May 23, 2020

Hello Neighbor,
Members of the DC Council and staff spent many hours consolidating several emergency bills and developing new ideas to assist District residents and small businesses during this public health emergency. On Tuesday, we passed into law the fourth iteration of  coronavirus emergency-related legislation that incorporated all of the earlier emergency bills. Over the last few months, we worked hard to provide financial support to small businesses, protect residents from evictions and foreclosures, extend public benefits and employment protections, and prohibit utility companies from disconnecting services.
 
The COVID-19 public health emergency is not over, and I know that residents still need support to make it through this unprecedented time. I promise to continue working with local, regional, and federal officials to help you. Washingtonians are resilient, but we must continue to protect one other. We still have more work to do.
BUDGET HEARING UPDATE
On Monday, the Mayor unveiled her Fiscal Year 2021 budget proposal. Mayor Bowser and her staff developed a strong budget proposal during a difficult financial time. I have some concerns about budget cuts in public safety, housing, and homeless services. I will work with my Council colleagues to strengthen these areas in the coming weeks.

In Tuesday’s Council hearing with the Mayor to discuss her Fiscal Year 2021 budget proposal, I raised my concern about a substantial divestment from our violence intervention programs like the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, and Cure the Streets. While these programs are still very new, they have shown positive success in driving down violent crime in the neighborhoods where these programs were deployed.  
 
I shared my concerns about the decreases in funding in the Department of Human Services for homeless residents and my disappointment that there are no significant increases proposed for the Local Rent Supplement Program that helps residents who can’t pay their full rent. There also is a $3 million reduction in the Department of Employment Services for programs that teach job skills, like Project Empowerment and DC Career Connections.
 
While it’s not what interests many people, I raised my concern that the Office of Contracting and Procurement's plan to bring our procurement system into the 21st century with a new software system has been canceled. The current system is outdated and limits transparency in the District's spending.
 
I remain excited about proposed education investments, especially the 3% increase in school funding and the creation of 540 early childhood education seats across the city.
 
As a member of the Committees on Human Services, Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, Education, and Labor and Workforce Development, I will continue to review the Mayor’s proposed budgets for agencies in these committees and fight to enhance the budget to support District residents and small businesses. During the budget process, I will work with my fellow Councilmembers to understand what each agency needs to continue providing residents with the services and programs that will help them meet their current needs and ensure an equitable recovery from the pandemic.
BUDGET OVERSIGHT HEARINGS
As Chair of the Committee on Facilities and Procurement, I held my first virtual budget oversight hearing, where public witnesses shared their budget concerns. As I prepare for future budget oversight hearings, I will work to improve the budget to include key investments in housing, education, returning citizens, and workforce programs as we navigate this pandemic.
 
For a full schedule of upcoming public budget oversight hearings, click  here .

There are several ways to watch hearings live.
WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY UPDATE
Friendly reminder that Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's expanded summer shutdown begins Saturday, May 23rd. All nine Orange/Silver line stations west of Ballston will be closed, and there will be no Silver Line service. For travel alternatives and project information, click  here

Remember, cloth face coverings are required aboard all buses, trains, and MetroAccess vehicles, as well as in rail stations, bus terminals, and other transit facilities.
SNAP BENEFITS
DC Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can order groceries online using their EBT card. Families can visit  Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Pantry  .
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR WARD 7 & 8 SMALL MICROGRANT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
If you are a small business owner in Ward 7 or 8 seeking relief during this public health emergency, the Microgrant Program for Small Businesses East of the River is now available. The application deadline is Friday, May 29th.
DENIED PAID LEAVE OR TREATED UNFAIRLY?
There is help for District residents who have been denied paid sick leave, treated unfairly by a business or landlord, or mistreated or neglected seniors and youth.
 
Please use and share this new resource guide to learn how to get help or click  here
POSSIBLE PHASED REOPENING FOR THE DISTRICT SOON
The Mayor announced that DC might meet the criteria for a Phase 1 re-opening. You can get a closer look at the recommendations on re-opening from the Re-Open Committee by clicking here
DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE
For the 2020 graduating class, plans are underway to celebrate your accomplishments. I am very proud of you for powering through this public health emergency. Here are a few things I want to highlight:
 
  • High schools are finalizing plans for graduation ceremonies for 2020 seniors;

  • Virtual summer school begins June 22nd for K-8th grade students who need academic assistance, need to make up class credits, or need assistance with the English Language;

  • The DC Public Schools Persists Program will connect 750 college bound DCPS graduates with guidance counselors to help them transition to college; and

  • The new school year will begin on August 31st. 
SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM IS GOING VIRTUAL
The Summer Youth Employment Program is going viral and provides District youth ages 14 to 24 an opportunity to gain summer employment experience. DC students will have a chance to gain virtual workforce development experience.   Click here to learn more.
DC PARKS AND RECREATIONS (DCPR) SUMMER UPDATE
DCPR plans to offer camp-at-home options if we enter phase 2 of reopening this summer. For more information, click here .
CHAT WITH THE DC CHAPTER OF THE
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
On Wednesday, I joined the DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics for a Zoom chat to discuss child nutrition and distance learning. I also answered questions about the Fiscal Year 2021 budget and the future of early childhood education in the District.
 
It was great to chat with pediatricians about how we help and support our youngest residents during the COVID-19 crisis. Thank you, Dr. Lenore Jarvis, for having me. 
CHAT WITH CAPITAL PARTNERS FOR EDUCATION TOWN HALL
On May 14th, I was thrilled to join Capital Partners for Education's virtual town hall where we discussed students' needs and ways for them to remain successful throughout this public health emergency. To see the entire town hall, click here
STORY TIME
Reminder : We have three more weeks left for Phirst Pham: Story Time where, I join members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Zeta Omega Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter.
 
Every Wednesday at 7 P.M. until June 10th, we want to give parents a little break, during this difficult time, with Zoom bedtime stories for kids PreK3 - grade 3.

Join us! Register in advance for  this weekly event .
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