Dear Ward 8 Residents,

It's time to get into the spirit of fun, frights, and festivities in Ward 8. From neighborhood celebrations to citywide events, there is plenty to enjoy with your family and friends. 

On Halloween night, my office will join Events DC at the Gateway Pavillion, located on the St. Elizabeths campus, for a unique and family-friendly Halloween costume party. On Thursday, October 31st, from 6-8 PM for an evening filled with

• Caramel apple making 
• Trick-or-treating
• Live music
• Costume contest (show off your best look for a chance to win!)
• Fun giveaways & more.

Local partners will set up festive booths and have plenty of candy to go around.

As always, we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Mayor Muriel Bowser's Safety Go-Teams will be stationed in various neighborhoods across Ward 8, providing a secure environment for everyone to enjoy the weekend's festivities. 

Parents, we encourage you to attend one of the many safe, family-friendly events hosted by community partners and government agencies. 

The DC Department of Recreation (DPR) has an exciting lineup of Halloween events across all eight wards where the fun will be non-stop. Be sure to visit DPR's It's Halloween in DC page and sign up for one of the many themed events throughout the District. 

Respectfully, 

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

It's Halloween in DC and DPR is offering frights and fun at events in all eight wards! Sign up today and make plans for tricks or treats at one of our themed events taking place throughout the District. It's a ghoulish good time for all at DPR, the place #WhereFunHappens.

Browse the events here: https://dprhalloween.splashthat.com/

Key Legislative Hearings this Week

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. serves as a member of both the Committee of the Whole (COW) and the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor (CEAL), among others. Both the COW and CEAL committees met this week to hold the following public hearings: 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PUBLIC OVERSIGHT HEARING on DCPS Budget 

The Mayor presented the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to the Council with $192 million more for the DC Public School system (DCPS), yet more than half of schools saw cuts to their budget or staff. The purpose of this hearing is to explore DCPS Central’s commitment to the Schools First in Budgeting Act, the efficiency of DCPS Central’s operations, the increase in contractual costs such as security, the increase in litigation costs such as special education/ IEP claims, and other aspects of DCPS’ budget. This notice has been revised to reflect a new time for the hearing pursuant to Council Rule 421(d)(1). 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PUBLIC HEARING on B25-741 “Vocational Education for a New Generation Act of 2024”

“Vocational Education for a New Generation Act of 2024” The stated purpose of Bill 25-741 is to establish locally funded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs administered by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The funding would establish new CTE programs, expand existing CTE programs and courses, and provide career guidance and counseling services for participants. The bill further requires OSSE to publish the core indicators of performance mandated by the federal Perkins V Grant and information such as the total number of students enrolled in CTE courses and the total number of students who participated in work-based learning opportunities. Similar reporting requirements were adopted in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act (Act 25-550, Subtitle IV-Q). The Committee of the Whole encourages testimony about vocational education generally, as well as about Bill 25-741.

COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION AND LABOR ANNOUNCES PUBLIC HEARING on the matter of:

• B25-0474 – “Parity in Workers’ Compensation Recovery Act of 2023” 
• B25-0659 – “Public Incentive Transparency and Accountability Act of 2024” 
• B25-0462 – “Government Recruitment and Retention Act of 2023”

B25-0474, the Parity in Workers’ Compensation Recovery Act of 2023, would amend the District of Columbia Workers' Compensation Act of 1979 to provide that the payment or award of compensation under the workers’ compensation law of any other state shall not bar a claim for compensation under the District’s workers' compensation law for the same injury or death; provided, that any such award under the District’s workers’ compensation law shall be reduced by the amount of compensation received or awarded under the workers’ compensation law of any other state. 

B25-0659, the Public Incentive Transparency and Accountability Act of 2024, would require government awarding bodies to review public incentive requirements and recipient compliance when they award public funds to non-governmental entities, as well as provide a mechanism for recapture when public incentive recipients do not meet the goals outlined, and establish reporting requirements for all recaptured subsidies. 

B25-0462, the Government Recruitment and Retention Act of 2023, would establish recruitment incentives and retention payments for certain difficult-to-fill positions. It requires that the Mayor transmit a quarterly report to the Council on hiring and retention rates and the number and value incentive and retention payments provided, as well as establish a new Director of Recruitment and Retention within the Office of the City Administration. Additionally, this legislation would authorize the Metropolitan Police Department to contract with an entity to execute a campaign to encourage high school-age students to enroll in the cadet corps program, authorize the Department of Corrections to contract with an entity to execute a campaign to encourage high school-age students to pursue a career as a correctional officer, and direct the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to set up an internship program for high school-age students.

Breast Cancer Awareness Legislation at
DC Council

Each year, since DC Council Period 17, the Council has passed a recognition resolution declaring the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the District of Columbia.

DC Council’s recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month amplifies public awareness efforts. When a legislative body passes a resolution or proclamation, it signals that breast cancer is a significant public health issue deserving attention. This formal acknowledgment helps to elevate discussions about the disease, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection. It also encourages educational programs that can reach a broader audience, particularly those who may be at risk or unaware of the resources available to them.

By recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the DC Council can promote preventive health measures. This includes encouraging regular screenings, mammograms, and awareness of self-examinations. Official proclamations can lead to community events that provide free or low-cost screenings and informational sessions, making it easier for individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health.

Legislative recognition sends a strong message of support to those affected by breast cancer- patients, survivors, and their families. It fosters a sense of community and solidarity, highlighting the importance of support networks and resources available to those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. 

DC Council’s acknowledgment through legislation is pivotal in advocating for funding and resources dedicated to breast cancer research. By formally recognizing the month, the need for continued investment in research for better treatment options, early detection methods, and potential cures are highlighted. 

Breast cancer disproportionately affects certain demographics, particularly underserved and marginalized communities. Legislative recognition can shine a light on these disparities, fostering discussions around access to care and resources. By emphasizing the need for equitable healthcare, legislators can help to ensure that all individuals have access to preventive measures, early detection, and treatment, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

DC Council’s recognition encourages local governments, organizations, and community groups to engage in activities related to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It can inspire various initiatives, from fundraising events to educational workshops, that bring communities together in support of a common cause. This collective action not only raises awareness but also builds stronger community ties.

Formal recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps to establish a legacy of advocacy and commitment to fighting breast cancer. It demonstrates that the legislative body takes the issue seriously and is willing to champion health initiatives that benefit constituents. This ongoing commitment can inspire future generations to continue the fight against breast cancer and prioritize health equity.

The legislative recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves multiple essential purposes: promoting education, supporting patients, advocating for research, addressing disparities, and fostering community engagement. It highlights the importance of collaboration between legislators, healthcare providers, and the public in combating breast cancer. 

By taking a stand each year, DC Council not only honors those affected by the disease but also play a critical role in creating a healthier, more informed society. Through such recognition, we can continue to advance the fight against breast cancer, ensuring that every individual has access to the information and resources they need to protect their health.

Wanda Lockridge Joins NCBW for Pink Day at Campbell AME Church

October 20, 2024

Wanda Lockridge, Chief of Staff, joined members of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter in celebrating Pink Day at Campbell AME Church. The event was held in recognition of Cancer Awareness Month and focused on raising awareness about breast cancer prevention.

Lockridge, alongside NCBW members, passed out shower tags designed to remind women and men to regularly perform self-checks and schedule mammogram screenings. This simple but impactful gesture emphasized the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.

Pink Day was a meaningful opportunity to promote health and wellness in the community. 

Ballou Alumni CM Trayon White and Wanda Lockridge Celebrate Homecoming.

October 19, 2024

This past weekend, CM Trayon White and his Chief of Staff, Wanda Lockridge, both proud alumni of Ballou Senior High School, joined in the excitement of the Ballou Homecoming game against Eastern SHS. Although the final score was not in Ballou's favor, the event was a spectacular celebration of school pride.

The halftime show was a highlight, with band members from various class years coming together to honor Mr. Darrell Watson’s remarkable 30-year tenure as Ballou’s band teacher. The performance was electrifying, showcasing the talent and dedication that Mr. Watson has inspired throughout his career.

Congratulations to Mr. Watson on his incredible journey and contribution to the Ballou SHS community!

Community Leaders Call for &pizza to Remove 'Marion Berry' Dessert Knots From Menu.

October 22, 2024

The DC community recently united to protest &pizza’s launch of “Marion Berry Knots,” a dessert that tastelessly exploited the legacy of Marion Barry. The dessert’s name, referencing drug slang, sparked outrage as it trivialized the life and work of a man who dedicated over 40 years to serving DC.

Responding to the public outcry and a growing boycott, &pizza’s CEO removed the item from the menu and issued an apology. This victory shows the power of collective action and respect for DC’s history.