Current and Future Legislation Proposals
Since the beginning of my new term in January 2008, I have introduced legislation that aims to protect the public good. Some of the legislation I have proposed include:
Entitlement to Leave Due to Domestic or Sexual Violence
I was the prime sponsor of a bill which was signed by the Mayor that mandates employers give unpaid leave to victims of domestic or sexual violence to deal with issues arising from the abuse.
Protecting Homeowners From Having Their Homes Stolen
To protect property owners and buyers from the growing number of stolen properties, I introduced legislation, signed by the Mayor in 2008 that requires the Records Department to perform a records check of all deeds presented for recording to insure that the named grantor on the deed matches the record owner and also requires additional documentation for certain deeds.
To strengthen that law, I introduced Bill No. 100487 on June 17, 2010 which requires the Records Dept. not to record deeds when all the requirements are not met. The bill unanimously passed Council on September 30, 2010, and became law on October 20, 2010
Transit-Oriented Development District
This District is intended to promote development that supports the use of public transit and less reliance on automobiles by creating a new zoning overlay that encourages mixed-use, higher-density development near key public rail, elevated and subway transit stations. This District is also intended to enhance and revitalize existing commercial corridors located close to transit stations, by providing amenities that encourage pedestrian traffic, thereby making an attractive area to live, work and shop.
Additionally, I am the co-sponsor of important legislation including:
Ban on Cell Phone Use While Driving
Driving while operating a hand held cell phone device has proven to endanger public safety on the roads. Council unanimously approved, and the Mayor signed, this significant bill to ban such use and apply the appropriate penalties.
Regulation on Dumpsters
Overflowing and smelly dumpsters on our streets and driveways create blight all over our City. Council approved and the Mayor signed substantial regulations that will greatly improve this situation and enhance our environment.
False Claims
I was the prime sponsor of a bill which, was signed by the Mayor that fights fraud against the government, primarily in the area of contracting. This bill provides an incentive for the public to come forward and file a proposed civil complaint if they have knowledge of fraudulent claims made within city government. If the complaint results in litigation or a settlement with monetary awards to the City of Philadelphia, the person who filed the complaint may be awarded a percentage of the damages recovered by the city. The bill also provides whistleblower protection for any employee discharged or discriminated against by their employer because of legally coming forward with respect to the false claim.
Vacant Foreclosed Residential Property Registry
I was the prime sponsor of bill 100749, which passed Council in December 2010 and is currently awaiting the Mayor’s signature. This legislation requires property owners to register, inspect and maintain their properties which are vacant upon foreclosure. The bill requires any owner of a Foreclosed Vacant Residential Property to perform an initial inspection of the property within 15 days of acquiring the property and every two weeks thereafter. The property must also be registered with the City, and a property manager must be designated if the owner does not regularly attend business within the City. To provide an incentive for the property to be maintained up to code, the contact information for the property manger will also need to be posted so residents can contact them with any complaints in relation to the upkeep of the property. This legislation will save the City from spending valuable resources to act as the property manager and will prevent further blight and loss of property values within the city.
Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Act
I am the co-sponsor of Bill 080474, the "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Act", which provides paid sick leave to employees to care for their own health needs or the health of family members.The legislation provides that workers earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Small business employees (10 or fewer employees) could earn up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year while those employed by businesses with 11 or more employees could earn up to 72 hours per year.
Entitlement to Leave Due to Domestic or Sexual Violence
I was the prime sponsor of a bill which was signed by the Mayor that mandates employers give unpaid leave to victims of domestic or sexual violence to deal with issues arising from the abuse.
Protecting Homeowners From Having Their Homes Stolen
To protect property owners and buyers from the growing number of stolen properties, I introduced legislation, signed by the Mayor in 2008 that requires the Records Department to perform a records check of all deeds presented for recording to insure that the named grantor on the deed matches the record owner and also requires additional documentation for certain deeds.
To strengthen that law, I introduced Bill No. 100487 on June 17, 2010 which requires the Records Dept. not to record deeds when all the requirements are not met. The bill unanimously passed Council on September 30, 2010, and became law on October 20, 2010
Transit-Oriented Development District
This District is intended to promote development that supports the use of public transit and less reliance on automobiles by creating a new zoning overlay that encourages mixed-use, higher-density development near key public rail, elevated and subway transit stations. This District is also intended to enhance and revitalize existing commercial corridors located close to transit stations, by providing amenities that encourage pedestrian traffic, thereby making an attractive area to live, work and shop.
Additionally, I am the co-sponsor of important legislation including:
Ban on Cell Phone Use While Driving
Driving while operating a hand held cell phone device has proven to endanger public safety on the roads. Council unanimously approved, and the Mayor signed, this significant bill to ban such use and apply the appropriate penalties.
Regulation on Dumpsters
Overflowing and smelly dumpsters on our streets and driveways create blight all over our City. Council approved and the Mayor signed substantial regulations that will greatly improve this situation and enhance our environment.
False Claims
I was the prime sponsor of a bill which, was signed by the Mayor that fights fraud against the government, primarily in the area of contracting. This bill provides an incentive for the public to come forward and file a proposed civil complaint if they have knowledge of fraudulent claims made within city government. If the complaint results in litigation or a settlement with monetary awards to the City of Philadelphia, the person who filed the complaint may be awarded a percentage of the damages recovered by the city. The bill also provides whistleblower protection for any employee discharged or discriminated against by their employer because of legally coming forward with respect to the false claim.
Vacant Foreclosed Residential Property Registry
I was the prime sponsor of bill 100749, which passed Council in December 2010 and is currently awaiting the Mayor’s signature. This legislation requires property owners to register, inspect and maintain their properties which are vacant upon foreclosure. The bill requires any owner of a Foreclosed Vacant Residential Property to perform an initial inspection of the property within 15 days of acquiring the property and every two weeks thereafter. The property must also be registered with the City, and a property manager must be designated if the owner does not regularly attend business within the City. To provide an incentive for the property to be maintained up to code, the contact information for the property manger will also need to be posted so residents can contact them with any complaints in relation to the upkeep of the property. This legislation will save the City from spending valuable resources to act as the property manager and will prevent further blight and loss of property values within the city.
Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Act
I am the co-sponsor of Bill 080474, the "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Act", which provides paid sick leave to employees to care for their own health needs or the health of family members.The legislation provides that workers earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Small business employees (10 or fewer employees) could earn up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year while those employed by businesses with 11 or more employees could earn up to 72 hours per year.