PHILADELPHIA, PA – Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) issued the following statement on the FY2023 Budget proposal presented to City Council this morning by Mayor Jim Kenney.
“On behalf of City Council, we appreciate the Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal delivered today by Mayor Kenney, and we look forward to reviewing every aspect of the budget and its impact on the residents of Philadelphia.”
“These are urgent times in Philadelphia. We still have far too many people living in poverty, and far too much gun violence plaguing our neighborhoods, making residents feel unsafe. The demand for affordable housing has never been higher. And as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, people need jobs paying a living wage.”
“These are our priorities as Council begins budget hearings: What does every line in this budget do to lift people out of poverty, make communities safe, prevent gun violence, develop affordable housing, and ensure job opportunities for our citizens?”
“We also must look carefully at this budget to ensure we’re spending wisely the Federal funds made available by the Biden administration due to the pandemic. People need hope and opportunity as we recover; that’s what these funds are for. Let’s get to work.”
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