Don't miss our Ward 5 Holiday party on Thursday, December 15 at Union Market |
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Neighbors,
As we near the end of 2016, we are also nearing the end of the work of the D.C. Council before it reconvenes in January. Long meetings and lots of bills come up for a vote.
Of course, it is also the holiday season. I hope you will join me next Thursday, December 15 at the Ward 5 Holiday Party. We will be offering samplings of some of Ward 5's finest food and drink, music, and more.
What: Ward 5 Holiday Party
Date: Thursday, December 15
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE (map)
RSVP here
Please celebrate the season of giving by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for our annual toy drive benefiting children in our community.
See you next Thursday.
In Service,
Kenyan |
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| In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:
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Legislative Update
Councilmember McDuffie continues to champion legislation to help working families, ensure transparency in government, and work for equal justice and opportunity in the District. Here are updates on some of the latest bills:
- Limiting the use of Credit History in Employment - This bill prohibits employers from considering an applicant or current employee's credit history. Nearly half of employers check an employee's credit history when hiring for some or all positions, and its use often determines whether an applicant is hired. However, credit history is actually not a very good indicator of how an employee might perform on the job. Furthermore, poor credit history more frequently affects low-income individuals, women, and people of color, which in turn affects the employability of applicants from those backgrounds. This bill has passed first vote of the Council and awaits a second vote.
- 'Ban the Box' on Housing - This bill limits what aspects of a person's criminal record housing providers can consider when evaluating an applicant for tenancy. Crimes committed more than seven years ago may not be considered and neither can arrests that did not result in a conviction. This legislation also prohibits housing providers from asking about any criminal history until after a conditional offer is made. There are 45 crimes listed in the bill that are allowed to be considered; these crimes include murder in the first degree, arson, burglary, sexual assault, and aggravated assault. This legislation does not apply to rental buildings with four units or fewer, one of which is owner-occupied. This bill has passed first vote of the Council and awaits a second vote.
- Close the Off-Year Campaign Limit Loophole - Currently, Political Action Committees (PACs) do not have contribution limits in non-election years, which means 2017 could be open to unlimited campaign contributions to PACs. This bill will enact the same limits in 2017 as exist for election years. This legislation also requires PACs and Independent Expenditure Committees to report contributions more frequently, increasing transparency of campaign finance. This bill has passed first vote of the Council and awaits a second vote.
- Universal Paid Family Leave - This legislation got a lot of news coverage this week. Councilmember McDuffie voted in the majority on this bill to support working families in the District of Columbia. This legislation builds off Councilmember McDuffie's work in 2014? to enact paid family leave for District government workers. This bill provides eight weeks of paid family leave for parents to bond with newborn or adopted children, six weeks to care for an ailing parent or family member, and up to two weeks leave for a personal serious health condition. The bill would increase businesses taxes by .62% and use that money to compensate employees on leave. Those on paid leave would receive up to 90% of their salary, with the maximum benefit being $1,000 per week. This bill has passed first vote of the Council and awaits a second vote.
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| Councilmember McDuffie at the North Michigan Park Holiday Party (photo credit: @RayceenHRH) | 
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At the Stronghold Civic Association 25th anniversary | 
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| At the Brentwood Civic Association Christmas Dinner | 
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Councilmember McDuffie was recently a guest on Dreams The Capitol View, a DCTV public affairs program hosted by Ward 5's own ANC Commissioner Angel Alston | 
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| Learn about DC Schools at EdFEST on December 10 
If you are interested in learning more about public school options in DC then don't miss EdFEST – the District's citywide public school fair. EdFEST takes place on Saturday, December 10 from 11am to 3pm at the DC Armory (2001 East Capitol St SE). The fair is designed to empower families to find the best fit for their child by facilitating direct access to the District's public school options serving grades PK3-12. Representatives from more than 200 DCPS and public charter schools will showcase their programs.
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Edgewood Rec Center Renovation Meeting on Monday, December 12
Renovations are coming to Edgewood Park and Recreation Center. Join DC government agencies and the architecture firm for a meeting on Monday, December 12 from 7:00-9:00pm at Inspired Teaching School, 200 Douglas Street NE.
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Meeting on Rhode Island Ave NE Short-term Family Housing Shelter on Monday, December 12. 
Join DC Department of General Services and Department of Human Services to:
- View draft plans for the new buildings
- Provide input on the designs
- Learn more about family homelessness
For more detailed information on Short-term Family Housing, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit: www.mayor.dc.gov/homewarddc . To see notes from meetings of the Advisory Team of community stakeholders for the Rhode Island Ave NE site, click here. |
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Holiday Market on Rhode Island Avenue NE December 16-18 
The Rhode Island Avenue Main Street Procrastinator's Holiday Market is back again this year in Edgewood, and now for even more days, AND featuring local gift and food vendors, live entertainment and activities, and a winter-themed drink bar! Dates and hours are:
- Friday, December 16 open 5:00-9:00pm
- Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18 open 12:00-6:00pm
LOCATION:
680 Rhode Island Avenue NE (map)
Rhode Island Avenue Center (located in the Forman Mills parking lot)
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