WHEREAS, Gun violence wreaks havoc in communities every day throughout Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. In the midst of a historic, nationwide spike in gun violence, Black and Brown communities have been disproportionately impacted; and
WHEREAS, Over 600 people have been shot in Philadelphia in 2021 to date, and over 200 of those victims have died. Of these shooting victims, over 60 are children. The unprecedented surge in violence occurring in 2021 could make it the deadliest year for gun violence in Philadelphia's history; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania Senate Bill 670 was introduced by Senator Art Haywood and House Bill 696 was introduced by Representative Donna Bullock. These companion bills are also known as the Break the Cycle of Violence Act; and
WHEREAS, The Break the Cycle of Violence Act would establish and provide funding for the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grant Program. This program would award grants to community-based organizations focused on improving public health and safety in communities disproportionately impacted by violence; and
WHEREAS, The grants would allow for expansion and replication of effective community-based violence reduction initiatives. Such initiatives can include hospital-based violence intervention, evidence-based street outreach and focused deterrence programs, and other existing programs that have demonstrated effectiveness at reducing gun or group-related violence without contributing to mass incarceration; and
WHEREAS, The Break the Cycle of Violence Act would dedicate $30 million in grant funding over three years; and
WHEREAS, This year threatens to be the deadliest year for shootings in Philadelphia in recorded history. Organizations that are working every day to fight against the disease of gun violence need and deserve continued support and resources; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby urges
the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt Senate Bill 670 and House Bill 696, which will provide $30 million in funding for community-based violence interventions
.
End