WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Philadelphia is at 10.4 percent, compared to the national average of 6.7 percent; and
WHEREAS, The Keystone Research Center reported that Hispanics in the City of Philadelphia have an unemployment rate of 14.3 percent, while African Americans in the City of Philadelphia have an unemployment rate of 13.3 percent; and
WHEREAS, Although Philadelphia is experiencing some new construction, business startups and population growth, the unemployment rate still remains high with a need to focus on increasing jobs for minority workers who experience the highest rates of unemployment; and
WHEREAS, In his recent State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama argued that the minimum wage should be raised throughout the nation as a way to curb poverty rates and improve the standard of living for those that need the most aid; and
WHEREAS, Over half of the occupational areas in Philadelphia offer wages that are below estimated living wages, as put forth by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, illustrating that the City is in need for more employment opportunities that pay a living wage and the issuance of casino licenses in Philadelphia can create more living wage jobs; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the need for more jobs in Philadelphia, especially for minority citizens, City Council has a duty to investigate minority participation goals and the inclusionary employment plans of the parties participating in the bidding process for the Philadelphia casino licenses to fully evaluate the best opportunities for workforce inclusion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby authorizes the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
to conduct hearings to examine the minority participation goals and strategies for workforce inclusion by applicants pursuing a casino license in Philadelphia.
End