Today: Meet DCFPI’s New Intern! Next Thursday: Meet Up with DC Reporters and Pols!!

It’s not often that the District’s Dime gets to play a social role. Today, we have two social announcements, a special treat. First, we have a great new intern to introduce to you. Second, our friends in the media — Tom Sherwood, Mike DeBonis, and Mark Segraves — want to invite you to their next after-work gathering of reporters, pols, and the people who want to be close to them — known as “Hacks “˜n’ Flacks.”

Merrit Gillard, DCFPI’s Newest Awesome Intern

I am excited to welcome Merrit Gillard to DCFPI as our winter/spring intern! Merrit will keep us organized as we analyze and evaluate the proposed DC budget for 2016, update DCFPI’s DC Revenue Primer and analyze data on workers in industries dominated by low wages and part-time hours, including food service, retail, and building maintenance. She also will help develop fact sheets on key housing and social service programs in DC, and spend time getting to know the ins and outs of DC government.

Merrit PhotoMerrit graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Spanish. After completing internships at the White House and the Center for American Progress, she served in the Secretary’s public affairs office at the U.S. Department of Commerce for nearly three years. Merrit is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Policy at the George Washington University. In her spare time, she also volunteers with RESULTS, a national network of grassroots anti-poverty advocates.

Hacks “˜n’ Flacks, February 12 at 6:00 p.m.

Mark Segraves says Hacks n Flacks “is an informal & off the record gathering of DC press and pols. All are encouraged to attend.” Their next gathering is Thursday February 12, 6:00 — 8:00 p.m. at Chez Billy, 3815 Georgia Avenue, NW. Here’s a note from the hosts:

“January 2 has come and gone. We’ve gotten our #freshstart, a whole bunch of fresh faces, and fresh reason to throw a few back.  In honor of the new mayor, where else to gather this time but in Ward 4?  Chez Billy is a block north of the Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro Station and is also convenient to riders of the 60 and 70-series Metrobuses. JAWBsters, the 63/64 is a great choice.”

Maybe I’ll see you there!

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