To learn more about Councilmember Brooks’ wealth tax and Councilmember Thomas’ anti-violence recommendations, click below.
Wealth Tax
Last week, Councilmember Kendra Brooks held a press conference in support of Bill No. 220297, which would impose a tax of .04%, or $4 for every $1000, on passive income.
Brooks highlighted the inequities of the city but was also optimistic about Philadelphia’s potential.
“In my neighborhood and neighborhoods like mine, libraries, parks, and rec centers are either closed or bare bones,” Brooks said. “They are operating on a shoestring budget. I see the tragic effects of the housing crisis, the opioid crisis, and the gun violence crisis everywhere. But I still believe in Philly… because there is so much strength and love all around us.”
Brooks said the tax could raise over $200 million for the city, funds that could be used to fund and staff the departments Brooks mentioned and go towards programming for the various crises she referenced.
“We already have everything we need to build the city of our dreams. It’s just a matter of political courage, determination, and investment.”
The bill has yet to be scheduled for a hearing-although it was supposed to be heard the day of the rally. With Councilmember Mark Squilla being named chair of the Finance Committee, it is more likely the bill will receive a hearing soon, as the former chair of the committee, Councilmember Derek Green, resigned to run for mayor, leaving a vacancy.
Collaborative Approach to Addressing Gun Violence
Today, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas held a press conference to announce a series of recommendations to address gun violence in the city.
Called “Recommendations for a Collaborative Approach to Addressing Gun Violence,” the plan offers a series of possible programs that could be legislated this fall. The recommendations include:
- A $2 million investment in Philly Counts to lead regular, in-person community engagement in Philadelphia’s most distressed zip codes
- A $5 million investment in cameras in Philadephia’s most distressed zip codes
- A $2 million investment in CLIP and $2 million in PHS programs
- An evaluation of how the Administration spent gun violence prevention dollars
- A 100-day working group or propose and enact an immediate response.
- The DA’s office and the Police Department share all relevant crime data with local and federal partners, and the public
- The media apply a people-centered, solution-oriented approach to gun-related news
- Working with the Police Department to recruit and retain officers
- $3 million in victim protection and witness services
- $1 million in fingerprinting technology
- Modifying prosecutor training in regards to fire-arm-related laws
- Senior prosecutors argue gun cases while training lawyers to observe
- Better coordination of officer schedules for court appearances
