Budget Update
A quick update on the FY20 budget.
Public housing: We ended up with $25.5 million for public housing repairs. $24.5 million was from the Events DC surplus, which Chairman Mendelson continues to maintain is money the Council can use. He appears to be supported by the Attorney General’s office, while the CFO continues to oppose it. We will continue to push for a dedicated funding source and a long term plan for public housing repairs while the CFO makes his decision.
We also got an extra $1 million for public housing, thanks to Councilmembers Silverman and Nadeau, who contested the tax abatement for the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan, which failed to meet requirements for hiring DC residents. We’re glad to see some money for public housing in the next fiscal year, and are committed to make sure this money is spent wisely and equitably. On the other hand, it’s far short of what is needed as we face a critical situation in our public housing stock. We will have a lot of organizing to do!
Birth to Three: Birth to Three is the landmark program to provide universal child care subsidies, early childhood education and health supports for families with young children. We got $15.8 million in funding, which is far more than the Mayor allocated. Kudos to Chairman Mendelson and Councilmembers Gray, Nadeau, Evans, Robert White, McDuffie and Silverman for those extra funds. That leaves us still short about $15 million, mostly for the subsidies which are needed by families burdened by cost. We will continue to fight for universal childcare for ALL parents in future budgets.
Pay to play: this bill championed by Councilmember Charles Allen and passed last year will do much to reduce the toxic effect of money in politics. It would prohibit businesses that have or seek government contracts from contributing to political campaigns. CM Allen is confident that the program will be funded in 2020. However, we find it troubling that the funding was not allocated in the budget. Next year, the Council should focus on fully funding and enforcing all legislation that seeks to end pay-to-play, and we will work with our allies to make sure that happens.
Bottom Line: this budget nibbled around the edges of the tremendous problems we face in housing, education, health and employment. That a city with such wealth tolerates these problems demonstrates that those in power are comfortable with the status quo. Furthermore, this budget demonstrates that even when good laws are passed as a result of tremendous work by broad coalitions, the implementation falls short due to lack of funds. We’ve got our work cut out for us!
