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Mayor Kenney Sixth Budget Address to City Council
Strictly embargoed for delivery
Mayor Kenney delivered his sixth budget address to City Council on April 15, 2021. This is the text of his speech as prepared:
Thank you, Council President Clarke and members of City Council, for inviting me to speak today.
As surreal as it is to be joining you virtually - and not in Council Chambers - I am pleased to present our sixth proposed Five Year Financial Plan, covering Fiscal Years 2022-2026.
Unlike the previous five, this Plan comes in the wake of what many consider the most challenging year in Philadelphia's history.
The combination of a global pandemic, a tumultuous presidential election, a worsening gun violence epidemic, and long overdue demands for racial justice, have tested the resolve and resilience of every single Philadelphian.
We've experienced a great deal of loss. We lost loved ones, many lost their jobs, and others lost businesses they worked years to build.
But I, for one, have never lost hope - hope for our City's ability to rebound, hope for our capacity to overcome, and hope for an eventual return to all that makes Philadelphia great.
I base this optimism on the strength and dedication I witnessed from the thousands of first responders and City of Philadelphia employees over the last year.
? We fed students and residents at hundreds of meal sites;
? We distributed PPE to frontline and essential workers;
? We kept residents from losing their homes;
? We opened our parks for record use of safe recreation;
? We supported local businesses with a focus on equity;
? We saved lives by following the science and working from home;
? And, along with many partners, we have administered a million doses of vaccine at over 250 sites citywide.
I am incredibly proud that throughout the pandemic, our workforce responded with the tenacity and grace of true public servants, working incredibly hard to meet the changing needs of our residents.
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