Proposing an amendment to Section 5-300 of the City Charter, relating to the functions of the Department of Health, by adding a new subsection (f) declaring that health care is an essential safeguard of human life and dignity, and that there is an obligation for the City of Philadelphia to ensure that every resident is able to realize this fundamental right, and requiring the Department to prepare a plan for universal health care coverage that permits everyone in the City of Philadelphia to obtain decent health care on a regular basis.

WHEREAS,

Under Section 6 of the First Class City Home Rule Act (53 P.S. §13106), an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter may be proposed by a resolution of the Council of the City of Philadelphia adopted with the concurrence of two-thirds of its elected members; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

, That

the following amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, adding a new Section 5-300(f), is hereby proposed and shall be submitted to the electors of the City on an election date designated by ordinance:

ARTICLE V

CHAPTER III

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ITS DEPARTMENTAL BOARDS

Section 5-300. Functions.

Add subsection (f) to read as follows:

Because health care is an essential safeguard of human life and dignity, the Department of Public Health shall be directed to prepare a plan on or before one year from the date the voters approve addition of this section to the Charter

for universal health care coverage that permits everyone in the City of Philadelphia to obtain decent health care on a regular basis.

Explanation:

Italics

indicates material to be added.

End

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