Blackwell wants to help people who owe Philadelphia taxes get city jobs

A Philadelphia City Councilwoman wants to make it possible for residents who owe back taxes to still get considered for city jobs.  

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell says there are some residents who want city jobs, but are behind on their bills. Officially, to get hired, you have to be up to date on your taxes.   Blackwell wants to offer payment plans.

“To allow people who have the opportunity to get employed by the city of Philadelphia to enter into payment agreements on any city bills that they owe,  it could be their taxes, Philadelphia Gas Works, any city bills they owe,” said Blackwell.

Blackwell says this arrangement already exists in some corners of city government.

“There are a lot of people out there that owe money and the city informally says we will enter into agreement.  I’m not so sure that happens in all cases and in fact I’m sure it doesn’t,” said Blackwell.  “This formalizes that agreement, you have to allow people to make a payment agreement and you can’t deny them employment with the city because they owe money.”

Blackwell says it could help both those looking for work and the city’s bottom line.