STATEMENT FROM MAYOR NUTTER ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S SPEECH ON ENERGY SECURITY

Philadelphia, March 30, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter has released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s speech on Energy Security at Georgetown University earlier today.

“Yesterday afternoon I met with Gregory Barker MP, the British Government’s Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change. He was leading a delegation of British officials and business leaders to our city because Philadelphia is fast becoming known – at the international level – as a city that it is at the forefront of innovation on the research, development and commercialization of clean, renewable energy.”

“They visited the Philadelphia Navy Yard – our clean energy campus – which last year was named as the location for the Department of Energy’s $129 million energy innovation hub which is being developed by the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster. They met with business leaders who have chosen Philadelphia as the place to invest and create new energy efficiency technologies. And they participated in a discussion entitled ‘Seizing Opportunities in a Global Green Economy’ in which our visitors and business leaders from Philadelphia shared ideas, discussed partnerships, and talked about how we can work together to develop new technologies, generate new jobs, and create a clean energy future for our city, region, and planet.”

“The innovation that we see in Philadelphia is the key to achieving President Obama’s vision of a cleaner, safer, more secure energy future for America. By focusing on developing alternative sources of energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil President Obama today laid out a plan that will help create jobs in Philadelphia; stimulate economic activity and innovation in Philadelphia; and reduce energy costs for homeowners and small businesses in Philadelphia.”

GLAXOSMITHKLINE PLEDGES $5 MILLION GRANT TO CITY OF PHILADELPHIA FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Philadelphia, March 24, 2011- During a reception hosted by Mayor Michael A. Nutter to honor GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for its leadership in the community, GSK’s CEO Andrew Witty surprised Mayor Nutter as well as attending business and civic leaders by pledging a $5 million grant for youth development. Witty made the announcement with GSK’s North American leadership including Deirdre Connelly, the President of GSK North American Pharmaceuticals, and Dan Phelan, Senior Advisor to the CEO. Witty described the $5 million pledge as an instrument to encourage and inspire young people to excel in the 21^st century workforce. The City of Philadelphia will work with GSK to determine how the funding will be allocated.

“I couldn’t have been more surprised and delighted with GSK’s pledge of $5 million for the youth of Philadelphia. The generosity and ongoing commitment of GSK to Philadelphia, is greatly appreciated,” said Mayor Nutter. “This funding will be used for the development of our young people, to help them reach their goals and drive the economy forward.”

“GSK has prospered in the Philadelphia region for 181 years because of the talented employee base,” said Andrew Witty, CEO, GlaxoSmithKline. “We are delighted to pledge $5 million to the city and non-profits to inspire the next generation of leaders.”

The gift will be in addition to the philanthropic programs that GSK already has in place to drive sustainable changes in healthcare in the community. Over the past ten years, GSK has contributed more than $15 million to Philadelphia non-profit organizations.

In February 2011, Mayor Nutter announced “Jobs Week”, a series of jobs-related economic opportunity events throughout the city to announce the development or expansion of businesses in Philadelphia. As one of the premier announcements that week, Mayor Nutter and GSK announced that the pharmaceutical company will move their Philadelphia operations to The Navy Yard Corporate Center starting in the fourth quarter of 2012. GSK signed a 15.5 year lease for the $81 million, LEED platinum certified building that will be developed by Liberty Property Trust and Synterra Partners. It will be designed as an inspiring, collaborative work space. The relocation will preserve 1,300 jobs in Philadelphia.

The reception was held in collaboration with the British-American Business Council (BABC), the largest transatlantic business network, and Select Greater Philadelphia, an economic development marketing organization.

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information go to us.gsk.com, follow us on twitter.com/GSKUS or visit our blog (www.morethanmedicine.us.gsk.com/blog/).

MAYOR NUTTER SIGNS LEGISLATION EXPANDING CITY’S FAIR PRACTICES LAW

Philadelphia, March 24, 2011- Mayor Michael A. Nutter signed legislation introduced by Councilman Bill Greenlee to update and amend the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, use of public accommodations, and the delivery of City services. The legislation was passed by City Council unanimously. The comprehensive update of the law, the first since 1963, accomplishes three primary goals: creating greater capacity for enforcement by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR), extending protections to new classes of Philadelphians, and updating the language of the ordinance to make it more accessible. The PCHR was established in 1951.

“I am honored to sign this legislation today, which extends protections and recognizes that all Philadelphian’s deserve to live and work without the threat of discrimination. I would like to thank Councilman Greenlee for his dedication to passing this legislation,” said Mayor Nutter. “Today’s bill signing is historic as we overhaul how Philadelphia fights discrimination for the first time since 1963.”

Councilman Bill Greenlee added, “I’m proud to sponsor the modernization of the Fair Practices Law. This legislation allows a Philadelphian that experiences discrimination to have it addressed by a city agency. It is particularly noteworthy that the LGBT community’s civil rights are further protected under this law.”

The Fair Practices Ordinance was amended with changes included:

• • Streamlining the PCHR’s procedures for accepting, investigating and adjudicating complaints;
  • Increasing penalties for discrimination from $300 to the maximum allowance of $2,000;
  • Expanding remedies available to victims of discrimination;
  • Extending protections to cover discrimination based upon genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, or familial status;
  • Providing greater protections for members of the LGBT community who lack protection under federal and state law;
  • Extending existing housing protections to cover all property, including commercial uses; and
  • Provides greater consistency with federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

“This historic legislation will serve as a model for other human rights agencies around the country,” said Rue Landau, Executive Director of the PCHR. “Extending protections to cover discrimination based upon domestic or sexual violence victim status, genetic information, and familial status are groundbreaking areas that are now covered under the law.”

Ms. Landau added, “Increasing penalties from $300 to the maximum of $2,000 sends a clear message that discrimination is costly and it will not be tolerated in the City of Philadelphia.”

The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) is the City agency that enforces civil rights laws and deals with all matters of inter-group conflict within the city. It was established under the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter and is mandated by Charter to enforce the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and the delivery of City services.

Code Blue issued at 6:00 pm March 24, 2011

The City of Philadephia has declared a Code Blue Alert advising of severe cold weather. If you see a homeless person on the street contact  the Office of Supportive Housing at (215) 236-0909.

MAYOR NUTTER TO SIGN FAIR PRACTICES ORDINANCE

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Councilman Bill Greenlee

Rue Landau, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

WHAT: Mayor Nutter will sign legislation, passed unanimously in City Council, to update and amend the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing.
WHERE: City Hall, Mayor’s Reception Room Room 202

WHEN: Thursday, March 24, 2011 12:00 pm

MAYOR NUTTER, VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS PARTICIPATE IN 6TH ANNUAL MEALS ON WHEELS CAMPAIGN

Volunteers prepare, package and deliver meals to homebound seniors

Philadelphia, March 23, 2011– Mayor Michael A. Nutter, City officials, volunteers and community leaders participated in a series of Meals on Wheels events across the City as part of the national 6^th Annual Meals on Wheels Campaign. The Mayor joined senior and student volunteers at South Philadelphia High School in preparing, packaging and delivering meals to homebound seniors in the local community. Volunteers also prepared and packaged meals at the Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels location and the Klein and Stiffel Jewish Community Center.

“Today, we’re serving an important and growing population in Philadelphia. Approximately one-fifth of Philadelphia’s population is over the age of fifty-five and by 2015, that number is expected to increase to twenty-seven percent, which makes the delivery of basic needs and services even more essential,” Mayor Nutter said.

“We are very proud that Klein & Stiffel JCC and Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels are members of our national association and that their mayor is committed to our cause,” said Enid Borden, President and CEO Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). “Together, and by working with programs like Klein & Stiffel JCC and Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we can end senior hunger by the year 2020. We are Meals On Wheels so no senior goes hungry.”

In March, 2011, Mayor Nutter re-launched the Mayor’s Commission on Aging (MCOA). He appointed 15 new members from a cross-section of industries to oversee policies, programs and initiatives that affect older Philadelphians. Philadelphia has the highest proportion of older adults (age 60+) out of the ten largest U.S. cities. Approximately 276,000 older adults (17%) live in Philadelphia and thirty-one percent of this population lives alone. The MCOA was established by City Ordinance nearly 30 years ago.

Through private and public partnerships, the Meals on Wheels Association of America’s (MOWAA) National Response to Senior Hunger is working to eradicate senior hunger. MOWAA conducts research, raises awareness and identifies emerging trends that are related to senior hunger issues. To learn more, visit www.mowaa.org .

MAYOR NUTTER AND VOLUNTEERS TO PREPARE AND DELIVER MEALS TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS

Elected officials to participate in a long series of events across Philadelphia to mark the
6^th Annual March for Meals Campaign
WHO: Michael A. Nutter, Mayor
Clay Armbrister, Chief of Staff

Jordan Harris, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Youth Commission
Lydia Hernandez-Velez, Deputy Managing Director for Aging
Catie C. Wolfgang, Chief Service Officer
Otis Hackney III, Principal, South Philadelphia High School

Volunteers from South Philadelphia High School, Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels and the Klein and Stiffel Cook for a Friend and RSVP Programs
WHAT: 6^th Annual March for Meals Campaign

WHERE: South Philadelphia High School, 2101 South Broad St. 19148

WHEN: Wednesday, March 23rd
11:00 a.m. – Volunteers prepare and package meals
12:00 p.m. – Mayor Nutter to deliver remarks at press event

12:30 p.m. – Mayor and volunteers will deliver meals to homebound seniors in a South Philadelphia community
DETAILS: Mayor Michael A. Nutter will join volunteers at South Philadelphia High School to prepare meals and deliver meals to homebound seniors. This event at South Philadelphia High School is one of three events (full schedule is below) taking place across Philadelphia to celebrate the 6^th Annual March for Meals Campaign. Members of the Mayor’s Office, elected officials and community leaders will highlight senior hunger issues and the multi-generational volunteer efforts to ensure Philadelphia’s elderly population has regular access to healthy meals.
Schedule of events

9 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Chestnut Hill, Meals on Wheels
8765 Stenton Ave., 19038
Volunteers will prepare and package meals for seniors. Mayor’s Chief of Staff Clay Armbrister will speak at 9:30 a.m. announcement.

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
South Philadelphia High School
2101 South Broad St., 19148
Mayor Nutter will join seniors and South Philadelphia High School students who are volunteering to prepare, package and deliver meals to homebound seniors. The Mayor will give remarks at 12:00 p.m. and then deliver a meal to a homebound senior in South Philadelphia.

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Klein and Stiffel Jewish Community Center
10100 Jamison Ave., 19116
Volunteers will prepare, package and deliver meals to seniors. Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Jordan Schwartz will give remarks at a 4:15 announcement.

MAYOR NUTTER AND VOLUNTEERS TO PREPARE AND DELIVER MEALS TO HOMEBOUND SENIORS

Elected officials to participate in a long series of events across Philadelphia to mark the
6^th Annual March for Meals Campaign
WHO: Michael A. Nutter, Mayor
Clay Armbrister, Chief of Staff

Jordan Harris, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Youth Commission
Lydia Hernandez-Velez, Deputy Managing Director for Aging
Catie C. Wolfgang, Chief Service Officer
Otis Hackney III, Principal, South Philadelphia High School

Volunteers from South Philadelphia High School, Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels and the Klein and Stiffel Cook for a Friend and RSVP Programs
WHAT: 6^th Annual March for Meals Campaign

WHERE: South Philadelphia High School, 2101 South Broad St. 19148

WHEN: Wednesday, March 23rd
11:00 a.m. – Volunteers prepare and package meals
12:00 p.m. – Mayor Nutter to deliver remarks at press event

12:30 p.m. – Mayor and volunteers will deliver meals to homebound seniors in a South Philadelphia community
DETAILS: Mayor Michael A. Nutter will join volunteers at South Philadelphia High School to prepare meals and deliver meals to homebound seniors. This event at South Philadelphia High School is one of three events (full schedule is below) taking place across Philadelphia to celebrate the 6^th Annual March for Meals Campaign. Members of the Mayor’s Office, elected officials and community leaders will highlight senior hunger issues and the multi-generational volunteer efforts to ensure Philadelphia’s elderly population has regular access to healthy meals.
Schedule of events

9 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Chestnut Hill, Meals on Wheels
8765 Stenton Ave., 19038
Volunteers will prepare and package meals for seniors. Mayor’s Chief of Staff Clay Armbrister will speak at 9:30 a.m. announcement.

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
South Philadelphia High School
2101 South Broad St., 19148
Mayor Nutter will join seniors and South Philadelphia High School students who are volunteering to prepare, package and deliver meals to homebound seniors. The Mayor will give remarks at 12:00 p.m. and then deliver a meal to a homebound senior in South Philadelphia.

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Klein and Stiffel Jewish Community Center
10100 Jamison Ave., 19116
Volunteers will prepare, package and deliver meals to seniors. Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Jordan Schwartz will give remarks at a 4:15 announcement.

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL RELEASES 2010 REP

Philadelphia, March 17, 2011- The Office of the Inspector General released its 2010 Annual Report. The report highlights the reform initiatives that have created a more open and transparent City government.

As an operationally independent office the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is shielded from government influence, based on the mandates outlined in the Home Rule Charter. In 2010, the OIG opened 168 cases, and saved and recovered approximately $9.1 million for the City. The OIG’s operating budget is $1.3 million.

“The OIG and the Administration are working hard to set an example of good government and to strengthen the public’s trust in its public servants,” said Mayor Nutter. “I thank those on the federal and state levels who have coordinated their efforts with the City so we can implement smart reforms that reflect our commitment to running an ethical and transparent government.”

Inspector General Kurland said, “We’ve made great progress in the name of good government. But we have a long way to go on the road toward reform.”

Visit www.phila.gov/oig to read the OIG’s 2010 Annual Report.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR NUTTER REGARDING ELECTION OF SAM KATZ AS CHAIRMAN OF PICA BOARD

Philadelphia, March 15, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter has released the following statement regarding the election of Sam Katz as chair of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority Board:

“I congratulate Sam upon his election to chairman of the PICA Board. As I noted when Gov. Corbett appointed him, Sam is a person with the City’s best interests at heart, and I look forward to a long and productive relationship as we work to maintain the City’s fiscal integrity.”