CITY COUNCILMEMBERS CONTINUE TO LOBBY PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE AND SENATE MEMBERS TO PROVIDE MONEY FOR SEPTA BEFORE THE AGENCY REDUCES SERVICE BY 20% STARTING AUGUST 24
The Republican-controlled Pennsylvania State Senate passed a SEPTA funding bill on August 12, but Pennsylvania House and Senate Democrats seemed unlikely to go along with the measure.
The Senate transit bill is different than what the Democrats passed in the House on August 11, and it appears no deal will be reached on a new Pennsylvania state budget before SEPTA implements 20% service cuts on Aug. 24. The transit service set an Aug. 14 deadline for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide money to stave off the cuts.
SEPTA faces a $213 million budget deficit, and it is requesting additional funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to close the gap. SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said this week that the cuts will move forward, and SEPTA riders will see the elimination of 32 bus routes and significant reductions in trips on all metro rail services, including the end of special services like the Broad Street Line Sports Express.
For additional information on the cuts go here. The SEPTA cuts would also take effect one day before Philadelphia public school students start the first day of classes on August 25.
Since June, Councilmembers have been lobbying lawmakers in Harrisburg to get additional money for SEPTA and have participated in rallies and taken their message on television shows calling for more transit funding.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District) recently appeared on Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia to talk about how critical these proposed service cuts and fare increases to SEPTA will be if the state doesn’t provide funding. Watch the segment here.
In the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) Operating Budget, which went into effect on July 1, City Council and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker agreed to give SEPTA a $135 Million operating subsidy this year and a total of $716 million operating supper for FY 2026 through FY 2023. In addition, SEPTA will receive an additional $76 Million in capital support from FY 2026 through FY 2031. The Commonwealth’s budget, which was actually due on June 30, is now two months late.
COUNCILMEMBERS STOOD WITH MEMBERS OF THE PHILADEPHIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS THIS WEEK AS CONTRACT TALKS CONTINUE WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA ON A NEW CONTRACT
The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) called on the School District of Philadelphia to show greater urgency toward contract negotiations this week, so the new school year is not disrupted by a labor strike. A one-year extension of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), ratified in 2021, expires on August 31st – less than one week after the new school year begins for students.
Attending the press conference were City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At Large), Minority Leader Kendra Brooks (At-Large), Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), Councilmember Nina Ahmad (At Large) and Rue Landau (At-Large) along with representatives of the offices of Councilmembers Nicolas O’Rourke (At-Large), Isaiah Thomas (At-Large) and Jeffery Young, Jr. (5th District).
Philadelphia schoolteachers return to work August 18, and the school year begins August 25. The contract for the 14,000-member PFT — which represents teachers, school counselors, secretaries, paraprofessionals, and other workers — expires Aug. 31.
The School District of Philadelphia continues to actively participate in conversations with the PFT and engage in good faith negotiations with the hope of securing a new contract as soon as possible.
COUNCILMEMBER LOZADA TO HOST HER CLASSROOM KICKOFF BACKPACK GIVAWAY ON AUGUST 16
Philadelphia City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District) host her Second Annual Classroom Kickoff on Saturday, August 16 outside of her District Office (4821-A Frankford Avenue). She will give away free backpacks filled with school supplies plus she will have health resources for the whole family and an in-person fitness class.
You must register in advance. Go here to register.
Councilmember Lozada’s office can be reached at (215) 686-3449.
COUNCILMEMBER ANTHONY PHILLIPS TO OPEN A SECOND OFFICE IN THE NINTH DISTRICT ON AUGUST 18
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District) will hold a grand opening for his second neighborhood office in the 9th District on Monday, August 18, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 5738 N. 5th Street in the Olney section of Philadelphia.
This marks the first time the Ninth district will maintain two full-service offices—enhancing their ability to meet residents where they are and deepen Phillips’ commitment to equitable service delivery. His other Ninth District neighborhood office is located at 1503c Wadsworth Avenue.
The August 18th kickoff will be an afternoon of community celebration featuring music, youth performances, local vendors, and back-to-school giveaways. This new location will help Phillips serve Olney, East Oak Lane, Fern Rock, Logan, Melrose Park Gardens, and the Lower Northeast.
For more information, contact Phillips City Council office at (215) 686-3455
COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY DAY WILL HAPPEN ON AUGUST 23
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 23 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. for City Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s (Second District) annual Community Appreciation Day, a family-friendly event where he shows his sincere gratitude to his constituents.
Held at Point Breeze Avenue and Tasker Street, the day will feature live entertainment, free food, school supply giveaways, and activities for all ages. The lineup includes live performances from legendary hip-hop icons Jadakiss and Styles P, R&B sensations Chante’ Moore and NEXT and Philly’s own Urban Guerilla Orchestra.
Last year, Johnson welcomed thousands of residents, distributed 500 back-to-school backpacks, supported dozens of small businesses, and city agencies.
For more information, contact Johnson’s Second District Office at 215-686-3412.
COUNCILMEMBERS KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON AND CURTIS JONES TO HOST A WILL WORKSHOP ON AUGUST 26
August is National Make-A-Will Month and it is the perfect time to take steps to protect your home, assets, and generational wealth for your loved ones.
Councilmembers Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large) and Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District) are teaming up with Philadelphia Register of Wills John P. Sabatina, Esq., for a Will Workshop & REAL ID Documentation Pop-Up on Tuesday, August 26 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, 2251 North 54th Street.
Learn from Community Legal Services about how creating a will can safeguard your property, keep your family’s home in the family, and ensure your wishes are honored, plus, get step-by-step help with your REAL ID application!
For more information, contact Gilmore Richardson’s office at (215) 686-0454.
COUNCILMEMBER JEFFERY YOUNG, JR. WILL HOST NORF PHILLY DAY ON AUGUST 30
Fifth District Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. will host his 2nd Annual Norf Philly Day on Saturday, August 30, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Fotterall Square, 11th and Cumberland Streets.
This year, Norf Philly Day is teaming up with 3711 Community Transformation and the 7th Annual Carnival in the H.O.O.D. — Helping Others Overcome Difficulties — presented by Shadow Trax Media Arts and Precious Baby Learning Academy.
There will be a full day of entertainment to celebrate helping others overcome difficulties. From headliners Zay Money, Tone Love of Tuff Crew and No Question, to Titan Wrestling, Mark It Up Paintball, Uncle Tony’s Reptiles, rides, bounce houses, and delicious food vendors. Plus, our Resource & Vendor Village with tools, connections, and opportunities for the whole family.
This is a youth, family, and community-centered event — free, safe, and open to everyone. Come out, bring your loved ones, and help make this year’s Norf Philly Day unforgettable!
For more information, contact Young’s office at (215) 686-3442
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ATTENDED VETFEST EARLIER THIS MONTH
Produced by The Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s Office and Wawa Welcome America, the 13th VetFest was held earlier this month at City Hall’s North Apron and inside the City Hall Courtyard. American Airlines was the presenting sponsor this year.
Vet Fest was an inspiring day as the Veterans Affairs office honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of nation’s veterans, and recognize the outstanding organizations who support them. The 17 members of City Council selected more than 40 veterans from throughout Philadelphia for their service and those veterans will each receive a Council citation and a medal.
Veterans Affairs also gave special recognition to A Home Is A Right (AHARI) Founder Stephanie Booker and David Sarlitto, Executive Director for the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, for their contributions to Philadelphia veterans.
This year is also the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines. The U.S. Marines and the U.S. Army were founded in Philadelphia. There are more than 700,000 veterans in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with more than 64,000 living in the five-county Philadelphia area.
The Veterans Affairs Office is open all year long to serve Philadelphia veterans. They can be reached at (215) 686-3256 or go to their new website www.phlcouncil.com/veterans.
SATURDAYS WITH CITY COUNCIL RADIO SHOW AIRS LIVE ON SATURDAY AUGUST 16
Tune in and listen to the Saturdays with City Council radio show on Saturday, August 16 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on WURD Radio (900 AM/96.1 FM) or online at wurdradio.com.
Council Communications Director Vincent Thompson hosts the show and will feature news and information related to City Council and local, state and federal government issues.
The featured guest on the August 16 show will be Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. (5th District).
THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL SESSION IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
City Council is now on summer recess from holding regular Thursday Council sessions. Council offices remain open Monday through Friday during normal business hours for constituent service requests.
The next Regular Stated City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 11 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time at Philadelphia City Council Chambers, Room 400 (Fourth Floor), Philadelphia City Hall. Council is scheduled to have 11 Stated Meetings between September to December.
Tune in live on September 11 by watching Xfinity Channel 64 and Fios Channel 40 if you have cable TV in Philadelphia, and stream online at www.PHLCouncil.com/watch
