Here is the current Ward 5 Report with all of the (corrupted) images removed, which only leaves text
From: Councilmember Kenyan R.
McDuffie <kmcduffie@dccouncil.us>
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2021 3:10 PM
Subject: Ward 5 Report - The Case for Baby Bonds
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Neighbor,
Last month, I introduced the Child Wealth Building Act, a child trust fund or “baby
bonds” proposal aimed at eliminating the District’s stark racial
wealth gap and ending generational poverty. New Jersey Senator Cory
Booker made this policy the centerpiece of his presidential
campaign and Connecticut recently passed their own baby
bonds initiative. I believe the Child Wealth Building Act is the
type of bold and transformational legislation that District
government must pass to make the American Dream more accessible for
low and middle-income residents.
Wealth inequities drive the significant racial disparities we see
across all indicators for success in our City, whether it's
employment, income, home-ownership, entrepreneurship, health care,
education, and more. At its core, the Child Wealth Building Act
codifies economic opportunity as a birthright for all
Washingtonians, here's how it would work.
If passed, the government would provide a trust fund for babies
born in the District into a household whose income does not exceed
500% of the Federal Poverty Level, currently $132,000 for a family
of four. Enrollment would be automatic and each eligible child
would receive an initial deposit of $1,000 followed by annual
supplemental payments up to $2,000 depending on household income.
Upon turning 18, the child may withdraw the funds for specified
purposes including education (vocational or higher-ed), business
ownership, business investment, property ownership, and retirement
investment vehicles.
On May 25th, I convened a committee hearing with wealth equity experts to
highlight the need for this legislation and further develop the
proposal. I look forward to advancing this essential policy and
encourage you to read my full press release on the subject.
In service,
Kenyan
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In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:
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Committee on Business and Economic Development
2021 Budget Hearing Schedule
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The Committee on Business and Economic Development
has released its budget hearing schedule. We encourage you to
submit oral or written testimony for the record and tune in to
watch the rest of the budget hearings with government witnesses.
You can email your testimony to BusinessEconomicDevelopment@dccouncil.us submit verbal testimony for
the record by calling the Committee's phone number at 202-656-5139
Hearings can be viewed live at www.kenyanmcduffieward5.com/live
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Last week, Councilmember McDuffie joined Ivy City
residents to see the Crummell School open for the first time in
decades. Making these new basketball courts accessible starts the
process of bringing the kinds of public spaces and amenities to Ivy
City that residents have wanted and deserved for decades.
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On Tuesday, Councilmember McDuffie gave remarks
celebrating the groundbreaking of DC SAFE’s new SAFE Space Shelter.
DC SAFE provides vital and immediate support services for survivors
of domestic violence and their families. This new facility in Ward
5 will double the number of residents who can be supported
every year and is a significant enhancement of the District's
public safety and health infrastructure.
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Celebrating LQBTQ+ Pride Month
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This month, we are celebrating the LGBTQ+ community
and commemorating the progress we’ve made towards achieving equity.
Our team is committed to continue fighting against discrimination
in all forms and move towards a just society where everyone feels
safe, included and seen. During Pride Month, we encourage you to
support local organizations like the Wanda Alston Foundation who are working to provide
housing and essential services for LGBTQ+ youths in the
District.
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Racial Equity In DC Event
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On Thursday June 17th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM,
Councilmember McDuffie will participate in a panel conversation
hosted by the Racial Equity Cohort about his landmark legislation the
REACH Act, how this bill is being implemented and what the
impacts are.
You can register for the event here.
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DMV, Parking & Ticket Enforcement Updates
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Starting June 1st, District government will resume
normal parking enforcement, vehicle towing, vehicle registrations,
and inspection requirements. Additional enforcement measures till
start on July 1st.
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Starting June 1st, the annual fee for an RPP sticker
will increase from $35 to $50 for the 1st vehicle registered in a
household. An exemption exists for one resident age 65+ per
household. Additional fees will apply to other vehicles in a
household. More information here.
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The Mayor also announced a new ticket amnesty program.
From June 1 until September 1, drivers will be able to pay
outstanding tickets without paying any penalties w/ new ticket
amnesty program.
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This week, the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
extended the time residents have to renew expired driver licenses
and identification (ID) cards to September 9, 2021. The previously
announced deadline was July 1, 2021. This action, as well as other
changes DC DMV is making, will give residents more time to renew
driver licenses and other ID cards that require an in-person
appointment at a DMV Service Center.
You can learn more about DMV updates in the Mayor's press release here
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On Friday, Councilmember McDuffie stopped by to
congratulate James and the City-State Brewing Team on the launch of
their new tap house in Edgewood. Don't miss out on their locally
brewed beverages and incredible murals of District neighborhoods that
cover the walls.
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The Rhode Island Avenue and Bladensburg Road Main
Streets have opened their fourth round of funding for
business grants. Applications are due Monday, June 28th. If you
have any questions or need any assistance, please email us at info@riamainstreet.org. You can find applications and
more information here.
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COVID-19 Vaccine & Mask Policy Updates
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Since June 1st, any District resident 12 years and
older can get vaccinated at four different schools. Notably, Luke C
Moore High School in Ward 5, will be accepting walk-ins from
9 AM - 1 PM and 2 PM - 7 PM on Mondays through Thursdays.
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