Authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to identify and record what comprehensive, holistic measures are being employed to reduce and prevent violence, particularly gun related violence - which include, in addition to anti-gun violence legislation, various educational, mental health, social, economic, cultural programs and strategies.

WHEREAS, No one can deny or ignore daily news and statistical reports that illustrate the shocking cruelty, perpetual increase and devastating impact of violent crime, particularly gun related violence and crime in our City – especially in terms of its deadly consequences for our youth and young adult populations; and

WHEREAS, On May 17, 2005 more than 80% of Philadelphia voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot referendum calling on state law makers of Pennsylvania to authorize our city to enact legislation that would reduce and prevent local gun related violence and crime; and

WHEREAS, Pending anti-gun violence and anti-gun trafficking legislation here in City Council and in both the Pennsylvania House and Senate requires on-going, mounting public testimony to demonstrate the overwhelming public mandate for these measures and how they help to save lives; and

WHEREAS, A large assortment of citizens, educators, activists, community, law enforcement and political leaders affected by and involved with this issue have convened meetings, forums, commissions, coalitions, summits and seminars, etc. to develop plans, programs and strategies to turn back and stem the tides of violence in our communities; and

WHEREAS, There is growing recognition that law enforcement and legislation must be combined with these activities and initiatives in order to apply a comprehensive and holistic approach to the crisis which would best serve to reduce the level of all forms of violence in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, It is the duty and desire of Council to provide a public information forum around this critical issue and to foster programmatic coordination and cooperation between branches of government as well as community institutions and organizations; and

WHEREAS, Council must address public policy and budgetary decisions to determine how best to deliver support and direct resources to these programs and strategies; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council’s Committee on Public Safety is authorized to hold hearings to identify and record what comprehensive, holistic measures are being employed to reduce and prevent violence, particularly gun related violence – which include, in addition to anti-gun violence legislation, various educational, mental health, social, economic, cultural programs and strategies.

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