Title
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
MAYOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
For Immediate Release: March 3, 2016
Contact: Lauren Hitt, lauren.hitt@phila.gov, 215-686-6210
***EMBARGOED UNTIL DELIVERY***
Mayor Delivers Budget Address to City Council
PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Jim Kenney delivered his first budget address to City Council on Thursday morning. The Mayor began by outlining several budget priorities that resulted from collaboration between the Kenney Administration and City Councilmembers, including the citywide expansion of the Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) and funding for Vision Zero initiatives. The Mayor then discussed his plan to expand quality pre-k, create 25 community schools, inject $26 million into the pension fund, improve City buildings' energy-efficiency, and invest $350 million in neighborhoods parks, recreation centers and libraries through a three cent sugary drink tax. Throughout the address, the Mayor spoke of the importance of investing in policies that would change the status quo and tackle the issues that have long held Philadelphia back, including its struggling education system. The text of the Mayor's speech follows.
*Remarks as prepared*
Thank you to the Council President and for all of my colleagues in Council for welcoming me to speak today
It feels really good to be home.
I've spent just about half of my life in this Chamber.
I started in 1992 under then-Council President Street, and I've since had the privilege to work with two more great Council Presidents: Anna Verna and, now, Council President Clarke.
I've also had the distinct pleasure, over the years, of getting to learn from all of you.
Through the work we've done together, you have helped shape me, and I believe you will see that impact reflected in our first budget together.
In this budget, we continue to try to protect the rights of our most vulnerable.
Councilman Greenlee has been a consistent advocate for the rights of Philadelp...
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