from Ward 5 CM McDuffie: DC Council Passes First Vote on the FY21 Budget Highlighting Racial Equity

The images in the messages are all corrupted, so they have been removed.  

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie <kmcduffie@dccouncil.us>
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 4:32 PM
Subject: Council Passes First Vote on the FY21 Budget Highlighting Racial Equity 

View this email in your browser Neighbors,  On Tuesday, the Council took the first of two votes on the fiscal year 2021 budget. Throughout the budget process, I have focused on ensuring a racially equitable city. COVID-19 has caused an economic recession that is having a significant impact on our residents and small business community. As Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, our committee report was developed through the lens of racial equity and recognizing the disproportionate impact the public health emergency is having on communities of color, specifically black people, the committee’s budget significantly invests in District businesses and commercial infrastructure including through capital and capacity building, access to capital for small businesses and support for minority businesses.   On Tuesday, I also introduced the Business Support Grants Emergency Amendment Act of 2020. This legislation establishes a Business Support Grant Program to provide eligible businesses financial support to aid in their recovery from the public health emergency.  The emergency authorizes up to $100 million from the CARES Act to provide COVID-19 related relief.  This legislation gets cash directly into the hands of owners right away to help them rehire workers, sustain their business and continue to contribute to our community. In no uncertain terms, they’ve told us they need direct support now to help them get through this difficult time. As the Council moves toward the second vote, scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, I will continue to work to prioritize racial equity for our city.   In service,   Kenyan   In this issue of the Ward 5 Report: Kenyan In The Community Kenyan in The News  Small Business Spotlight COVID-19 Testing Department of Motor Vehicle Update     Kenyan In The Community     Kenyan in The News               Small Business Spotlight   Let's welcome Tropical Smoothie Cafe (2490 Market St NE) to the Shops at Dakota Crossing here in Ward 5.  It's nice to see new small businesses open, especially with the challenges we face from COVID-19. To learn more click --> here. Pictured: Owners, David Magby (left) & Alesha Hicks (right)    Calabash Tea & Tonic is a multi award winning wellness brand specializing in tea and herbs, located here in Ward 5 at 2701 12th Street NE. To learn more about Calabash Tea & Tonic click the link here.     COVID-19 Testing       Department of Motor Vehicle Update         Ward 5 Wellness Food Pantry   Event: Families Moving Forward Wellness Food Pantry When: 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Time: 10am - 2PM Where: 2000 Rhode Island Ave NE