Philadelphia councilmembers continued negotiations over a proposed $1 rideshare tax and other funding options ahead of Thursday's budget vote.
Another city council hearing was held on Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposed rideshare tax to help raise money for Philadelphia schools as a vote on the measure approaches.
NBC10’s Lauren Mayk has the details. a proposed $1 rideshare tax that supporters say could raise about $50 million annually for Philadelphia schools. The proposal, backed by Mayor Cherelle Parker, continued to draw both support and criticism during a City Council session Wednesday as lawmakers worked toward a final city budget agreement.
-- an organization made up of parents seeking racial, economic and educational justice in Philadelphia’s public schools -- met with councilmembers at City Hall, urging them to approve additional school funding. The advocacy group is pushing for approximately $75 million in funding, including money to preserve building substitute positions in schools.
"We gave petitions to each councilmember including the schools that are in their district. If they can’t honor that, if that doesn’t sound important to them, then there’s a problem," Julie Krug of Lift Every Voice Philly said.
"The tax right now, there’s a lot of different things that are happening," Phillips told parents of public school students. "We don’t care how you do it. We just want you to do it," she said.
"Members of Philadelphia City Council are 1000% committed to children," Phillips said. As negotiations continue, some councilmembers have questioned whether the rideshare tax is the best way to generate revenue. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on riders who rely on services such as Uber and Lyft. When asked whether council could approve a smaller tax or find funding elsewhere, Phillips said discussions remain ongoing.
"I think there’s been conversation about finding the money without any kind of rideshare tax," Phillips said. Councilmember Jim Harrity said lawmakers are still trying to reach a compromise with the mayor's office.
"So right now we’re in there trying to see what she’ll compromise on, what we’re willing to compromise on," Harrity said. "Because I live in Kensington and I live with people who cannot afford the dollar. I get it, it’s a dollar, but for my people, my neighbors, it’s not just a dollar. That’s something else," Harrity said.
"I am not for that. I am not for the delivery tax either," Harrity said. Phillips said he is still reviewing details of the delivery tax proposal and was noncommittal about how he would vote. With the budget deadline approaching, negotiations are expected to continue until the scheduled vote on Thursday, June 4.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.
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