Newsroom

I think this is the week when everyone really started to feel like the end might be in sight. The cherry blossoms in full bloom, Opening Day(-ish) for the Nats, and some 70 degree days... and I'm here to be the wet blanket and remind you we aren't out of the woods yet with this pandemic. With the combination of warm weather and having spent an entire year living with pandemic restrictions, I know we all so badly want to get back to life as we know it.

The following statement is from DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), who chairs the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, on the release of the recommendations from the Police Reform Commission, available here: https://dcpolicereform.com/  

Our office has pulled together the questions on the pre-registration form in a printable format to assist any community organizations or neighbors who would like to help anyone pre-register who may not have access to the website or call center.

As promised in my last newsletter, I'm dedicating the bulk of today's update to one of the most challenging aspects of the pandemic: our education system. As a programming note, there are some very important updates about the switch being made to vaccine appointment registration (something I've been pushing for to move away from the weekly "competition" among neighbors that left so many frustrated).

Today, Councilmember Charles Allen released the following statement responding to the planned introduction by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to add a representative from the District of Columbia to the board with oversight of the US Capitol Police:

Below is the text of a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Schumer and House Speaker Pelosi from the DC Council regarding the fence around the perimeter of the US Capitol complex:

I hope you're staying safe and warm this Friday! With the DCPS delay this morning, I just came back inside from clearing our sidewalks with Cora and Everett. A neighbor chipped in and we were able to make quick work of clearing those icy sidewalks for several of our older neighbors as well. Before the refreeze tonight, please take a couple of minutes to clear the sidewalks to make it safer for everyone. And if you can spare an additional 5 minutes, go ahead and help out your neighbor!

Today, Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) is sharing the following statement after the Federal Rail Administration’s decision to revisit project planning on the Union Station Expansion Project’s Preferred Alternative, a key win for DC residents and nearby neighbors to have a greater voice in the future of Union Station: 

Today, Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) introduced legislation to provide greater supports to victims of crime by expanding eligibility for victims’ compensation, creating new “crime victim advocates” in certain serious crimes, and strengthening the District’s Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs. Hospital-based interventions are an effective part of the District’s violence interruption work, engaging with victims at the hospital with serious injuries like gunshot or stabbing wounds where a retaliatory act is far more likely without intervention.

January sure feels like it packed in at least half a year's worth of events and news in the first 30 days, doesn't it? I sent out an update on vaccines earlier this week to provide some timely information as the sign-up process works to improve and evolve. But I know it remains a frustration for many and I'll continue to push for the needed improvements and I'll link to that update below. We also have a tremendous amount happening all over the District, and I want to keep you informed with a longer newsletter that touches on many important topics.