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WHYY Budget Coverage Reports
City Budget May 8, 2008 The national economic downturn is having an impact on Philadelphia's budget negotiations. City Council hearings scheduled for today have been postponed until next week to give Mayor Nutter more time to adjust the city's budget because of decreases in projected revenue.
School District Budget Budgeting for locally grown food in Philly schools May 7, 2008 Philadelphia school officials are looking for ways to expand the use of locally grown fruits and vegetables in district schools. Those officials told City Council that raising the price of a school meal by just one nickel could add a million dollars to a district budget that's already almost $40 million in the red.
School District Budget May 1, 2008 The city's latest financial audit of the Philadelphia School District revealed over $11,000 in "questionable charges" on executive credit cards and employee mileage reports. City Controller Alan Butkovitz says these small problems point to deeper issues with district financial management but school officials reply that he's making a mountain out of a molehill.
School District Budget April 30, 2008 With City Controller Alan Butkovitz set to release the city's annual audit of the Philadelphia School District, parent advocates are calling for increased scrutiny of the district's growing ranks of private contractors.
School District Budget April 28, 2008 Today City Council is scheduled to take a look at the Philadelphia School District's budget. Last year at this time, the District was running a $181 million deficit. They've carved that down but the district still faces a projected deficit of $38.9 million next year. Parents and education activists still have plenty of concerns.
City Budget April 24, 2008 The Nutter administration must now find a replacement organization by the end of June. Philadelphia Safe and Sound has been embroiled in controversy since Mayor Michael Nutter took office in January.
City Budget April 24, 2008 Another legacy of former mayor John Street is on its way out the door. A large city-funded non-profit organization that oversees youth violence reduction and after-school programming has decided to disband. The Nutter administration must now find a replacement organization by the end of June. Philadelphia Safe and Sound has been embroiled in controversy since Mayor Michael Nutter took office in January.
SEPTA Budget April 24, 2008 SEPTA announced a new executive position in charge of customer service. Transit agency officials admit that delivery of customer service has been neglected and the new senior manager will oversee training programs and be an advocate for riders.
City Budget Parking tax, Park funding subject of public comment April 17, 2008 Yesterday, City Council heard public comments about a proposed increase in the parking tax. Mayor Nutter's proposal for a 30 percent parking tax hike would raise funds for hte Fairmount Park system.
City Budget Tax credit now available for businesses that hire ex-offenders April 16, 2008 Some business that employ ex-offenders can now get a tax credit. Tuesday, Mayor Michael Nutter unveiled the Philadelphia re-entry program on his 100th Day in office. Any business that has hired an ex-offender since January 1, 2008 can apply for a $10,000 credit against their Business Privilege Tax for up to 3 years.
City Budget DA testifies for witness relocation funding April 15, 2008 Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham went before City Council today for her office's budget hearing. In addition to youth violence reduction and truancy, witness protection was a big topic.
City Budget Nutter marks 100th day by outlining challenges April 15, 2008 Today marks Mayor Michael Nutter's 100th day since taking office. He says he's made some progress but knows there are plenty of challenges ahead.
City Budget Mayor gives self report card on first 100 days April 15, 2008 Todayis the one hundredth day on the job for Mayor Michael Nutter. The mayor will mark the traditional mileston by releasing a progress report detailing his accomplishments so far. According to the mayor, it's just the beginning but observers point out that his toughest challenges are yet to come.
City Budget April 11, 2008 A Philadelphia City Council Committee approved a bill that would require restaurant chains and other eateries to post nutrition information about the food and beverages on menus and menu boards. A final vote could come as early as May 1st.
City Budget Shhhh! Library budget cuts subject of hearings April 9, 2008 Philadelphia budget hearings continued as library officials testified on the library's budget and on the long awaited expansion of the central branch.
City Budget Pharmacists in short supply in city health center April 9, 2008 A report on eight of Philadelphia's public health centers finds a severe shortage of pharmacists. The centers serve much of the city's uninsured and poor.
City Budget April 9, 2008 City officials look to crack down on illegal dumping in order to build on the success of last weekend's record-setting citywide spring cleanup. Catching dumpers isn't easy but business owners in one Philadelphia neighborhood are teaming up with the city to help out.
City Budget April 7, 2008 Philadelphia City Council members grilled officials from the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections. Testifying at today's budget hearing, department heads were largely unable to provide council with answers.
State Budget April 7, 2008 State lawmakers are planning a three-week hiatus from work at the Capitol as they prepare for primary election season. But first, the House takes up a package of bills designed to reform the prison system.
City Budget Streets Department sheds more light on the subject of lighting April 3, 2008 The Philadelphia Department of Streets has released new money to improve street lighting. Meanwhile, members of City Council complain that their requests for new lighting are met with claims of "no money." Yesterday's budget hearings got to the bottom of this.
City Budget Recreation Department facing hiring difficulties despite funding boost April 2, 2008 The Recreation Department commissioner testified before City Council and requested a $10 million budget increase. Council was none too pleased.
City Budget Fairmount Park expecting funding boost April 1, 2008 Fairmount Park is the largest park fully within city limits in the country and one of the most underfunded. The Park Commission testified before City Council on its budget for fiscal year 2009. A boost in funding has been proposed by the Nutter administration but nothing is set in stone yet.
City Budget Council to hear budgets for arts and culture April 1, 2008 Today's agenda includes hearings on the budgets for various city-funded arts and cultural organizations. Mayor Michael Nutter wants to boost the funding for Fairmount Park by 40 percent over the next five years.
City Budget Help for health centers is on the way March 31, 2008 Philadelphia's public health centers are poised to receive the bulk of a $3 million raise that the mayor has proposed for the health department.
City Budget Health centers on the agenda for budget hearings March 31, 2008 Philadelphia City Council begins another week of budget hearings and council members consider giving the health department a raise.
City Budget Paramedic vacancies remain despite funding March 27, 2008 As the Philadelphia Fire Department presented its budget to City Council yesterday, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers explained his plan for improving Emergency Medical Services.
School District Budget Draft of $2.3B school budget ok'd March 27, 2008 Philadelphia school officials approved a preliminary budget for the 2008-2009 school year. The $2.3 billion plan promises extra help for struggling elemetary schools, but it also promises a sizeable does of red ink.
City Budget Council urges more control for Planning Commission March 26, 2008 Philadelphia City Council is urging the City Planning Commission to draw up a proposal that would grant the agency more control.
City Budget Proposed $4 billion pension debt topic of hearings March 25, 2008 City Council held hearings on a plan to float a $4 billion dollar bond to shore up a severely underfunded city worker pension plan.
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