coronavirus – Page 45 – Broke in Philly

‘Good jobs’ in exchange for lower taxes is Philly City Council’s plan to soothe parking industry

June 25, 2020

The plan involves creating a “Good Parking Jobs for Philadelphia Review Committee” composed of workers, industry, and Council that would assess the industry’s progress on developing good jobs. Exactly what that means is up to the committee, but parking workers, who are predominantly African American or immigrants from Africa, have said they’re forced to endure arbitrary firings, low wages, and unaffordable health care. | From: The Philadelphia Inquirer (Read more.)

The loss of Hahnemann resonates a year later as COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter protests roil Philadelphia

June 25, 2020

Nearly a year after Hahnemann University Hospital slid into bankruptcy, the imposing shell of the shuttered safety-net facility has become a symbol of inequity in health care amid a pandemic that has hit Philadelphia’s African American population especially hard. | From: The Philadelphia Inquirer (Read more.)

City Council passes housing bills to help Philly renters during the pandemic

June 25, 2020

City Council unanimously passed five housing bills Thursday meant to keep tenants struggling financially because of the coronavirus. Council voted to extend the eviction moratorium, scheduled to end statewide in Pennsylvania on July 10, until Aug. 31 for Philadelphia’s residential renters and small businesses. | From: The Philadelphia Inquirer (Read more.)

Philly City Council Votes to Extend Eviction Ban as Part of Emergency Aid for Renters

June 25, 2020

With many people still suffering from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, the Philadelphia City Council on Tuesday unanimously passed a package of bills aimed at helping renters facing eviction. | From: NBC10/Telemundo62 (Read more.)

Will Extra $600 Unemployment Pay During the COVID-19 Pandemic Be Extended?

June 25, 2020

Top Republicans in Washington like Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey want to “fix” part of the federal unemployment pay. Many unemployed workers hope it remains. | From: NBC10/Telemundo62 (Read more.)

Mutual aid hub launches in Germantown with free food and diapers

June 25, 2020

The Germantown Supply Hub Mutual Aid & Protest Support, developed in response to both the pandemic and the protests against racism and police violence, opened its doors about two weeks ago. | From: Billy Penn (Read more.)

Summer Arrives and Philadelphia Heat Plan Is Still Work-in-Progress

June 24, 2020

A plan for cooling centers, which in the past included libraries and swimming pools, has not yet been finalized. Pools will not open this year and libraries remain closed. | From: NBC10/Telemundo62 (Read more.)

Coronavirus: Philadelphia city council protects workers from being fired for complaints about conditions

June 23, 2020

City Council unanimously approved a bill Thursday morning that will make it illegal for employers to fire, discipline, or otherwise retaliate against workers who speak up about unsafe coronavirus conditions. | From: The Philadelphia Inquirer (Read more.)

Black stimulus package proposed in Philadelphia

June 19, 2020

Donavan West wants to help Black communities and businesses starved by the pandemic, damaged by civil unrest and suffering from long-term underinvestment. West hopes to promote workforce development, improve career education programs, close the digital divide, train young people in innovation and automation, and teach them about finance and entrepreneurship. | From: Plan Philly (Read more.)

Martha Is Eliminating Tipping. What Does That Mean?

June 19, 2020

Martha, a restaurant in Kensington, instituted a service fee. Instead of a line for a tip on your check, each bill will automatically include a 20 percent service fee. The change allows for the expansion of healthcare coverage for employees, as well as a more equal distribution of pay between front and back of house employees. | From: Philadelphia Magazine (Read more.)