WHEREAS, On January 31, 1957, the Committee on Law and Government respectfully reported Resolution No. 123 with a favorable recommendation to the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia entitled “Resolution providing for the establishment of a Veterans’ Advisory Commission and for the appointment of the members thereof; defining their powers and duties; and requiring reports to the mayor and the Council”; and
WHEREAS, The resolution acknowledged that many veterans were unaware of benefits distributed through various departments and agencies of the City to which they were legally entitled; and
WHEREAS, The Commission’s mission was to acquaint veterans with available benefits and to also work with the appropriate City departments and agencies in distributing such benefits; and
WHEREAS, The Commission was presumed to, from time to time, report to the Mayor and Council its findings with respect to the administration and distribution of veterans’ benefits, and make recommendations, including proposals for legislation; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans’ Advisory Commission has in time become inactive resulting in a strained Veterans Affairs office; and
WHEREAS, In order to revitalize the Commission’s mission, there is a need to modify the member organizations to permit relevant organizations to participate including, but not limited to, the United Veterans Council of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Veterans Multi-service and Education Center, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, the VFW, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Jewish War Veterans, the American Veterans, the Catholic War Veterans and the Purple Heart organization; and
WHEREAS, The number of appointed members should be increased from seven (7) members to nine (9) members with two members appointed by the Mayor, two members appointed by Council President and five members selected based on recommendations from the member organizations; and
WHEREAS, Due to the City’s strained budget and the Commission’s insufficient budget, funding for the Commission should be revamped to allow for both internal and external funding; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That authority be given to the Committee on Law and Government to hold public hearings on reestablishing the Veterans’ Advisory Commission and its appointment of members thereof by revitalizing the Commission’s mission and restructuring the Commission’s funding.
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