Urging the City of Philadelphia to allow for the immediate monthly payment of $500.00 to employees who remain activated for military service during "Operation Enduring Freedom."

WHEREAS, Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, many City employees were called to active duty in the National Guard and in the various Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces in response to this national emergency; and

WHEREAS, On October 24, 2001, the Civil Service Commission approved a special interim regulation (31.30) proposed by Mayor Street which extended numerous benefits to permanent employees who had been called to active duty; and

WHEREAS, One of the benefits extended to this group of permanent employees was a monthly stipend of $500.00 for the amount of time spent on military leave without pay, up to and including the last day of the national emergency; and

WHEREAS, The City has decided to make a one time lump sum payment to each employee at the time when the employee returns from military service to city government; and

WHEREAS, Many families of city employees are suffering financial hardships since military pay falls far short of the amount of money these families normally receive from the City; and

WHEREAS, Although the City may find it difficult to make monthly payments due to administrative complications and certain tax concerns, it is essential that families of employees currently serving in the National Guard and Reserve units receive these monthly stipends now in the time of their greatest need; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby urge the City of Philadelphia to allow for the immediate monthly payment of $500.00 to City employees who remain activated for military service during "Operation Enduring Freedom."

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