Time is not our friend,” said Mayor Michael Nutter.
Just when Philly's budget woes couldn’t get any worse, Mayor Nutter lays out the devastating impact of “Plan C” -- more than 1,000 city cops and firefighters could lose their jobs this month if the state doesn't budge on the budget stalemate.
Mayor Nutter, Philly Police Commissioner Ramsey and other city leaders gathered Monday morning at 2nd and 15th police districts in the Northeast to ask supporters to “put heat” on Harrisburg.
“Making cuts to City services, particularly to public safety, is the last thing I want to do,” said Mayor Nutter. "Unfortunately, if the City and Harrisburg do not work together to get our legislation passed, that will be the outcome. Call your Legislator to thank them for the support they have shown the City and urge them to continue to pass our legislation to keep Philadelphians safe.”
But there is some good news in the budget crisis; state employees could start collecting their paychecks again soon. Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a temporary budget that, if approved by Governor Ed Rendell,would pay over 77-thousand state workers. Rendell is expected to sign off on the bill on Tuesday. The sooner the state budget is approved, the sooner the city's legislation could be approved.
Mayor Nutter gave the General Assembly in Harrisburg until August 15th to approve two budget measures -- a temporary one-per cent hike in the sales tax and changes to its pension program.
Without the approval, the mayor said he will also be forced to close all libraries and recreational centers, two health centers and eliminate almost 3,000 positions to cut $700 million in City spending.
Politics
“The Fraternal Order of Police and the City are standing together today urging Harrisburg to pass our legislation,” said Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby. “We need our State Legislators’ continued support to avoid not only the potential loss of jobs, but a serious impact on public safety."
