bloomingdale: Ward 5 Report: DC Council hearing on Providence Hospital and Fal 2018 events

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 3:15 PM
Subject: Ward 5 Report: D.C. Council Hearing on Providence Hospital and Fall Events

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Neighbors,

The announcement of the closing of acute care services at Providence Hospital has left many Ward 5 residents and hospital employees with feelings of uncertainty and disappointment. Access to quality healthcare is critical for the residents of Ward 5 and the District of Columbia. The consequences of this closure will push healthcare services further away from the eastern section of our city, leaving residents with limited access to acute care services. I unequivocally oppose the closing and will stand with residents and hospital workers every step of the way.

I do not believe the District of Columbia, our patients, or the health care of the nation's capital can afford to have a prominent hospital like Providence close. I worked with my colleague Councilmember Vincent Gray (Chair of the Council Committee on Health) to schedule a Council oversight hearing on the Department of Health's role in the approval of the proposed closing of acute care services at Providence hospital. The hearing will take place on October 10 at the John A. Wilson Building. I ask residents and impacted community members to sign up to testify and let their voices be heard. To sign up to testify, contact the Committee on Health via phone or email: (202) 654-6179 or Mcameron@dccouncil.us.

Equitable access to health care is a real issue in Washington, D.C. and the closing of Providence Hospital acute care services is a step in the wrong direction. I will be at the hearing on the 10th, I hope to see you there too.

In Service,

Kenyan

Councilmember McDuffie is joined by Ward 5 residents in front of Providence Hospital to invite people to testify at the Council hearing on October 10.

In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:

Legislative Update - Initiative 77

Councilmember McDuffie has issued the following statement regarding Initiative 77:

"I do not take the repeal of Initiative 77 lightly. My decision to support legislation repealing the Initiative is informed by conversations with tip workers and several witnesses who testified at the recent Committee of the Whole hearing.

I had many conversations with tipped workers not only in Ward 5, but throughout the city. These conversations have taken place over the last couple of years as the Council has considered and passed worker-friendly legislation.

The fact remains that many tipped workers expressed real concern about Initiative 77.

As the Councilmember for Ward 5, I have a duty to stand up for Ward 5 tipped workers who overwhelmingly voiced opposition directly to me. I believe that Initiative 77 does not precisely address the issues raised by its supporters including wage theft, discrimination, and sexual harassment. Specifically, testimony at the hearing revealed that enforcement is a key issue — one not truly addressed by Initiative 77.

I intend to partner with my colleagues to address these issues. As I have done my entire tenure on the Council, I will continue to fight for policies that advance equity and justice for all District residents."

Small Business Grants

Applications are now being accepted for the latest round of Great Streets small business retail grants. Grants of up to $50,000 each will be awarded on a competitive basis to owners of small retail and service-oriented businesses in Great Streets corridors to support these entrepreneurs in completing improvement projects for their commercial properties. The Great Streets corridors in Ward 5 include H Street/Bladensburg Road, New York Avenue, North Capitol Street, and Rhode Island Avenue. Thanks to Councilmember McDuffie's efforts this spring, the coverage area has been expanded and businesses along most of 8th street in Edgewood and 12th Street in Brookland are newly eligible for these grants. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 22. For more information, refer to the Great Streets website.

Hearing the Council Podcast

Subscribe to the podcast in itunes or listen to Councilmember McDuffie's latest episode in SoundCloud.

Kenyan in the Community

CM McDuffie joined District leaders at DC Fire & EMS Engine 16 to present a Council Ceremonial Resolution in recognition and honoring the dedication and service of our first responders.
CM McDuffie joined DCAR Realtors Speaker Series to for a wide-ranging discussion including short-term rentals, affordable housing, supporting our small businesses, and the sprint to the end of the year/Council period.
CM McDuffie attended the DC Housing Authority inaugural Modified Apprenticeship Training Program graduation ceremony. The new six-month program provides DCHA customers the opportunity to learn job skills while also working to enhance the appearance and curb appeal of DCHA properties.
CM McDuffie stopped by Bloomingdale Civic Association's monthly meeting.
CM McDuffie spoke at a meeting at the Trinidad Rec Center to welcome the N.A.A.R.C (National Association for the Advancement of returning Citizens) Cure The Streets team to the community. The team is part of the implementation of McDuffie's NEAR Act and will be working to interrupt violence here in Ward 5.