The longest government shutdown in US history drags on and sadly there's not much else to say - it has to end now. The livelihoods of so many families are not bargaining chips in the political process. I'm grateful so many community organizations have stepped up to provide a hot meal, donate food and clothing, and other essentials.
|
Help for Furloughed DC Residents in the Shutdown:
Emergency Town Hall on Shutdown: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton is holding an emergency town hall to meet with DC residents hurt by the shutdown. It's happening at 441 4th St., NW (Judiciary Square) from 6-8 pm tonight, Thursday, January 24. More info here. "Red Flag" law saving lives in Maryland: Great news coming out of Maryland that supports the new "Red Flag" law I led through the Council. It will mean fewer guns in the hands of people wanting to do harm and I believe it will save lives here at home. As part of my omnibus gun bill the Council passed unanimously last year, we gave our police a new tool to temporarily remove firearms from persons at risk of committing violence against others or themselves - more commonly known as a "red flag" law. Maryland passed and implemented their own red flag law recently, and in the first three months, police were able to seize 148 guns from people. Montgomery County's Sheriff said "the orders...are saving lives." Fare evasion decriminalization veto override: On Tuesday, the Council voted 11-2 to override a veto by the Mayor of a bill I led on to make fare evasion a civil penalty on Metro buses and trains instead of one that can land you in jail with a lifelong criminal record - Curbed as a good recap of the vote. This does not mean it is legal to fare evade. Far from it, the bill makes it a $50 fine and Metro Transit Police can escort you from the system if you refuse to pay. We have to recognize that making every small offense a crime, especially related to essential services such as public transportation, is not working. Criminalization has been on the books for decades and it clearly isn't stopping fare evasion -- but it is giving residents who cannot afford even a $2 bus fare a lifelong criminal or arrest record, even if they pay the fine. Trust me, as a daily bus rider, it's incredibly frustrating when people do not pay. I see it regularly. It's time to get more creative in trying to solve this issue, because arresting people isn't working and it is creating more public safety issues than it is solving. I am grateful to my colleagues who stood strong on the bill to make it law and to the more than 50 community organizations who supported overturning the veto. Related: If you want to take a few minutes to zoom out on fare evasion and look at the trends nationwide, Transit Center makes a good argument on why maintaining fare evasion as a criminal punishment is problematic and isn't effective for transit agencies. The key quote for me? "Public transit is often the gateway to opportunity, especially for those without drivers’ licenses, immigrants, and low-income residents. But for riders who struggle to make ends meet, evading a fare can present an enormous financial setback." 
What are your biggest complaints about District services? Tell me. Annually, every District government agency comes before the Council for an annual review in what's called "Performance Oversight Hearings." These are public hearings where residents can weigh in on what's working, what's not working, and ideas for new ways to improve our city with each agency director in front of the Council. It's also an opportunity for me to ask agency directors about specific issues in Ward 6. Use this form to let me know what issues with government services you are most frustrated with or what you love. There isn't enough time for me to ask every question, and many issues I'm already aware of, but let me know what you want to see improved or if you have ideas and I'll try to work some of those responses into my questions for agency directors. You can sign-up to testify or submit written testimony for any agency. Here's the full schedule - all oversight hearings take place at the John A Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Fare evasion decriminalization veto override: On Tuesday, the Council voted 11-2 to override a veto by the Mayor of a bill I led on to make fare evasion a civil penalty on Metro buses and trains instead of one that can land you in jail with a lifelong criminal record - Curbed as a good recap of the vote. This does not mean it is legal to fare evade. Far from it, the bill makes it a $50 fine and Metro Transit Police can escort you from the system if you refuse to pay. We have to recognize that making every small offense a crime, especially related to essential services such as public transportation, is not working. Criminalization has been on the books for decades and it clearly isn't stopping fare evasion -- but it is giving residents who cannot afford even a $2 bus fare a lifelong criminal or arrest record, even if they pay the fine. Still, I heard from just a few residents who had concerns or disagreed with me. Here are my full remarks from Tuesday's vote, which I hope helps you understand why I feel so strongly. Trust me, as a daily bus rider, it's incredibly frustrating when people do not pay. I see it regularly. It's time to get more creative in trying to solve this issue, because arresting people isn't working and it is creating more public safety issues than it is solving. I am grateful to my colleagues who stood strong on the bill to make it law and to the more than 50 community organizations who supported overturning the veto. Related: If you want to take a few minutes to zoom out on fare evasion and look at the trends nationwide, Transit Center makes a good argument on why maintaining fare evasion as a criminal punishment is problematic and isn't effective for transit agencies. The key quote for me? "Public transit is often the gateway to opportunity, especially for those without drivers’ licenses, immigrants, and low-income residents. But for riders who struggle to make ends meet, evading a fare can present an enormous financial setback." Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.: It was a bit chilly (okay, it was well below freezing) on MLK Day, but that didn't stop the annual Peace Walk and Parade from happening in Anacostia. Community organizations doing amazing work each day to stop violence and promote racial equity walked with school groups, government leaders, and private businesses from around the city to show an annual commitment to equality and equity for all. I was honored to walk with so many great people to remember and honor the legacy of one of America's greatest leaders. Public roundtable on at-risk funding in schools: Good news! Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Education Committee Chair David Grosso have scheduled a public roundtable to discuss the issue of at-risk funding for both DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter Schools. You may remember at-risk dollars are additional funds dedicated to students who need extra social, emotional, or classroom support to succeed. I believe if our at-risk funds were better directed, they could be one of the most important tools to reduce the achievement gap. That's why my first new bill introduced this Council period proposes moving the authority on how to spend those dollars from DCPS central office to the principals and school leaders working directly with students. If you can, please testify on what you think about the at-risk funding program. DC Chancellor public roundtable schedule: There will be two opportunities in the community and one more at the Wilson Building to share your thoughts on Dr. Lewis Ferebee, the Mayor's nominee to be DC Public Schools Chancellor. Amidon-Bowen ES teacher a finalist for National Teacher of the Year: DC's 2019 Teacher of the Year, Amidon-Bowen's own Ms. Kelly Harper, was just named one of four finalists for the 2019 National Teacher of the Year award! Last month, Councilmember David Grosso and I dropped in to visit Ms. Harper's class and present her with a Ceremonial Resolution (video). Congrats, Ms. Harper -- we are rooting for you!
Campaign Finance Reform heads to congress for review: Quick update that the Campaign Finance Reform Omnibus bill I led on and that the Council passed unanimously is heading for Congressional review. The Post has a quick recap on this important legislation moving forward, one part of transforming local elections here in the District. In short, these new reforms help get big money out of our local campaigns - putting more power in the hands of every-day Washingtonians to determine our elections and local politics. Need health care? Enrollment for 2019 ends January 31: Just a reminder that if you need health insurance, head over to DC Health Link to shop DC's marketplace and find a plan that works for you and your family. Enrollment ends January 31 and the city is aiming to have 100 percent coverage. Office Hours are coming: Starting next Friday, my regular office hours are back starting at A Baked Joint from 8-9:30 am in Mt. Vernon Triangle. I'll be at these public events: Multilingual Education Fair of DC: Saturday, January 26 10 am - 2 pm
|
Yesterday, my daughter and I volunteered with the DC Diaper Bank to distribute crucial items to families on furlough - thanks to the folks who shared their stories with me. I will keep working with my colleagues and the Mayor on ways to relieve some of the pain of missing a month's worth of paychecks. It is simply inexcusable that hardworking, dedicated public servants have to endure such uncertainty and hardship. 
NoMa Community Walk with Mayor Bowser: Last week, I joined Mayor Muriel Bowser on a community walk through NoMa. We started at North Capitol Street and New York Avenue, near the site of a recent shooting, where MPD Chief Peter Newsham provided an update on the investigation. During the walk, I wanted the Mayor to see the need to improve the bike lane on M Street, help us find a way to get the people living in encampments on M, L, and K Streets into safe, permanent housing, and push for improvements to "Dave Thomas Circle," long a headache and major pedestrian safety challenge. 
Be the first to comment
Sign in with
Facebook Twitter