Official:Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of anamendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled Referenda Approved by the Voters,” by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly to provide sustainable and consistent funding to mass transit throughout the Commonwealth, including to SEPTA; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
Sponsor: Council President Johnson
Introduced: June 12, 2025
: Committee on Law and Government
Status: In Committee, step 2 of 4
This bill asks voters to call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to provide consistent funding for SEPTA and mass transit across the state.
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The bill does the following
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This bill ensures that Philadelphia residents have a direct say in whether their city's voice is heard in Harrisburg on the issue of sustainable mass transit funding. By adding a new section to the Home Rule Charter, the bill guarantees that any subsequent changes to mass transit funding will be subject to voter approval, giving citizens a concrete stake in the outcome. Ultimately, this bill empowers Philadelphia residents to hold elected officials accountable for their commitment to reliable public transportation.
This bill imposes a significant and costly burden on Philadelphia taxpayers, who will be forced to bear the expenses of a special election, including voter registration, absentee ballot processing, and poll worker training. This election will also divert resources and personnel away from other essential city services, potentially disrupting normal city operations. By linking the amendment to a statewide funding request, the bill sets a precedent for the city to become entangled in complex and contentious state-level politics, potentially leading to unintended consequences for Philadelphia's interests.
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