Hi everyone,

We are getting close to when officials decide on #policefreeschools in Philadelphia and the related campaign to #defundthepolice. We have two asks to help us get these important issues over the finish line.

1) Can you register to testify at tomorrow's Philadelphia Board of Education meeting and ask for police free schools? Especially if you live in Philadelphia, we are trying to get as many people to speak at tomorrow's public hearing to ask for this monumental change. Link to register here. The deadline to register is today at 4pm EST. Typically, speakers can start around an hour after the meeting begins, but wait times can vary.

2) Can you contact Philadelphia city officials and ask them to defund the police and invest in communities? I will quote the Alliance for a Just Philadelphia to explain why:

"We're running out of time to impact the budget and ensure that big changes are made so that it values and invests in our people and our communities instead of more policing. Alliance for a Just Philadelphia is demanding that 120 million is cut from the police budget (a 15% decrease and the amount Kenney has increased the police budget since he's been in office). We want that money redistributed to libraries, rec centers, homeless services, the arts, public defense and public health - programs that actually support and help our communities.

These programs are slated for huge cuts in the current proposed budget.

Call City Managing Director Brian Abernathy # 215-686-3480
City Council President Darrell Clarke 215-685-2633 (215) 685-2634

Email and Tweet at Mayor Kenney
james.kenney@phila.gov
@PhillyMayor

Tell them to #defundthepolice of 120 million and use it to #fundourcommunities!"

What a fantastic time for our cities and communities. Thank you for your leadership!

- Philadelphia Student Union