As spring rapidly approaches, the City’s work to build a stronger Philadelphia for every neighborhood continues.
Here are five moments from the past seven days you might’ve missed. This week, the Mayor talked about family-sustaining career opportunities for local students, promoted the City’s Rebuild initiative, joined Governor Wolf in defending reproductive rights, reaffirmed Philadelphia’s commitment to its immigrant population, and toured a North Philly library under major renovation.
1. Mayor Kenney visited three City departments.
The Mayor visited the Office of Fleet Management, the Philadelphia Fire Department, and the Office of Homeless Services to thank City employees for their dedication to public service.
Visiting one of @PhiladelphiaGov's Fleet Management facilities to tour the building and meet employees! Thank you for your service! pic.twitter.com/niiGEO2mbE
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) February 13, 2017
2. Mayor Kenney joined Governor Tom Wolf at City Hall to raise awareness of the dangerous consequences proposed Pennsylvania Senate Bill 3 would have on women’s health.
Now working its way through the state legislature, PA SB3 would impose strict limits on reproductive health, including severely limiting abortion without exceptions for rape or incest. The Philadelphia Commission for Women released a statement on SB3, calling it “disastrous for women and a deep setback for the reproductive rights we fought for with Roe v. Wade.” Governor Wolf affirmed that he would veto the bill, and Mayor Kenney thanked the Governor for his leadership.
I truly can’t believe we’re still having this conversation. This legislation could be so devastating to women’s health…
Posted by Mayor Jim Kenney on Thursday, February 16, 2017
3. The Mayor met with principals and labor leaders to talk about better connecting our students to careers through the trades.
February is Career and Technical Education Month, and Mayor Kenney met with various leaders this week to talk about how CTE students could access lifelong, family-sustaining careers through the trades. A key job opportunity moving forward will be the Rebuild initiative, the City’s plan to revitalize neighborhood parks, rec centers, playgrounds, and libraries with a massive multi-year, $500 million overhaul. Rebuild is made possible because of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.
Really important conversation between #CTE Principals, Labor & #RebuildPHL to share ideas to better connect our #CTE students to the trades. pic.twitter.com/26SAezFnAS
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) February 15, 2017
4. Mayor Kenney affirmed Philadelphia’s commitment to its immigrant population and its Sanctuary City status.
On Thursday, many businesses slowed down or closed entirely to observe a national “Day Without Immigrants.” Mayor Kenney signaled his support for the day, saying, “Immigrants are essential to the function of our city and economy. You make Philly Philly. I stand in solidarity with you.” Later, the Mayor pointed out that crime is lower, and economies are stronger, in Sanctuary Cities.
Decriminalizing minor offenses like disorderly conduct makes us safer & builds trust in our communities. Sanctuary cities are safer.
Posted by Mayor Jim Kenney on Thursday, February 16, 2017
5. The Mayor toured the Lillian Marrero Library, stressing the need for the City’s Rebuild initiative.
Currently, the Free Library is engaging in a massive overhaul of the Lillian Marrero Library in North Philadelphia. The dramatic renovation will make the neighborhood library universally accessible, add a special children’s area and teen area, create tutoring space and expand its computer lab. Prior to the renovation, the library dealt with leaks and needed a new heating system. “Rebuild will fund critical projects like this at parks, rec centers, and libraries around our city,” Mayor Kenney observed.
