Councilman wants new fund for criminal justice reform
Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. introduced legislation Thursday that would direct some leftover money from the Philadelphia Prison System budget to a new fund for anti-recidivism programs. Jones said he wants to see such programs funded "in a methodical manner that won't shift with the winds."
Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. introduced legislation Thursday that would direct some leftover money from the Philadelphia Prison System budget to a new fund for anti-recidivism programs. Jones said he wants to see such programs funded "in a methodical manner that won't shift with the winds."
"We do a real good job of locking people up," Jones said. "Nobody escapes. . . . But what we need to get better at is keeping people from ever getting there, and those who come there not coming back."
The city is aiming to reduce its prison population by 34 percent in three years.
Currently, any money remaining in the prison budget at the end of the fiscal year goes back into the general fund. Under Jones' plan, 5 percent of the money would instead go into the new fund, to be used solely for criminal justice reform programs.
If approved by Council, creation of the fund would have to be approved by voters.
Also Thursday, Council approved extending one of the state's most lucrative tax breaks, the Keystone Opportunity Zone, to about 80 properties. Council did so ahead of a Saturday deadline to make its application to the state, which ultimately approves the tax breaks and administers the program.
The incentive, first offered in 1999 and since given to hundreds of businesses in Philadelphia, waives nearly all state and federal business and property taxes for 10 years. In exchange, businesses agree to make an annual payment equal to 110 percent of existing property taxes, which, as with property taxes, are split between the city and the School District.
City officials have said the new properties are unlikely to be developed without the incentive.
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