KITCHEN URGES SWIFT ACTION ON PHILADELPHIA BUDGET LEGISLATION

            HARRISBURG, August 5 – Following today’s passage of legislation in the House of Representatives that would enable Philadelphia to decisively tackle its fiscal problems, state Sen. Shirley Kitchen urged the Senate to swiftly consider this measure.

            “I’m pleased that the House moved quickly to approve this legislation, but it’s crucial that the Senate take up this issue now,” Kitchen said. “Philadelphia cannot afford to wait any longer for a vote on this bill, which will determine how the city moves forward in this dire economic time.”

            House Bill 1828 would increase the City of Philadelphia’s sales tax by 1 percent for five years and restructure the city’s pension plan system.

            The state must provide the authority for the city to put its plan to work by Aug. 15; otherwise, the city would be forced to take drastic action to reduce services, including laying off hundreds of police officers and fire fighters, closing all libraries and recreation centers, closing two city health centers, and eliminating almost 3,000 positions, according to Mayor Michael Nutter.

            “Philadelphia’s future is at stake here,” said Kitchen, who introduced similar legislation (Senate Bill 1058) last week. “No one wants to raise taxes, but this is an exceptional time and it’s the best option to keep the city running smoothly. Otherwise, the city will be forced to board up its numerous community recreation centers and libraries and put thousands of people out of work, including the police officers and fire fighters who serve and protect us.

            “I implore Republican Majority Leader Pileggi to get this legislation moving so that Philadelphia can move forward,” she said.

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