DC Council Approves Budget that Increases Investments in Critical Programs, But Falls Short of What this Unprecedented Moment Requires
Yesterday, DC Council approved an $8.6 billion local budget. Although we’re in the middle of a global pandemic and recession that is deepening entrenched economic and racial inequities, it fails to adequately rise to what the times require.
DC Council Should Protect Revenue Increases at Second Vote and Use More Reserves
DC Council’s budget has significant shortcomings even with modest revenue increases, largely because Council failed to put forward a truly bold revenue strategy in the face of a $1.5 billion revenue shortfall.
DC Council Budget Moves in the Right Direction, Some Major Shortcomings Remain
On Tuesday, The DC Council cast the first of two votes on their fiscal year (FY) 2021 budget, which moves the District’s fiscal policy and investments in the right direction.
July Brings New Benefits and Wage Increases for District Workers and Families
Today, the District becomes a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
DC Budget Markups: Council Boosts Funding for Some Services but Substantial Shortcomings Remain
Last week, DC Council committees voted on changes—or “markups”—to the Mayor’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget, which failed to adequately meet the spike in human needs resulting from the current economic downturn and pandemic.
DC Students Deserve Empathy and Greater Mental Health Support, Not Policing and Punishment
The Metropolitan Police Department’s largest contract funds a police presence in District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). This money could be better spent on student mental health.
An Investment in Affordable Housing is an Investment in Long-Term Community Stability
Affordable housing is one area that, if supported with robust, recurring funding, can provide long-term safety and stability for low-income and Black and brown communities facing skyrocketing housing prices in the District.
The Council Should Remove Barriers to Health Care Access for DC Immigrants
DC imposes barriers on residents trying to access health insurance through the DC Healthcare Alliance. These barriers contribute to both poor health outcomes and unnecessarily high program costs.
How Divesting from the Police Can Strengthen the District
Every year, police shoot and kill nearly 1,000 people in the US—a disproportionate share of them are Black. It is past time to analyze how public dollars contribute to this racist violence, starting with our city’s budget.
Mayor’s Proposed Budget Falls Short of Stabilizing Child Care Sector
Her FY 2021 proposal largely holds funding for early childhood programs flat from last fiscal year but cuts funding for critical home visiting programs.
