Philadelphia City Council is expected to vote Thursday on a proposed $1 rideshare tax that supporters say could raise about $50 million annually for Philadelphia schools. The proposal, backed by Mayor Cherelle Parker, continued to draw both support and criticism during a City Council session Wedn esday as lawmakers worked toward a final city budget agreement. Ahead of the session, members of Lift Every Voice Philly — an organization made up of parents seeking racial, economic and educational justice in Philadelphia’s public schools — met with councilmembers at City Hall, urging them to approve additional school funding. The advocacy group is pushing for approximately $75 million in funding, including money to preserve building substitute positions in schools. “We gave petitions to each councilmember including the schools that are in their district. If they can’t honor that, if that doesn’t sound important to them, then there’s a problem,” Julie Krug of Lift Every Voice Philly said. Councilmember Anthony Phillips met with the group before Wednesday’s session. “The tax right now, there’s a lot of different things that are happening,” Phillips told parents of public school students. Krug told Phillips the group’s focus is on securing funding for schools. “We don’t care how you do it. We just want you to do it,” she said. Phillips said councilmembers remain committed to supporting students. “Members of Philadelphia City Council are 1000% committed to children,” Phillips said. As negotiations continue, some councilmembers have questioned whether the rideshare tax is the best way to generate revenue. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on riders who rely on services such as Uber and Lyft. When asked whether council could approve a smaller tax or find funding elsewhere, Phillips said discussions remain ongoing. “I think there’s been conversation about finding the money without any kind of rideshare tax,” Phillips said. Councilmember Jim Harrity said lawmakers are still trying to reach a compromise with the mayor’s office. “So right now we’re in there trying to see what she’ll compromise on, what we’re willing to compromise on,” Harrity said. Harrity also expressed concerns about the impact a $1 surcharge could have on some residents. “Because I live in Kensington and I live with people who cannot afford the dollar. I get it, it’s a dollar, but for my people, my neighbors, it’s not just a dollar. That’s something else,” Harrity said. In addition to the rideshare tax, councilmembers are also considering a proposed 25-cent retail delivery tax. Harrity said he opposes that proposal. “I am not for that. I am not for the delivery tax either,” Harrity said. Phillips said he is still reviewing details of the delivery tax proposal and was noncommittal about how he would vote. “I don’t know for sure that we have all the votes for that either,” Phillips said. With the budget deadline approaching, negotiations are expected to continue until the scheduled vote on Thursday, June 4. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. Philadelphia rideshare tax Philadelphia May 26 Philadelphia school principals push rideshare tax to avoid school cuts Philadelphia Apr 22 Philly mayor defends rideshare tax proposal as district faces $300M deficit Philadelphia City Council Apr 21 Philadelphia city council hearing becomes tense over proposed rideshare tax Philadelphia Apr 16 Mayor's rideshare tax plan differs from other cities in key ways Philadelphia Apr 15 Mayor Parker doubles down on rideshare tax plan for Philly schools Battleground Politics Mar 27 Panel discusses Mayor Parker's proposed rideshare tax to help Philly schools Philadelphia City Council Mar 24 Philly City Council holds hearing on Mayor Parker's $6.9B budget plan Philadelphia Mar 23 Mayor Parker proposes $1 per rideshare tax to raise money for Philly schools ...read more read less