Philadelphia City Council to Hold Hearings on Criminal Justice Failures in Kada Scott Case
Philadelphia City Council will consider a resolution calling for hearings aimed at determining how the criminal justice system failed Kada Scott, who was recently kidnapped and murdered. Following the discovery of her remains and the subsequent murder charges against suspect Keon King, Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. introduced a resolution on Thursday. The resolution seeks to convene hearings for the Committee on Public Safety to examine the city’s efforts to protect victims of domestic violence through the justice process.
The proposed hearings will review policies and procedures involving the courts, the District Attorney’s Office, the police, and the Sheriff’s Office. Jones submitted the resolution on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
### Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s Statement
After the session, Johnson shared his intentions for the hearings. “We’re looking at the criminal justice system as a whole, regarding our policies around those who are victims of abuse and domestic violence,” Johnson said.
He added, “It’s not only an opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Kada Scott when it comes to words but most importantly with deeds. We’re just going to look at our policies as a city and see what we can do better to save individuals who are dealing with the issue of domestic violence and abuse.”
Johnson also addressed a recent public dispute between District Attorney Larry Krasner and the courts concerning whether the DA’s office could have appealed the bail decision in a previous case against King. The Council President emphasized the need to investigate how official stakeholders communicate on such issues.
### Honoring Kada Scott
During Thursday’s session, nine Council members delivered floor speeches honoring Scott and her family. Additionally, the Council passed a resolution in her memory, including a moment of silence. Councilmember Anthony Phillips, whose district included Scott’s residence, introduced the memorial resolution.
### Other Council Actions
The session saw the passage of five bills and resolutions. Among them:
– **Expansion of Parking Regulations:** The Council unanimously approved amended regulations to facilitate the addition of bike lanes in portions of Center City, specifically in the 1st and 2nd Councilmanic Districts.
– **Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) Amendment:** Following the budget passed in June, which ended a broad exemption to the BIRT, Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas introduced a bill to reduce the BIRT rate by half for child care and early childhood education facilities.
Currently, these businesses pay over $141 in taxes on the first $100,000 in gross receipts. The proposed bill would lower this to $70.75.
### Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas on Child Care Tax Relief
In a floor speech, Thomas expressed his motivation for supporting the bill, highlighting the importance of affordability for families. “When we think about the fact that the $100,000 (BIRT) exemption is going away, there’s one business and one industry in the city of Philadelphia that touches every district and a lot of families, especially working families that are struggling, and that’s day cares,” he said.
“As a father of two who’s paying for day care myself, I thank God that with the inflation and the cost of living going up that I’m able to somehow find a way to continue to pay for … our child care. We as legislators have to step up right now and try our best to make sure that businesses continue to grow and thrive in the city of Philadelphia, and assure that people can continue to afford to live in our great city.”
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https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/after-kada-scott-s-killing-council-to-have-hearings-on-justice-system-and-domestic-violence/article_764e8c7d-7e94-4e87-b6f0-e8455879e8de.html
