DGS Update: Keeping Our Kids Cool and Safe in School
The number of hot classrooms, broken HVAC systems, and other facility issues reported last summer was unacceptable, and these failures cannot be repeated during school reopening this fall. Students, teachers, and administrators of DC Public Schools (DCPS) deserve safe and well-maintained classrooms. And parents deserve to know that their children are learning in an environment […]
Statement: Committee on Government Operations and Facilities Markup, May 19, 2022
Today, the Committee on Government Operations and Facilities, which I chair, reviewed and voted on three bills: B24-0215, the Sexual Harassment Data Collection and Reporting Act B24-0229, the Human Rights Enhancement Amendment Act B24-0174, the Procurement Agencies Alignment Amendment Act I am proud to have introduced these needed bills, along with several of my Council […]
Councilmember Robert White Calls on Mayor to Secure Funding For a New DC Jail in Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
Citing the need to reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and bring equity to our criminal justice system, Councilmember Robert White called for new approaches to detention, starting with the construction of a new DC Jail with facilities that promote education, workforce training, reentry, and rehabilitation programs. The DC Jail has a long history of poor […]
It’s Time to Modernize the Office of the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions
Washington, DC’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are the official voice for their neighborhoods, made up of Commissioners who each represent approximately 2,000 constituents. Since 1976, ANCs have been advising the District government about issues affecting their neighborhoods, from proposed construction projects to dangerous intersections. But the pace and volume of Commissioners’ job has changed significantly over […]
Approve the Nominations of Natalie Hopkinson and Cora Masters Barry
I am very disappointed to learn that Chairman Phil Mendelson is refusing to approve the nominations of Natalie Hopkinson and Cora Masters Barry to the Commission on the Arts and Humanities. These women are being scapegoated and their nominations have been allowed to linger in the DC Council where they will die on November 3rd if […]
Statement on Fraud and Waste Allegations at DCHA
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) must investigate—fully and completely—any and all allegations and concerns surrounding fraud and waste at the DC Housing Authority (DCHA). I agree that it was best for DCHA Chair Neil Albert to step down from his post. The residents of the District deserve an honest and transparent agency. Anything […]
Equity and Social Justice Issues Funded in DC Council’s FY2022 Budget
Today is a big day for the District of Columbia. My DC Council colleagues and I voted to set funding for the District’s fiscal year 2022 budget. Here are some of our victories. Quality Education for All Children Large achievement gaps put many of our children of color at a disadvantage, even before they sling […]
CM Robert White Advances Equity & Social Justice Agenda in Committee Budget
On Thursday, July 1, 2021, the Committee on Government Operations and Facilities, chaired by Councilmember Robert White, passed its budget report and recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget for agencies under its purview. The proposed budget was developed based on feedback from residents over the last year. The budget report advances Councilmember White’s equity […]
CM White Leads Fight to Diversify the District’s Financial Investors
Councilmember Robert White introduced a bill today to require the District to hire diverse investment consultants and fund managers to manage the city’s pension funds. The proposed law responds to concerns that the city’s lack of diverse fund managers has led to weaker financial returns. “Diverse investment teams generate better returns on investments,” White said, citing a 2020 […]
Office of ANC Strategic Plan Proposed
I hear constantly from ANC Commissioners that they need more resources to do their increasingly difficult jobs. Therefore, I’m proposing a master strategic plan to assess the resources and needs of the ANCs. Over the past two years I have: Increased funding for Commissions by $122,000 – the first increase in years Tripled the funding […]