April 26, 2020
Dear neighbor,

On Tuesday, April 21st, the DC Council held its second virtual legislative meeting and made adjustments to the  COVID-19 Response Supplemental Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 , which  the Council passed on April 7th. These changes strengthen protections for District residents and small businesses during this public health emergency. My team will continue to use your feedback to better serve District residents during this challenging time.  

Below are changes to the original bill:

  • Clarifies that mortgage lenders are required to offer mortgage deferrals to prevent displacing residents and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus emergency.

  • The amendment requires lenders to notify the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) of a mortgage deferral and requires DISB to publish a list of approved commercial deferrals so small businesses will know if their landlord received a deferral and is subsequently required to give them a rent and mortgage deferral.

  • Expands the freeze on rent increases to commercial tenants.

  • Allows nightclubs to offer take-out and delivery like restaurants.

  • Gives the Mayor until May 12th to submit her budget proposal to the Council. Previously, the budget proposal was due on May 6th
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS RESOLUTION PASSED
On Wednesday, April 22 nd , the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) passed a resolution committing us to working together to reopen our region when it is safe to do so. Our borders are porous, with families spread throughout our jurisdictions, so we must work together during and after this public health emergency to ensure the health of the entire region. As vice-chair of COG, I’m proud of the regional unity that regional officials began building long before this national crisis. It created a strong foundation for getting through this together.
CORONAVIRUS TESTING
The DC Department of Health opened a new coronavirus testing site at the University of the District of Columbia CC Bertie Backus campus. This is an important step because this is the first DC site for testing residents who are not showing symptoms for coronavirus. This site is for:

  • Healthcare facility workers with coronavirus symptoms or history of exposure to a laboratory-confirmed coronavirus patient and employed within the District of Columbia;

  • Patients in long-term care facilities with symptoms or history of exposure to a laboratory-confirmed coronavirus patient;

  • District residents over the age of 65 with symptoms or history of exposure to a laboratory-confirmed coronavirus patient;

  • District residents with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease who also have symptoms or history of exposure to a laboratory-confirmed coronavirus patient;

  • First responders with symptoms or history of exposure to a laboratory-confirmed coronavirus patient and employed within the District of Columbia;

  • Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms who are employed within the District of Columbia;

  • District residents who do not meet any of the above categories but have symptoms;

  • Healthcare facility workers and first responders who are employed within the District of Columbia.

If you fit any of these criteria, please call 1-855-363-0033.‬
CONTACT TRACING
Mayor Muriel Bowser established the DC Contact Trace Force with DC Department of Health employees. This effort will help the city contain the coronavirus and slow down the spread by testing, isolating, tracing, quarantining, and connecting residents to services.
DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOOD UPDATE
Martha’s Table and DC Central Kitchen have set up distribution sites at District schools to provide families with groceries.

Below is a list of sites open Monday – Friday, 12:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. Residents can pick up pre-packed grocery bags, on a first-come, first-served basis. 
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ASSISTANCE
Independent Contractors, new hires, and residents who have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits are now eligible for unemployment assistance under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

Visit  https://dcdoes.force.com/PUAForm/s/  to apply and receive DC's weekly benefit for up to 39 weeks plus $600 per week through July.
FILING A POLICE REPORT
The Metropolitan Police Department is open during this public health emergency and has outlined steps for residents and officers to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

If you need to report a crime, you may not need to report it in person. Below are two ways you can report non-violent crimes without coming into direct contact with officers
DC CENSUS 2020
It is so important that we all complete the 2020 Census. The Census helps the District get money from the federal government for programs and services, like schools, hospitals, housing, and fresh groceries. If residents don’t complete the Census, we lose money.

There are three ways you can complete the Census:
  1. Online - http://dccensus2020.dc.gov
  2. Phone - 301-763-INFO
  3. Mail in the form you received
TENANT RIGHTS & SERVICES
Are you a District renter seeking help understanding your rights as a tenant during the public health emergency?

Visit   https://ota.dc.gov/publication/covid-19-state-emergency-tenant-rightsservices  or call 202-719-6560 to learn more about your rights and available services.

Below is additional information from the DC Tenants’ Rights Center to assist tenants during this public health emergency.
SEXUAL ASSAULT & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
If you or someone you know are experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence during this public health emergency, please call 1-844-4HelpDC for help.

Below are additional resources.
STORY TIME
On Wednesday, April 22nd, I joined members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Xi Zeta Omega Chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter to present Phirst Pham: Story Time.
 
During the coronavirus public health emergency, we are offering parents a break with Zoom bedtime stories for PreK3 - Grade 3 kids every Wednesday at 7 P.M. until June 10th!

Register in advance for this weekly event .
WARD 3 DEMOCRATS MEETING
I joined Ward 3 Democrats and Councilmember Elissa Silverman for a Zoom meeting on Thursday, April 23rd, to discuss how the District is managing during this coronavirus public health emergency, current Council efforts, and resources available to residents. As is the case every now and then while I’m working from home, one of my new co-workers interrupted.

Huge thanks to the Ward 3 Democrats for letting me join. If you missed the meeting, you can click here to view it.
I look forward to continuing to receive your feedback, which helps me and my team better serve you.

Warm regards,

Robert
NEED TO REACH ME OR A MEMBER OF MY TEAM?
My office is teleworking, but still available to you. Connect with me and my staff via phone or email. Please call my personal office at (202) 724-8174, committee office at (202) 741-8593 or email any of my team members.
PERSONAL OFFICE STAFF









COMMITTEE OFFICE STAFF




Robert C. White, Jr. Councilmember, At-Large | Council of the District of Columbia
Phone: (202) 724-8174 | Fax: (202) 727-8210 |   www.RobertWhiteAtLarge.com