Mayor Kenney Releases Statement on the Passage of FY18 Budget and Capital Program
PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Kenney released the following statement on the passage of the FY18 budget and capital program today.
“I thank Council for their partnership in passing our second budget together. Without increasing taxes, this budget provides new resources to tackle some of our most serious problems, including the opioid crisis, unemployment, and violence. It also paves the way for future economic growth by reducing the wage tax to its lowest level since the 1970s and making additional investments in transportation infrastructure.”
In addition to the $3.2 million in new funding announced in March to fight opioid crisis and homelessness across the City, the final budget included an additional $250,000 to provide a safe emergency home for people who are homeless in and around the encampment on the Conrail tracks in the Fairhill-Kensington neighborhood. Study after study has proven that stable housing is critical in order for victims of opioid addiction to enter recovery and rebuild their lives.
The budget also focused on reducing recidivism and crime. In addition to the new funding announced in March for high-need police districts, body cameras, the Fair Chance Hiring Program and the Mural Arts Guild program, the final budget included an additional $100,000 to support the collaborative work of the new Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention. Working with City Council, the criminal justice partners, and community members, these additional resources will allow us to complete the City’s ongoing evaluation of anti-violence programs and develop a comprehensive strategy to address community violence in Philadelphia.
The $4.4 billion budget and Five Year Plan also seek to make Philadelphia stronger economically across the board by continuing the city’s reduction of wage and business taxes and investing in infrastructure. By Fiscal Year 2022, the resident wage tax is projected to be under 3.7% — its lowest level since the 1970s. The Capital Program also dedicates an additional $30 million investment in SEPTA and a $170 million investment in road repaving that will allow our City to finally meet national standards.