I hope you’re staying cool and enjoying a relaxing summer! Maybe more this year than ever, the summer months always remind me of how incredible our city is when we spend time together in community, as well as a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for each other and our city.
Here are a few recent highlights of what I’ve been working on this summer with people who inspire me everyday.
I joined Council President, medical professionals and fellow Councilmembers in denouncing the Medicaid cuts happening because of Trump’s Big Ugly Bill. Trump’s new bill will harm those who need help the most, in order to give billionaires what they need the least - more tax breaks. We will continue to work in Philly - together - to respond to the onslaught of federal attacks against our healthcare.
If our diverse neighborhoods are the heart of our city, SEPTA is the veins and arteries that keep it moving. That’s why I traveled to Harrisburg alongside our Council President and other Councilmembers, as well as rallied outside of City Hall, to advocate for increased support and to keep SEPTA funded. Public transit keeps us all on track and it drives our local and state economy. That’s the message we delivered to our counterparts in the state legislature, emphasizing the importance to keep SEPTA moving!
To highlight small businesses working passionately across the city, I recently joined the Welcoming Center and Vamos Juntos, two groups that work to protect immigrants rights and to promote inclusive growth through immigrant employment, and Triple Bottom Brewing for the launch of their Know Your Rights beer. This collaboration is a powerful statement of solidarity and support for our immigrant community. Thirty percent of the proceeds raised from their delicious Know your Rights Beer! go directly to supporting immigrant organizations right here in our city.
With summer comes the end of some school programs, and I was so happy to address the graduates of the Philadelphia Energy Green Residential Construction Immersive Training (GRIT) Program. This paid internship program helps prepare students for employment, emphasizing the importance of energy, and a specific skill set in green retrofits. Skilled technicians are the backbone of Philadelphia, and provide our city with the tools to make it safer and stronger, so I was thrilled to be able to address the graduates from this program and wish them all the best.
I was also excited to attend this year’s Local Progress conference in Chicago with fellow progressive colleagues to share information and gain new strategies to protect ourselves from the ongoing attacks from this hostile federal administration. The conference was a reminder that the power of democracy will always be with the people.
As we look towards the upcoming Council session, I am excited to continue working for and with all Philadelphians to make real progress and change in this city.
Your support is what helps me and my team continue our work for all Philadelphians. Please make a contribution at the link below to help us continue fighting the good fight!
