PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council Thursday extended special provisions for outdoor dining to help restaurants stay afloat as COVID-19 cases resurge. Members also introduced a number of bills intended to help with the economic fallout.
Councilmember Derek Green introduced a bill that would bar many employers from screening applicants for marijuana use. There is a long list of exceptions — law enforcement, child care, operating a vehicle — but, noting the sea change in laws and attitudes, Green said cannabis use should not be an obstacle to most jobs.
“We want to try and do everything we can to reduce barriers, especially considering the significant loss of jobs because of the pandemic,” Green said.
Another bill, introduced by Cherelle Parker, would protect workers from being demoted or dismissed for bad credit.
Councilmember Helen Gym abandoned efforts to extend the eviction moratorium in the face of stiff opposition but introduced a measure that would extend the eviction diversion program into next year.
There were also bills to spend $10 million in CARES Act money and another $10 million in city funds on anti-poverty measures.