Dear Ward 8 Residents,

The holiday season is a time to unite as one community to support and uplift each other. I am proud to announce that my office has partnered with Union Temple Baptist Church on a special holiday event to support Ward 8 children impacted by gun violence. This initiative aims to bring joy, healing, and hope to families facing unimaginable challenges.

Addressing gun violence and increasing public safety in Ward 8 has been paramount since I took office. The senseless violence in our community leaves behind a lasting impact on our children and a future disrupted. Our partnership with Union Temple Baptist Church represents an opportunity for my office to address the emotional toll of gun violence while bringing moments of happiness to children who need it most.

Ward 8 is a community of resilience. This season, let us continue to support one another and unify so that we no longer have to experience the impacts of gun violence. 

In service, 

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

DC Laws Protecting Indigent Residents from Heat Disconnection

Access to essential utilities such as heating is a critical issue, especially for vulnerable populations. In Washington, D.C., laws are in place to protect indigent residents from losing heating services, particularly during extreme weather conditions. These protections recognize the necessity of heat for maintaining health, safety, and dignity.

The District of Columbia Public Service Commission (PSC) oversees utility regulations, including measures to prevent the disconnection of essential services for residents who cannot afford to pay. The laws ensure that all residents, particularly low-income and indigent individuals, have access to basic heating services, especially during the winter months.

Under the Cold Weather Rule, utility companies in D.C. are prohibited from disconnecting heat services when the temperature is forecasted to drop below 32°F within the next 24 hours. This rule applies to electric and gas services used for heating, ensuring no household is left without warmth during freezing conditions.

Indigent residents (those who are unable to meet basic living expenses due to poverty) have additional safeguards:

1. Medical Necessity Protections: Residents who can provide documentation of a medical condition exacerbated by the loss of heating services are protected from disconnection. This provision requires certification from a healthcare provider and ensures utility companies accommodate medical needs.
2. Payment Plans and Assistance Programs: Utility companies are required to offer flexible payment plans to residents struggling to pay their bills. These plans spread overdue payments over an extended period, reducing the financial burden.
3. Energy Assistance Programs: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and similar local initiatives provide financial aid to cover heating costs for eligible low-income residents. These programs are vital during the winter months when heating bills typically rise.
4. Notification Requirements: Before disconnection, utility companies must provide advance notice and inform residents of available assistance programs. This step ensures that indigent residents have an opportunity to seek help before losing essential services.

Failure by utility companies to adhere to these regulations can result in penalties, including fines and orders to restore services. The D.C. PSC monitors compliance and investigates complaints to ensure residents are treated fairly.

The laws protecting indigent residents from heat disconnection reflect a broader commitment to human rights and public health. Community organizations play a significant role in raising awareness about these protections and assisting residents in navigating assistance programs. Advocacy efforts continue to push for stronger enforcement and expanded resources to meet the growing needs of vulnerable populations.

In Washington, D.C., the right to essential utilities like heat is safeguarded by comprehensive laws and assistance programs. These measures protect indigent residents from the life-threatening consequences of utility disconnection, ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities. As winter approaches, understanding these protections is critical for both residents and community advocates.

Remaining Council Hearings in Council Period 25

Two more weeks are remaining in Council Period 25. Please note the upcoming hearings for the weeks of 12/9 and 12/16 below to ensure that you stay informed and voice your opinion on matters that impact you and your community:

Monday, December 09, 2024
12:00 pm

The Committee on Housing will hold a Public Hearing on the following Legislation:

• B25-0945 the “Housing is Maternal Health Amendment Act of 2024”

Monday, December 09, 2024
02:00 pm

The Committee on Health will hold an Additional Committee Meeting on the following Legislation:

• PR25-1049, Statewide Health Coordinating Council Sheila Holt Confirmation Resolution of 2024
• PR25-1050, Statewide Health Coordinating Council Ruth Fisher Pollard Confirmation Resolution of 2024
• PR25-1051, Statewide Health Coordinating Council Judy Brinckerhoff Confirmation Resolution of 2024
• PR25-1052, Statewide Health Coordinating Council Dr. Denise St. Jean Confirmation Resolution of 2024
• PR25-1053 – Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Njeri Jarvis Confirmation Resolution of 2024
• Committee on Health Council Period 25 Activity Report

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
11:30 am

The Committee of the Whole & the Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety will hold a Joint Public Hearing on the following Legislation:

• Bill 25-918, the “Secure Apartments for Everyone (SAFE) Regulation Amendment Act of 2024”

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
09:30 am

The Committee on Public Works & Operations will hold a Public Hearing on the following Legislation:

• B25-0922, the “Strategic Parking Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2024”
• B25-0924, the “Opening Worker-Ownership: A New Economic Resilience Strategy (OWNERS) Amendment Act of 2024”

Thursday, December 12, 2024
09:30 am

The Committee on Health will hold a Public Oversight Roundtable on the following Matter:

• The Closure of United Medical Center and the Opening of Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center in Ward 8

Tuesday, December 17, 2024
11:00 am

Committee of the Whole Meeting.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024
12:00 pm

Legislative Meeting.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024
09:00 am

The Committee on Business & Economic Development will hold a Public Hearing on the following Legislation:

• Bill 25-0838, the “Langston Slater Surplus Declaration and Disposition Approval Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-0747, the “Living Donor Protection Amendment Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-0810, the “Motor Vehicle Insurance Modernization Amendment Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-0476, the “Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Act of 2023”
• Bill 25-1034, the “Revised Game of Skill Machines Consumer Protections Amendment Act of 2024”

Thursday, December 19, 2024
11:00 am

The Committee of the Whole will hold Public Hearing on the following Legislation:

• Bill 25-852, the “East River Alley Designation Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-876, the “Dr. Judy Talbert Street Designation Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-923, the “Louise B. Miller Designation Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-931, the “Rev. A. Knighton Stanley Way Designation Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-1036, the “Girl Scouts’ Way Designation Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-1037, the “DC Legendary Musicians Way Designation Act of 2024”
• Bill 25-1002, the Closing of a Portion of a Public Alley and Dedication of Land for Alley Purposes in Square 756, S.O. 24-00310, Act of 2024”

For more information, please visit: Events from December 2 – November 25 – Council of the District of Columbia

Guiding Residents to Housing Stability

November 20, 2024

Constituent Services Director Monique Diop provided critical support to residents in need by assisting with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application process.

When ERAP reopened its virtual portal on November 20th, Monique and the team stepped up to guide residents through the application. She also connected eligible individuals to additional resources like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), reinforcing the commitment to keeping District residents safe and housed.