I’ve been waiting for this moment for nearly 3 years, but many incarcerated Philadelphians have been waiting much longer.
Yesterday @phlcouncil passed the enabling legislation for a brand new Board of Prison Oversight and Office of Prison Oversight. While this marks the end of this proposal’s legislative journey, the real work is just beginning.
Soon, Philadelphia will finally have a truly publicly accountable system to address safety, health, and wellness issues in our city run prisons, with recurring funding and an actual ability to change standards, scrutinize decisions, and monitor results.
I want to extend my gratitude to @nicorourkephl and his staff for supporting throughout this journey, as well as all the organizations and activists that made this possible @phillydefenders@prisonsociety@abolitionistlc@easternstate@committeeof70@muralarts . Thank you for believing in change and doing the work to make it happen 🙌🏿
I deeply value and appreciate the regular communication I have with the School District as chair of the @phlcouncil education committee. It is my office’s policy to over-communicate to our governmental partners.
That is why it was extremely frustrating to see in @phillyinquirer this week that there is a plan made with ZERO communication or collaboration with Council, specifically the education committee and district councilmembers, to explore the transfer of some two dozen abandoned school district buildings to the city to build housing on.
I’ve been trying to sound the alarm for years about the school facilities crisis.
Amid an ongoing committee planning process for remedying our schools facilities crisis (which I serve on) it is unbelievable to me that this had not come up, and it is deeply concerning that no one from the Administration, District or School Board thought to include Council who also represent all 1.6 million Philadelphians.
Next year, the public should expect and demand a higher level of scrutiny around the School District’s finances and facilities process. The community needs answers. @phlschoolboard@philly_schools
While we’ve found ways to counter rising utility costs in the past, the current surge demands a fresh approach. It’s time to go back to the drawing board and work collaboratively with elected officials and home utility providers accountable, so we can better manage costs and deliver real relief for our communities.
At Tuesday’s hearing, I asked the tough questions and pushed for transparency on how these companies are operating. More importantly, I began conversations on how we can partner to build a system that works better for our constituents so families can focus on living, not worrying about their next bill.
I’m a councilman, father, and coach, but I’m also a big music lover. In honor of May Music Month, I thought I’d share some of my favorite songs and the ones I keep in rotation.
As a coach, I know firsthand the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to achieve such major wins. Today, I had the honor of recognizing @blackhawksac_ in North Philadelphia for their National Championship win.
The dedication these young men show on and off the field does not go unnoticed. We have to celebrate our youth for their wins, their discipline, and their commitment just as loudly as anything else. Proud of you all keep setting the standard.
Thank you to all the officials who participated in this discussion and for supporting this issue. I also thank you for partnering with me in this work. Together, we are committed to tackling rising energy costs and bringing clarity and real answers to our constituents.
Yesterday made it clear that this is not an abstract problem it’s a real issue impacting how people live every day. We will continue pushing forward until we find meaningful solutions and relief for our communities.
During yesterday’s hearing, @rep_fiedler highlighted several bills already in place that directly address the surge in energy prices. I encourage everyone to take a moment to learn about these efforts and support the legislation aimed at bringing real relief to our communities.
It’s not just Philadelphia our neighbors are feeling it too. Families across the region are struggling with the same rising energy costs, and it’s clear this is a shared issue that demands real solutions.
Thank you to @mayorcarstarphen , for your testimony and for standing with us in this fight. Your partnership, passion, and commitment to finding relief for our communities truly means a lot. Together, we’re pushing for answers and more importantly, action.
We’re getting real answers about the rising cost of energy bills and what’s being done at the federal level. Working with @rep_fiedler to dig into the root causes and ask the tough questions is the only way to bring real relief to the people of Philadelphia.
This is about making sure families get clarity, accountability, and real action on an issue that impacts everyday life across the city.
Our hearing on the affordability of energy bills is happening today. This issue has been affecting everyone, and it’s important that we stay engaged and informed.
Tune in live at phlcouncil.com/watch or watch on cable on Xfinity Channel 64 or Fios Channel 40.
