Black Workers in the Grip of the Recession—Declining UI Trust Fund Could Cause More Harm
The pandemic has a particularly tight grip on Black people, as its devastation, in part, thrives on racial and economic inequality. As many as 72,000 workers—mostly Black—are receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefits or awaiting approval from the DC […]
Comprehensive Rent Control Reform Would Stabilize Housing for Thousands of DC Families
On November 9th, the DC Council will hear testimony on the Rent Stabilization Program Reform and Expansion Amendment Act of 2020, which, if passed, would implement the first major comprehensive reform to the District’s rent control laws since they were […]
Enrollment Drops in DC Schools Could Signal Long-Term Racial Opportunity Gaps
In DC and around the country, public school enrollment has declined as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This could lead to learning loss long-term harm to students’ economic well-being. Enrollment declines could also have significant fiscal implications […]
ACA Repeal Lawsuit Would End Health Coverage for 40,000 DC Residents, New Data Show
A lawsuit scheduled to go before the Supreme Court next month could repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and leave 40,000 District residents without health coverage, nearly doubling the share of residents who are uninsured, a new analysis from the nonpartisan […]
5 Things You Should Know about the District’s Latest Revenue Forecast
A deeper-than-expected drop in District revenue, due to the pandemic-ravaged economy, could mean budget cuts to education, child care, health care, and other vital services.
Before the Pandemic, DC’s Economy was Booming, but COVID-19 is Increasing Hardship
Incomes rose and the official federal poverty level (FPL) declined in 2019, according to new American Community Survey Census data released this week.
Results from School Funding Study Outline Options for DC to Advance Educational Equity
School funding in DC could become more equitable if the city were to implement the policy options laid out in a new study that the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) commissioned.
Pandemic is Throwing Many DC Residents into Financial Distress
With tens of thousands of DC workers laid off and the ongoing spread of COVID-19 limiting economic activity, a substantial number of DC households are struggling to afford food and pay rent. O
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.
