Authorizing the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to hold hearings to review the recommendations of the Philadelphia Jobs Commission.

WHEREAS, The unemployment rate in Philadelphia as of September, 2010 was a staggering 10.2 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the unemployment rate in many of Philadelphia's neighborhoods far exceeded even that level; and

WHEREAS, The long-term vitality and attractiveness of Philadelphia as a place in which to live and do business depend upon having a diverse and ample supply of employment opportunities in the private sector, sufficient in number to provide jobs to current residents while attracting people to move here; and

WHEREAS, Growth in the supply of jobs would in turn lead to a critically needed expansion of the City's tax base, which would enable City government to provide essential services while retaining its commitment to responsible tax reduction; and

WHEREAS, City government and other public, quasi-public and non-profit organizations play essential roles in spurring the creation and retention of private sector jobs, but, without adequate coordination or attention to the unintended consequences of their policies, can also impede the growth of the private sector and our local economy; and

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; and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 110063 was introduced on February 3, 2011 to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Jobs Commission; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Jobs Commission has released several recommendations including some that require legislative action; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development is hereby authorized to hold hearings to review the recommendations of the Philadelphia Jobs Commission.

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