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Here are some of the Councilman’s latest legislative efforts. Please click on the buttons to the right for more information and detail.
311
One of Councilman Kenney’s top priorities, a 3-1-1 call center would benefit the entire city of Philadelphia by providing one number for city services and questions about city government. Please click on the 3-1-1 button for more information and the 3-1-1 for Philly report. (Resolution # 060705, 9/28/2006)
Parking Garage Rates
Enacted in April 2005, bill # 050266-A prohibits parking garages from raising their rates for special events, and requires garage owners to submit proposed regular rate changes in writing 72 hours before the scheduled change. (Bill # 050266, 4/7/2005)
National Guard Real Estate Tax
Councilman Kenney introduced bill # 050740 in September 2005, and it was enacted into law in December. It provides National Guard members and armed forces reserve members who are called to duty out of state with a Real Estate tax credit, calculated using the total taxes on the property and the number of days the person spends on active duty outside the state. (Bill # 050740, 9/15/2005)
National Guard Wage Tax
Bill # 050740 extended the Wage Tax credit, which removes wage taxes from wages received by members of the US military, to National Guard members as well. (Bill # 050741, 9/15/2005
Hybrid Vehicles
Complimenting Councilman Kenney’s concern for the environment, his Hybrid Vehicle legislation calls for the city to purchase hybrid-electronic vehicles to replace outgoing vehicles, providing the price is no greater than 10 percent of comparable gas vehicles. (Bill # 051139, 12/1/2005)
Veterans Advisory Commission
Councilman Kenney’s Resolution # 060059 re-established the Veterans Advisory Commission, which works with city departments to help veterans partake in the various city programs and benefits available to them. The Commission is made up of appointees from the Mayor, City Council, and veteran member organizations. (Resolution # 060059, 2/2/2006)
Rainy Day Fund
Councilman Kenney’s Rainy Day Fund legislation calls for the city budget to include a budget stabilization reserve, to be used in times of emergencies or other crises. The change will be a ballot question in the May 2007 primary election. (Bill # 060542, 6/8/2006)
City Planning Commision
Bill # 060682 calls for a charter change which would amend the City Planning Commission makeup to include an architect, urban planner, traffic engineer, land use attorney, and two community group members specializing in land use. The change will be a ballot question in the May 2007 primary election. (Bill # 060682, 9/21/2006
Hand Sanitizers
In January 2007, Councilman Kenney chaired a public hearing on Resolution # 060767, discussing the installation of instant hand sanitizers in public schools and city workplaces. Instant hand sanitizers have been proven to cut down on hand-born illnesses, which are prominent in schools and other heavily trafficked areas. The response at the hearing was overwhelmingly positive, and options are currently being discussed. (Resolution # 060767, 10/19/2006)
City Pension Funding
Bill # 060828 provides for a cost-of-living increase to city pensions. Other cities provide a 4 percent increase every year, while Philadelphia mandates that 76% of the pension must be funded in order for cost-of-living to take effect. Unfortunately the current city pension is only 52% funded. Councilman Kenney’s bill seeks to eliminate the 76% funding requirement and give city pensioners proper cost-of-living increases. (Bill # 060828, 11/2/2006)
Rubber Sidewalks
When Councilman Kenney visited Chicago to look at their 311 call center and green roof program, he also took back with him the idea for rubber sidewalks. The Councilman’s rubber sidewalk resolution calls for a public hearing to discuss the long term financial and safety benefits to rubber sidewalks, which include longer lifespan, simpler repair and replacement, and a softer surface. (Resolution # 070052, 2/1/2007)
Green Roofs
Councilman Kenney’s green roof legislation provides a tax incentive for building owners who install green roofs on their property, as well as a Business Priviledge Tax incentive for business owners. Green roofs are layers of living vegetation placed on rooftops. They increase air quality, reduce storm water runoff, and cool the roof. (Bill # 070072 and Resolution # 070079, 2/8/2007)
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