Happy Independence Day weekend, Philly!

If you’re heading out for the festivities this weekend or through the Fourth, be sure to check out these safety tips from the Office of Emergency Management; there’s information online about City services and transit before and during Wawa Welcome America, too.

Along with the holiday preparations this week, here are a few moments you might’ve missed.

1. Mayor Kenney announced three apprenticeship programs to increase access to family-sustaining jobs.

These three promising programs are through the Brandywine Realty Trust’s Neighborhood Engagement Initiative, Penn Medicine’s PennAssist program, and Rebuild’s PHL Pipeline. Each program uses the same general framework, including recruiting from Philadelphia neighborhoods with an emphasis on diversity. Participants are guaranteed immediate work with a contractor. They’ll get more familiar with work in the construction industry, build relationships with potential employers, and receive mentoring and academic support to prepare them for an apprenticeship exam.

A new skyline means nothing to those who can’t find a job. That’s why I'm excited to announce three promising building…

Posted by Mayor Jim Kenney on Tuesday, June 27, 2017

2. The Mayor signed one of the first pieces of legislation advancing Rebuild.

An initiative funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, Rebuild is the City’s plan to revitalize neighborhood parks, rec centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Working closely with City Council which passed the measure, Mayor Kenney signed the initial bill required for Rebuild to move forward. “Today,” the Mayor said, “we moved one step closer to rebuilding our parks, rec centers and libraries!”

Mayor Kenney sits at his desk and is flanked by four members of City Council.
Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, Councilman Bobby Henon, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., and Councilman Mark Squilla observe Mayor Kenney as he signs the first Rebuild legislation. (Photo by Samantha Madera.)

3. Mayor Kenney urged Philadelphians to contact their representatives in Washington opposing the Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The ACA, otherwise known as Obamacare, provides access to healthcare for over 200,000 Philadelphians. This week, Mayor Kenney urged residents to contact their representatives and senators in Washington in opposition to the Republican Senate proposal repealing the ACA. The proposed Senate bill is a version of a bill that has already passed in the House. To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, including how you can help protect it, visit the City’s Affordable Care Act Action Guide online.

Once again the Republican run Senate shows how out of touch it is with working class people. The Senate proposed health…

Posted by Mayor Jim Kenney on Friday, June 23, 2017

4. The Mayor visited a forum on girls in STEM fields hosted by Girls Rock in Tech at Tonic Design Company.

The panel discussion explored why girls sometimes lose their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields after middle school and how to nurture and reignite their interest in STEM. Before the panel, moderated by Shannon Feck and Jen Torre, started, the Mayor gave remarks and welcomed attendees. “Women remain underrepresented in STEM professions,” the Mayor said, “and it’s not because of a lack of ability.” He added, “It’s important that we have a diverse workforce that represents the entire population of our city — across all sectors!”

Mayor Kenney speaks at a podium while holding a microphone.
“I look forward to building a Philadelphia where every child has the chance to pursue their passions,” the Mayor said. (Photo by Samantha Madera.)

5. Mayor Kenney officially kicked off the annual Wawa Welcome America festival celebrating Independence Day.

In Philadelphia, Independence Day isn’t just about fireworks on the big day: it’s a multi-day festival including over 50 events happening citywide! This week, Mayor Kenney kicked off the festivities, first at the Shops at Liberty Place for a sand sculpture exhibit on display through July 4; he also attended the annual Wawa Hoagie Day on Independence Mall. Want to celebrate or see the fireworks on the Fourth? Find an event and more information online!

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