City of Philadelphia - File #: 130825

• File #: 130825
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 10/31/2013
• In control: CITY COUNCIL
• Final action: 11/14/2013
• Title: Urging the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to increase funding allotted for the Weatherization Assistance Program to the City of Philadelphia in order to increase the quality of life for low income residents by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Kenney, Councilmember Goode, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember O'Brien, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Tasco

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
11/14/2013	0	CITY COUNCIL	ADOPTED
10/31/2013	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar	Pass

Title
Urging the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to increase funding allotted for the Weatherization Assistance Program to the City of Philadelphia in order to increase the quality of life for low income residents by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

Body
WHEREAS, According to the most recent census data, Philadelphia has one of the highest poverty rates at 28.4 percent and one of the lowest household median incomes among all major cities at $34,207; and

WHEREAS, The cost of living in the City is higher than most of the comparison regions, making it nearly impossible for many individuals to weatherize properties without assistance due to the high poverty rate; and

WHEREAS, A study conducted in 2002 by the U.S. Department of Energy showed that results from participants in the Weatherization Assistance Program saved as much as 32 percent on energy costs, or a savings of an average of $437 annually on energy bills; and

WHEREAS, Energy conservation resulting from efforts of state and local agencies helps our Country reduce its dependence on foreign oil and decrease the cost of energy for families in need while improving the health and safety of their homes; and

WHEREAS, State funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program has decreased by nearly 85 percent since 2004; and

WHEREAS, Due to demand and lack of funds, the current average wait time for high priority applicants to the City's Weatherization Assistance Program is two years, which could be reduced with increased funding; and

WHEREAS, Increased funding to the City for the Weatherization Assistance Program would increase the safety and quality of life for City residents, as well as improve the infrastructure of the City substantially; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is urged to increase funding allotted for the Weatherization Assistance Program to the City of Philadelphia in order to incre...