WHEREAS, There has been an ongoing crisis of senseless gun violence in the City of Philadelphia. In 2021, there were over 500 homicides and thousands of shootings. As of October 24, 2022, there has been 437 homicides and over 1,000 non-fatal shootings; and
WHEREAS, This year alone, shootings at recreation centers, schools, and holiday celebrations have rocked the city to its core; and
WHEREAS, According to the Philadelphia Inquirer and a recent report by the city, each murder costs $1.42 million in medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage and criminal justice costs-- 351 homicides in 2018 had an economic cost of nearly $500 million. Non-fatal shootings cost nearly $50,000 dollars in medical expenses and a loss in productivity. A separate report by the Philadelphia Controller found that shootings reduce property values. They also found that a 10% decrease in homicides would boost the amount of tax revenue that the city collects by $114 million; and
WHEREAS, The cost of gun violence for citizens is not just economic. It also carries a significant emotional impact as well. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 81% of respondents said they were anxious about gun violence and 40% said they have avoided going to public places with large gatherings; and
WHEREAS, Gun violence cases are severely impacting the youth of Philadelphia. In August of 2022, a seven-year-old was hit in the thigh by crossfire while playing video games on a Saturday night, a 17-year-old girl was fatally shot while she was walking her dog in September, and a 14-year-old was fatally shot following a high school football scrimmage on September 27th. According to NPR, in 2020, guns were the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1-19 years of age; and
WHEREAS, The financial impact of gun violence, the emotional trauma it has caused for Philadelphia residents, and the true impact of crime should be further studied and investigated; and now therefore be it,
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing examining the true cost of crime on Philadelphia residents.
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