We the People Wednesdays Action for April 22
ACTION 1:
The School District of Philadelphia is facing a $300 million dollar structural deficit for the 2026-2027 school year due to loss of federal funds. A group of Northwest Philadelphia Home & School and PTA leaders, including Mt. Airy Schools Henry and Houston, is organizing a campaign to urge City Council to step up with increased funding. Mayor Parker announced she will raise $50 million to help fill the gap through a new rideshare tax. In light of Philadelphia’s current historic budget surplus of $1.19 billion, the Northwest Schools Coalition is asking city council to allocate more money to avoid devastating cuts to Philly schools.
Write to District 8 City Councilmember Cindy Bass and/or At Large Member Isaiah Thomas, Education Committee Chair. Adapt this sample text:
Dear Councilmember Bass/Thomas,
Please allocate additional funding to address the $300M school funding gap, beyond the $50 million the Mayor has proposed.
Sincerely,
<your name and zip>
The Honorable Cindy Bass The Honorable Isaiah Thomas
CIty Hall Room 508 CIty Hall Room 330A
Philadelphia, PA 19107 Philadelphia, PA 19107
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ACTION 2:
Ms. Rachel, a YouTube sensation widely known for her educational videos for toddlers, has called for the closure of the Dilley ICE detention center in Texas after talking with children being held there and discovering what she describes as prison-like conditions and abuses. Thanks to her efforts, dozens of celebrities have signed a letter condemning the facility and calling for its immediate closure.
Write to thank Ms. Rachel. Adapt this sample text:
Dear Ms. Rachel,
Thank you for speaking out against the inhumane conditions for kids at the Dilley detention facility.
Sincerely,
<your name, city, state>
Rachel Griffin-Accurso
321 W 90th St #7D
New York, NY 10024