards
by
which
our
city
makes
banking
decisions
to
strengthen
our
diverse
communities,
our
most
capital,
starved
neighborhoods,
our
school
system
in
all
our
public
institutions
and
to
eventually
establish
a
public
municipal
bank
for
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
Thank
you
for
considering
our
request.
I'd
be
happy
to
answer
any
questions
to
the
best
of
my
ability.
M
I
do
have
a
copy
of
this
to
submit
for
the
record
and
I
also
have.
If
you
would
like
an
FAQ
sheet
that
talks
about
and
what
a
public
bank
is,
it's
just
a
one-page
starter
sheet,
but
if
you
would
like
that,
I
did
also
bring
that
to
distribute
I,
don't
see
the
guy.
Who
does
that?
But
are
there
any
questions.
K
You,
madam
chair,
miss
X
I,
just
wanted
to
thank
you
and
really
to
all
of
the
others
who
really
advocated
lobbied
and
stays
diligent
on
this
issue
in
terms
of
removing
Wells
Fargo
any
piece
of
Wells
Fargo
from
City
Depository
business.
Although
I
agree
with
you
that
the
work
is
undone
because
bad
business
practices
didn't
start
or
end
with
Wells
Fargo
and
there's
still
a
whole
lot
more
research
to
be
done
to
weed
out
some
of
the
bad
actors.
K
As
you
know,
as
a
taxpayer
myself
I,
certainly,
you
know
join
many
many
people
who
don't
want
to
see
any
revenue
from
the
city
of
Philadelphia
going
to
people
who
have
these
unsavory
business
practices,
particularly
you
know,
being
predatory
on
low
income
folks
from
our
neighborhood,
so
I
just
wanted
to
say.
Thank
you
so
much
for
your
due
diligence
on
this
issue
and
also
for
your
work
and
looking
into
public
banking.
K
You
know
what
happens
is
just
to
be
seen
and
we
just
don't
know,
there's
a
lot
of
information,
a
lot
of
research
that
needs
to
be
done
and
and
we're
a
little
bit
of
a
ways
away
from
it.
But
I
do
think
that
the
concept
is
certainly
worth
looking
into
and
exploring
so
I
just
wanted
to
really
thank
you,
and
so
many
others
for
your
efforts
on
both
of
those
issues.
Thank.
M
N
N
Councilperson
do
not
know
what
it
takes
to
adequately
fund
the
schools
and
if
we
had
a
reimbursement
fund
that
would
encourage
teachers
to
submit
what
they
already
paid
for
it
and
I
would
say
to
the
public
look
as
a
teacher
who
is
lacking
resources.
If
you
have
a
heart
you're
going
to
go,
get
this
material
out
of
your
wages.
But
then
you
know
you
have
to
go,
identify
it
find
what's
affordable,
pick
it
up,
bring
it
to
the
school
and
try
to
employ
it.
N
We
need
to
know
how
much
money
teachers
are
spending,
so
we
have
a
better
idea
what
it
takes
to
adequately
fund
our
schools.
There
are
programs,
there
was
a
program
where
in
Philadelphia,
if
a
teacher
spent
money,
they
could
submit
for
a
$75
reimbursement
to
the
school,
not
their
out
of
their
pocket
to
the
school
for
the
entire
year.
I
take
my
kids
out
on
a
weekend
for
kids.
N
We
need
to
know
that
and
more
than
anything,
it's
discouraging
and
disheartening
to
our
teaching
professionals
and
others
when
they're,
not
even
given
the
opportunity
to
submit
what
they
have
spent
themselves.
As
a
way
of
saying
this
is
essential
material.
My
friend
councilman
Maria,
quinones,
Sanchez,
told
me
the
story
of
one
of
her
friends
was
a
teacher
and
she
put
on
her
Christmas
list.
You
know
don't
get
me
anything,
but
what
I
need
for
my
kids
toilet
paper?
Can
you
imagine
kids
with
no
toilet
paper?
If
the
teacher
doesn't
provide
it?
N
I
am
sure
people
don't
want
us
to
keep
a
list
of
all
the
things
that
aren't
provided
that
need
to
be
provided
and
they
oppose
what
we're
doing
today
and
I
would
say
it's
important
for
us,
as
an
independent
body
of
elected
officials,
to
make
sure
that
we
provide
an
opportunity
for
teachers
to
submit
for
reimbursement.
Have
that
list
see
what's
going
on
and,
furthermore,
to
ensure
that
equity
reaches
our
classroom.
So
with
that,
I
really
appreciate
the
teachers
that
are
here
and
all
the
organizations
and
support
arm
and
I.
Look
forward
to
your
testimony.
M
L
O
Go
ahead
and
begin,
then
yeah
all
right
good
afternoon,
my
name
is
Leslie
grace,
I
teach
at
Nevinger
elementary
and
the
art
teacher
there
and
I'd
like
to
thank
you
for
this
opportunity
to
speak
and
testify
on
behalf
of
this
bill.
Is
there
a
high
need,
a
high
level
to
reimburse
teachers
in
philly
schools?
I
say
without
a
doubt-
and
I
can
personally
attest
to
that
for
the
past
four
years
that
I've
been
employed
in
the
district.
I
spent
my
own
money
to
supplement
the
needs
of
my
classroom.
O
I
want
to
ensure
that
my
students
have
an
equitable
education
to
that
of
their
counterparts
in
more
affluent
areas
or
districts,
and
to
do
so
I've
had
to
grovel
for
funding
and
pad
of
my
own
pocket.
It's
a
sad
statement
to
say
that
I've
become
accustomed
to
and
used
to
hustling
for
my
art
room,
I've
used
multiple
forms
of
crowd-sourced
fundraising
for
my
classroom,
desperately
pleading
with
friends,
relatives
and
community
and
I've
consistently
put
my
own
money
into
those
efforts.
O
On
average,
I
spend
about
$3,000
a
year
of
my
earnings,
whether
purchasing
supplies
to
support
my
curriculum,
buying
books,
to
link
literacy
in
the
art
room
and
even
providing
students
with
food
and
snacks
for
when
they
have
to
stay
after
school.
For
performances.
This
is
a
major
disturbance
to
our
students
and
to
the
profession
of
Education.
O
Our
attention
should
be
spent
more
on
building
and
refining
our
curriculum
growing
professionally,
reflecting
on
in
assessing
non
student
artwork
and
keeping
up
with
best
practices,
a
doctor
would
not
be
asked
to
provide
their
own
scaffold,
so
why
are
teachers
expected
to
spend
out
of
their
pocket
on
supplies
and
Philadelphia?
This
issue
is
further
complicated
by
the
lack
of
a
new
and
fair
contract
teachers
have
been
without
arrays
for
about
five
years.
Meanwhile,
the
cost
of
living
increases,
as
do
the
interest
rate.
O
It
should
not
be
expected
or
accepted
that
teachers
should
be
paying
their
wages
toward
classroom
supplies
and
B's
or
in
any
condition.
Currently,
the
PSP
does
provide
a
one
hundred
dollar
reimbursement
to
teachers
for
classroom
purchases.
On
top
of
that,
there
is
a
two
hundred
and
fifty
dollar
education
expense
deduction.
Teachers
can
claim,
on
the
taxes
now
recall
back
to
the
yearly
$3,000
price
tag.
I
dish
out,
as
you
can
see,
the
need
is
great
and
the
funds
to
reimburse
us
is
low.
Perhaps
we
could
make
a
statement
and
buy
nothing.
O
Let
our
classrooms
be
barren
and
not
have
the
materials
to
teach
our
curriculum,
but
that
would
be
passing
the
burden
on
to
our
students,
who
should
not
have
to
suffer
for
those
shortcomings
of
a
district
or
a
schools
budget.
Why
should
City
Council
support
this
bill?
If
it's
not
already
obvious,
the
students
of
Philadelphia
deserve
a
fair
chance,
an
equitable
chance
to
have
the
best
education.
Our
classrooms
should
not
be
empty.
Our
students
should
never
feel
at
a
disadvantage.
Their
zip
code
should
not
determine
their
life
experiences.
O
P
Name
is
Emily
Taylor
and
I
am
a
retired
art.
Educator,
I,
went
to
say
good
afternoon
to
City
Council
and
let
you
know
that
I
as
a
retiree
was
an
art
teacher
and
teacher
Support
Specialist
for
art
education
for
39
years
with
the
School
District
of
Philadelphia.
I
want
to
thank
you
for
allowing
me
to
support
and
testify
this
bill
that
focuses
on
the
teachers
reimbursement
fund
during
my
career,
I
spent
thousands
of
dollars
for
supplies
to
support
my
art
program.
P
I
was
provided
a
budget
to
start
and
build
in
a
program
for
two
schools
of
my
employment.
However,
I
did
purchase
specialized
materials
and
resources
that
were
not
available
from
the
School
District
requisition
office
in
the
1970s,
the
materials
I
purchased
were
looks,
pencils
and
paintbrushes
in
the
1980s.
As
the
years
excuse
me,
as
the
years
progressed,
school
budgets
were
reduced.
I
learned
of
grant
opportunities
to
help
supplement
my
school,
my
art
program
and
to
meet
the
needs
of
my
students,
grow
diverse
population,
I
purchased,
art
materials.
P
Needless
to
say,
when
I
drove
up
to
my
school
with
the
car
full
of
supplies,
my
principal
was
very
pleased
and
in
2000,
as
I
started
my
position
as
teacher
Support
Specialist
I
became
increasingly
aware
of
the
need
for
monies
for
supplies,
as
schools
would
suffer
from
reduced
funding.
Schools
hired
our
teachers
with
little
to
no
funding
for
their
programs
as
schools.
P
Closed
the
art
department
quickly,
redistributed
art
supplies
to
be
given
to
schools
in
need
teachers
conducted
methods
to
raise
funds
such
as
pretzel
sales
to
supplement
their
school
budgets
and
continued
to
spend
their
own
money
for
materials.
They
would
quickly
spend
the
$100
allotment
provided
by
the
district,
which
is
available
to
every
teacher.
This
is
not
the
way
to
support
our
students
and
programs
in
our
communities.
There
is
a
need
for
equal
opportunities
for
teachers
and
schools
to
receive
reimbursement
for
purchase
materials
outside
of
the
school
allotment.
P
It
is
my
hope
that
the
proposed
teacher
allotment
reimbursement
bill
is
passed
to
provide
such
an
opportunity
because
our
students
and
teachers
deserve
it.
I
want
to
thank
councilman
David
o
for
introducing
this
bill,
and
it
is
my
hope
and
I
hope
that
City
Council
will
consider
this
bill
and
passing
it
to
help
support
our
students
and
teachers.
Thank
you.
Q
Good
afternoon
councilman,
oh
and
all
the
council
members
there
on
board.
My
name
is
Antoinette
Polly,
Turner
and
I'm
just
going
to
be
the
person
who
closes
this
up,
because
the
two
previous
colleagues
of
mine
have
done
an
excellent
job
and
you're
really
talking
about
all
the
issues
and
all
the
problems
that
we
are
confronted
with.
Well,
I
should
say
that
I
was
confronted
with
and
the
teachers
are
still
confronted
within
the
school
system
in
terms
of
providing
all
the
things
that
our
students
need.
Q
I
went
to
one
time
I'm
going
to
one
in
Atlanta:
I
went
to
one
in
California
and
when
I
did
when
I
got
there,
I
saw
all
these
free
books
that
we
probably
could
have
gotten,
because
we
only
could
get
one
set
for
all
the
students,
so
let's
ship
them
back
on
my
own
cause.
This
thing:
shipping
back
books,
set
the
book
from
post
office
to
your
school,
which
my
principal
is
very
very
happy
to
see.
Q
The
tragedy
of
all
is
that
of
this
is
that
we
we
don't
put
education
and
high
enough
on
the
elevation
of
where
I
think
it
should
be,
particularly
because
this
is
the
21st
century
and
our
young
people
need
to
get
a
good
education
and
to
give
a
good
education.
You
don't
just
see
the
teacher
standing
in
front
of
you.
You
need
all
the
things
it's
necessary
for
you
to
be
able
to
be
successful,
so
things
like
having
pencils
ink
pens
things
that
we
think
that
a
lot
of
times
our
kids
come
to
school
with.
Q
Q
I
know,
there
are
some
teachers
that
probably
can't
say
this
for
fear
of
retribution,
but
I,
don't
fear
anything
at
this
point
in
my
life
and
I
just
want
to
say
that
I'm
very
happy
that
councilman
toe
has
started
enough
to
take
and
proposed
a
bill
be
passed
and
I
truly
hope
that
the
people
that
are
listening
here
on
the
council
really
know
we
all
have
children
or
had
children
and
school
systems.
What
do
you
want
for
your
children
and
thank
you
very
much
for
allowing
me
to
speak.
Thank.
A
You
very
much
any
questions
comment.
Thank
you.
Ladies
very
much
will
now
hear
from
panel
to
is
Diane
wah
for
Barbara
Bennett
here
welcome
forward
and
thank
you,
lady,
very
much
sure.
While
they
are
coming
forward.
Let
me
note
that
we
are
submitting
to
the
stenographer
written
testimony
from
Otis
Hackney
chief
Education
Officer,
mayor's
office
of
education,
Vivian
a
chance
very
and
Bernard
threat,
Philadelphia
public
school
retired,
Employees,
Association
and
Jennifer
woods,
ESOL
teacher
Philadelphia,
School
District,
and
they
will
be
added
to
this
testimony
as
though
they
were
read.
Thank
you
very
much.
R
J
G
J
A
J
Finance
committee
and
I
would
like
to
say
that
it
is
a
true
pleasure
to
see
this
particular
bill
in
art
forth
in
our
future.
Why?
Hopefully,
it
will
be
done
soon
or
then
later
and
my
testimony
is
and
on
behalf
of
the
philippi
public,
school
retired,
Employees,
Association
and
I
have
a
statement
from
them
in
reference
to
this
bill
and
I
do
have
some
personal
thoughts
also
about
the
bill
that
before
us
I
want
to
say.
Thank
you
very
much
for
inviting
us
to
testify.
J
The
falaqa
public
school
teachers
frequently
use
personal
funds
to
purchase
materials
and
supplies
necessary
for
instructions.
Sadly,
the
items
purchased
tend
to
be
very
basic,
that
is
paper
pencils,
crayons,
folders
glue,
sticks,
tissue,
sanitizers,
etc
in
the
falafels.
The
need
for
additional
supplies
is
immense.
This
is
the
most
evident.
This
is
most
evident
in
the
schools
located
in
the
economically
depressed
neighborhood
each
year,
our
organization,
the
Philippi
public
school
retired,
Employees
Association
known
as
PBS
Rea
and
the
state
organization.
J
Pennsylvania
Association
of
school
retirees,
provides
a
small
monetary
educational
support
award
grant
to
a
teacher
in
the
School
District
of
Philadelphia.
We
supply
them
with
a
seven
hundred
couple
of
seven
hundred
fifty
dollar
grant
so
that
they
can
purchase
supplies
and
things
that
they
need,
and
we
are
happy
to
be
able
to
provide
that.
I
have
to
also
mention
that
our
dues
are
very
low.
We
pay
$15
a
year,
but
we
are
an
organization
of
4,000
people
and
you
know
$15
not
times.
4,000.
J
Members
is
not
a
lot
when
you
consider
all
the
other
things
that
we
must
do
past
awardees
taught
in
the
following
schools,
and
that
was
last
year,
the
Bethune
Dunbar
CID
letter
Overbrook
high
school
and
Rowan.
The
purpose
of
the
award
is
to
recognize
outstanding
service
provided
by
an
active
employee
in
the
Philadelphia
public
schools,
despite
the
fact
that
we
are
retirees.
Yet
there
are
hundreds
of
teachers
that
could
use
this
monetary
support
instead
of
using
their
own
personal
funds.
J
The
need
for
the
replenishment
of
basic
supplies
increases
as
the
school
year
progresses.
The
key
to
mitigating
it's
not
remediating.
This
issue
requires
an
in-depth
analysis
of
budget
allocations,
as
determined
by
the
CFO
of
the
School
District
of
Philadelphia.
A
return
to
a
district-wide
program
is
needed
to
address
this
issue
on
a
systemic
level.
Although
principals
are
provided
budgets
for
their
individual
schools,
the
funds
often
are
not
sufficient
to
address
shortages,
often
attributed
to
some
communities.
Parent
having
Nigar
resources
for
school
supplies
makes
this
necessary.
J
J
Clearly,
this
is
something
that
is
sorely
needed
for
the
teachers
as
well
as
the
students,
it
would
be
an
immense
asset
to
teachers,
student
and
the
community,
but
the
local
public,
school
retired,
Employees
Association
Lords,
and
supports
the
council
council
and
owes
effort
to
authorize
City
Council
to
a
file
Articles
of
Incorporation
to
establish
a
nonprofit
corporation
with
the
name,
the
flow
to
reimbursement
fund.
We
thank
you
for
hearing
our
request
and
hopefully
getting
some
action.
D
R
For
the
opportunity,
on
behalf
of
the
teachers
in
the
Philadelphia
writing
project,
I'm
honored
to
speak
in
support
of
councilman
OHS
bill
to
create
a
fund
to
reimburse
teachers
for
money
spent
on
school
supplies
for
the
classroom.
Many
teachers
in
the
Philadelphia
brighting
project
network
spend
over
$500
or
more
even
before
school
starts
paying
out
of
pocket
for
supplies.
They
need
to
do
their
job
as
well
as
creating
a
warm
and
inviting
classroom
environment
for
their
students
in
elementary
schools.
In
particular.
This
starts
with
creating
bulletin
board
displays
that
remain
vibrant.
Throughout
the
year.
R
One
of
our
members-
andy
newell.
A
second
grade
teacher
began
the
year
by
spending
over
$200,
buying
fadeless
design,
bulletin
board
paper,
decorative
border
trim,
vinyl
letters
and
cut
out
images
to
make
the
four
bulletin
boards
in
her
classroom
come
alive
to
inspire
student,
creativity
and
imagination.
She
also
purchased
clothes
pins
to
hang
up
student
work
and
three
boxes
of
pendaflex
folders,
which
cost
twenty-five
dollars
each
to
organize
weekly
work
centers
and
to
file
student
work,
as
well
as
basic
school
supplies
for
the
class
$30
for
a
thousand
dreamed
sheet
box
of
line
paper.
R
312
tag,
bundles
of
composition,
books
for
her
students,
sixty
dollars,
file
folders
for
each
child,
ten
dollars
for
a
box
of
a
100
as
well
as
pre,
sharpened
pencils,
144
in
a
box
for
$15
Andy,
also
spent
her
money
to
replace
the
worn
tattered
area
rug
in
her
class,
because
there
was
no
money
in
the
school
budget
to
buy
a
new
one.
Her
students
spend
a
large
percentage
of
their
time
on
the
carpet
for
morning
meeting
reading
independently
learning
vocabulary,
practicing
phonics
and
other
learning
activities.
R
The
rug
really
helps
to
build
community
and
make
her
class
read
aloud
and
small
group
work
an
intimate
fun
experience
for
her
students,
the
rug
alone
costs
five
hundred
and
sixteen
dollars
in
September.
Her
students
entered
a
well
resourced
classroom
with
an
inviting
colorful
carpet
as
a
focal
point,
but
in
October
after
the
district
leveling
process,
Andy
was
transferred
to
another
school
and
didn't
have
the
heart
to
take
down
the
bulletin
boards
or
remove
the
supplies
she
purchased
for
her
students.
R
Unfortunately,
Andy
story
isn't
unique:
the
100
dollars
that
the
district
currently
offers
as
a
reimbursement
doesn't
begin
to
cover
the
out-of-pocket
costs
of
teachers
like
Andy,
who
spend
well
over
a
thousand
dollars
annually
to
stock
empty
supply,
causes
provide
needed
school
supplies
for
students
who
often
come
to
school
without
the
basic
necessities
of
notebooks
pencils
or
pens.
The
Philadelphia
writing
project
fully
supports
Phil
one
six,
one
zero
six
one,
and
we
respectfully
ask
the
committee
to
vote
this
bill
out
of
committee
with
a
favorable
recommendation.
A
S
S
2,000
percent
agree
with
philosophically
we're
all
at
the
same
place
when
it
comes
to
doing
more
and
doing
better
for
the
children
in
that
philosophy,
Public
Schools.
The
reality
for
us
is
that
we
have
to
operate
within
frameworks,
time
works
and
budgets,
and
while
we
can't
tell
the
district
what
to
do,
we
can
only
weigh
the
appropriate
level
of
tax
to
fund
the
district
that
brings
with
it
constraints.
S
Additionally,
I
do
have
some
questions
for
the
sponsor
of
the
bill
to
get
some
more
information
on
the
record
so
that
we
can
better
understand
what
what
we
want
to
step
into.
But
we
appreciate
your
voice
and,
as
I
said,
I
think
I
speak
for
all
members
for
a
knowledge
in
a
noble
intent
of
the
bill.
So
thank
you
all
for
standing
up
and
showing
up
to
speak
on
behalf
of
our
city's
children.
Saying
here,
I
do
have
a
few
points
of
information.
Madam
chair
there's.
S
N
Mayor
Michael
Nutter
had
set
up
a
teachers,
reimbursement
fund
which
I
understand
did
not
reimburse
the
teachers,
but
the
teachers
could,
through
their
individual
schools
or
through
the
school
district
request,
some
type
of
reimbursement
and
toward
the
year
2014
through
the
United
Way,
the
city
provided
$585,000,
and
this
money
was
given
to
the
school
district.
Five
hundred
forty
three
thousand
dollars
for
school
year,
2015
four
hundred
fifty
seven
thousand
dollars
were
given
and
$448,000
were
given
to
the
schools
for
fiscal
year,
2016
five
hundred
sixty
three
thousand
dollars.
These
are
just
the
rounded
figures
who.
N
To
the
to
the
United
Way
and
through
the
United
Way,
which
held
the
money,
but
the
city
had
the
application
process,
they
then
provided
through
the
SRC
or
the
School
District
$551.
After
that
two
thousand
seventeen
twenty
one
thousand
dollars
were
provided
to
the
United
Way
and
no
money
was
given
to
the
to
the
school
district.
Although
money
has
been
appropriated
for
2017
and
2018,
so
there
was
a
program
that
I
believe
reimburse
schools
per
teacher
up
to
seventy-five
dollars.
N
S
N
School
district
has
chosen
not
to
appear,
they
were
certainly
invited,
and
the
mayor's
office
of
Education
has
submitted
a
two
paragraph
letter,
basically
stating
that
they
agree
with
the
intention,
but
do
not
believe
that
creating
this
fund
is
the
best
use
of
local
tax
revenue.
I
would
point
out
that
the
fund
that
we're
creating
simply
creates
a
fund.
N
We
cannot
appropriate
money
or
even
get
corporations
to
donate
money
unless
a
fund
is
created
and
whatever
the
program
whatever
program
the
city
or
the
school
district
had
in
the
past
is
not
relevant,
because
none
of
that
money
would
come
to
this
fund.
We'd
have
to
establish
this
fund
first
in
order
to
be
able
to
obtain
money
to
reimburse
teachers.
Oh.
L
You
know
we
certainly
see
the
daily
challenges
that
our
teachers
and
the
struggles
that
our
school
district
and
PFD
members
go
through
when
it
on
a
daily
basis,
and
you
know
you
know,
with
the
contract
that
small
overdue
it's
five
years,
that
you
know.
Hopefully
you
know
with
the
persistence
of
the
administration
and
every
member
of
City
Council.
You
know
that
accident
that
you
know
we
come
to
a
contract
and
I.
L
Think
that
that's
the
most
important
thing
in
in
my
pursuance
of
how
you
know
the
school
district
and
PFD
can
come
together
is
getting
in
this
contract
gun.
You
know,
but
the
pause
for
cause
as
a
council,
as
Councilwoman
Dooley
stated
at
so.
First
of
all,
thank
you.
I
get
off.
You
know,
I
digress
a
little
bit,
but
thank
you
for
being
here.
Thank
you
for
what
you
do
every
single
day
and
I
understand
it.
As
a
matter
of
fact,
I
help
buy
supplies
for
a
couple
of
schools.
Of
my
district
and
I
know.
L
L
You
know
allocating
appropriating
two
hundred
thousand
dollars
for
me
specifically
for
the
education
fund
to
me.
I
think
we
need
to
take
a
step
back
and
find
out
like
or
we
were
appropriating
resources
for
an
education
supplies
fund
which
is
needed,
but
we
need
to
find
out.
Are
those
supplies
being
purchased
or
the
teachers
being
reimbursed
whose
not
being
reimbursed
what
is
being
submitted?
So
it
is
my
ask
that
we
repulse
and
take
take
a
step
back
for
a
second
and
figure
out.
L
So
you
know
I'm
going
to
ask
that
the
committee
just
take
a
step
back
for
a
second
here
and
when
we
go
to
our
public
meeting
hold
off
on
it.
Let
us
do
a
little
more
research
before
we
start
creating
funds,
you
know
where
we
don't
have
to,
but
we
might
need
to
let's
find
out
what
we
do
have
and
the
money
that's
being
allocated
and
appropriated
I'm
going
to
make
sure
that
it's
actually
going
to
the
fund.
Thank
you,
madam
chair.
N
You
very
much
I,
thank
all
that
my
colleagues
for
their
their
concerns,
I
would
say,
have
no
fear.
We
have
known
for
years
and
years
and
decades
and
if
not
more
than
decades,
that
the
School
District
of
Philadelphia
does
not
provide
fundamental
supplies,
typically
on
the
basis
of
which
neighborhood
you're
in
but
but
even
good
neighborhoods
teachers
have
had
to
go,
go
out
and
purchase
the
materials
to
to
educate
children.
I
got
four
kids
there,
a
handful
on
a
Saturday,
let
alone
30
kids
that
you've
got
to
educate,
keep
their
attention.
N
You
can't
do
it
just
talking.
You
got
to
have
supplies
materials,
resources,
I,
would
hope,
technology
that
suburban
communities
have
but
I
understand.
Why
go
out
and
buy
this
stuff
with
their
own
money,
call
their
mom
and
dad
their
best
friend
go
on
social
media
I,
don't
know
what
we
need
to
look
at
I
do
understand
that
there
is
a.
There
is
a
question,
because
the
administration,
at
least
the
office
of
the
of
the
mayor's
office
of
education,
does
not
support
this
and
I.
N
Don't
know
where
the
SRC
is
because
they're-
not
here
all
I
can
say,
is
I
think
they
would
be
fumbling
around
today,
trying
to
trying
to
say
something
about
why
we
wouldn't
vote
on
this
and
establish
a
fund.
Half
a
million
dollars
is
is
not
enough.
We
need
to
put
more
money
into
this.
It
needs
to
be
independent.
This
this
entity
would
be
separate
from
politics.
It
would
consist
of
teachers,
former
teachers
who
would
look
at
every
request
and
make
a
decision.
Is
it
necessary?
Is
it
fundamental
how
much?
N
If
anything
should
we
reimburse
I
would
say?
Let's
get
this
out
of
committee.
I
will
certainly
hold
it
after
it
comes
out
of
committee
if
the
administration
or
the
SRC
or
anybody
wants
to
come
up
and
talk
about
it,
some
more.
If
somebody
wants
to
come
up
with
another
idea,
but
putting
it
back
to
do
more
research
about
what
we
already
know,
I
would
say
will
be
a
very
discouraging
message
that
we
don't
have
the
will
to
address
it
and
I
think
we
do
so
I
hope
that
we
will
vote
this
out
of
committee.
A
D
M
D
A
Has
been
moved
and
seconded
that
bill
number
one,
six,
one,
zero
six
one
be
held
that
the
call
of
the
chair
all
in
favor,
say
aye
aye
opposed
opposed.
Thank
you,
the
ice
habit
and
so
bill
number
one,
six,
one
zero.
Six
one
will
be
held
at
the
call
of
the
chair.
Chair
now
recognizes
councilman
Keenan.
L
J
A
L
L
A
It
has
been
moved
and
seconded
that
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero,
zero
one,
five
as
amended,
be
reporter
from
this
committee,
but
the
favorable
recommendation
and
further
move
at
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended,
so
sue
permit
first
reading
of
this
bill
at
next
session
of
count.
So
all
those
in
favor
say
aye
aye
opposed
the
eyes
have
it
and
the
motion
carries
in
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero,
zero!
One.
A
Five
as
amended,
will
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
the
favorable
recommendation
and
a
request
that
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended
so
to
permit
first
reading
at
our
next
session
of
council.
The
chair
now
recognizes
councilman
Heenan
for
emotional
bill
number,
one:
seven,
zero,
zero
one.
Six
thank.
L
A
L
A
You
it
is
removed
and
properly
seconded
that
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero,
zero
or
six
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
the
favorable
recommendation
and
that
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended
so
as
to
permit
first
reading
at
our
next
session.
All
those
in
favor
say:
aye
aye
opposed
the
I.
Have
it
and
the
motion
carries
and
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero,
zero.
One
six
will
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
the
favorable
recommendation
and
a
request.
The
rules
of
council
be
suspended
so
to
permit
the
first
reading
at
our
next
session
account.
A
L
A
Has
been
moved
and
properly
seconded
a
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero,
zero.
Two
five
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
the
favorable
recommendation
and,
furthermore,
that
the
rules
be
suspended
so
as
to
permit
first
meeting
in
our
next
session.
All
those
in
favor
of
the
motion
signify
by
saying
aye
opposed
the
odds
have
it
and
the
motion
carries
and
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero,
zero.
Two
five
will
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
a
favorable
recommendation:
one:
seven:
zero:
zero.
A
Two
five
will
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
a
favorable
recommendation;
I'm,
not
that
it
sounds
right
to
me,
but
I'm
not
saying
it
right.
The
ice
haven't
and
the
motion
carries
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero,
zero:
two:
five:
zero:
two:
five:
two
zero:
what
would
a
my
fam,
1
7
0
205,
will
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
a
favorable
recommendation
and
a
suspension
of
the
rules
so
super
mitnick's.
First
reading
of
next
session
of
counsel,
the
chair
now
recognizes
councilman
Heenan
for
motion
on
bill
number:
one:
seven:
zero,
three,
zero.
Eight
thank.
L
N
A
The
ice
habit
and
them
and
the
motion
carries
and
bill
no
one,
seven,
zero.
Three
zero
eight
will
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
a
favorable
recommendation
and
a
recommendation
for
suspension
of
the
rules.
The
chair
now
recognizes
councilman
Tina
for
move
motions
on
bill
number,
one:
seven:
zero:
three:
two:
nine
I.
L
A
Has
been
moved
and
properly
seconded
that
the
amendments
to
bill
number
one,
seven,
zero,
three
to
nine,
be
approved.
All
those
in
favor
of
the
motion
will
signify
by
saying
aye
opposed.
The
motion
carries
in
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero.
Three,
two
nine
has
been
amended.
The
chair
again
recognizes
councilman
Heenan
for
motion
with
regard
to
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero,
three,
two:
nine
as
a
men.
Thank.
L
A
I
A
Eyes
have
it
and
he
needs
the
odds
haven't,
and
the
motion
carries
and
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero.
Three,
two
nine
as
amended,
will
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
the
favorable
recommendation
and
for
suspension
of
the
rules.
The
chair
now
recognizes
councilman
Heenan
for
motion
with
regard
to
an
amendment
to
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero,
three:
three:
zero.
Thank.
L
A
Has
been
moved
and
properly
seconded
that
the
ax
men
to
build
number
one,
seven
zero,
three
three
zero
will
be
approved.
All
those
in
favor
say:
aye
aye,
those
opposed
the
motion
carries
and
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero,
three:
three:
zero.
As
sentiment.
The
chair
again
recognizes
council
member
Heenan
for
motions
with
regard
to
bill
number
one:
seven:
zero,
three:
three:
zero,
as
amended.
Thank.
L
A
It
has
been
moved
in
properly
seconded
that
bill
number
one:
seven,
zero,
three:
three:
zero,
as
amendment
be
reported
from
this
committee
with
the
favorable
recommendation
and
further
that
the
rules
of
council
be
suspended,
those
who
permit
first
reading
at
our
next
session.
All
those
in
favor
of
the
motion
will
signify
by
saying
aye
all.