Philadelphians ask for budget-cut reprieve

From tennis courts to after school programs, a plea against cuts

Philadelphia City Council is continuing its budget hearings by hearing from members of the public.

55 people signed up for the opportunity to tell Philadelphia City Council what they think of the budget. Shelly Yanoff is a child advocate whose group does not receive city money, but she spoke on the need to keep city services at their current level.

“How much will it cost us NOT to support health centers prevention programs libraries after-school community programs or lead prevention work. How much will it cost us in crime and loss of business and loss of lives. How much will it cost us in crime in loss of business and loss of lives. We are in the worst economic time in many many decades, that is a time when we need more services not fewer.”

Everyone from tree tenders to supporters of the arts came forward to weigh in, most calling for maintaining current city services or increasing them despite the costs involved.