July 1, 2020

Coronavirus Update: the Budget, 4th of July, & Summer Bridge

Dear Neighbors,

On Monday the full Council engaged in a virtual budget work session to
discuss our individual committee budgets, concerns, and ideas for further
improvements to the District's Fiscal Year 2021 Budget. While you are
welcome to watch the [1]work session's recording (be forewarned, the
meeting lasted over 8 hours), one great resource from the budget work
session is the [2]Council Committee Budget Review Power Point presentation
that provides succinct account of what the Council is funding and modified
in this year's budget. From my committee, I would like to highlight our
restoration of funding cuts made to a number of healthy food access
programs for vulnerable children, including restoring reimbursements to the
free school breakfast program, the [3]Healthy Schools Act fund, and the
[4]Healthy Tots Program. It is unconscionable to me that the Executive's
budget would cut these vital food resources in the middle of a pandemic,
but it is important to note that they will continue due to Council
intervention. We were also able to restore the funding for [5]City Wildlife
and [6]Humane Rescue Alliance services, fund environmental literacy
programs for children, support urban farming efforts, and, of course,
maintain funding for local road repair and infrastructure maintenance. I'm
also greatly looking forward to the creation of a new [7]Chevy Chase Main
Street to help revitalize the Chevy Chase commercial corridor and support
the neighborhood's small business community. In the meantime, the Council
will continue to further fine-tune the budget over the next week and will
hold our first budget vote on Tuesday, July 7th.

We are now in July, and I wanted to note some important Pride Month
milestones that occurred in June. Last month saw a Supreme Court ruling
[8]in support of LGBTQ+ workers, worldwide virtual [9]celebrations amid the
pandemic, and greater recognition of our country's [10]LGBTQ+ leaders of
color. At the local level, the Council is poised to create one of the
nation's first workforce development programs for transgender, non-binary,
and gender-nonconforming District residents. And there is perhaps no better
way to continue the celebration of Pride than to show love and appreciation
for our LGBTQ+ community throughout the year, and to [11]continue our
support of the local organizations who are working so hard to keep moving
the dial towards equality, safety, and acceptance.

Regards,

Mary

Above: The finishing touches are being added to the District's first
permanent Progress Pride crosswalk. For more on this art installation,
please scroll to the 'Happy News' section at the end of this newsletter.

Please see [12]coronavirus.dc.gov for the latest District updates &
resources on COVID-19

If you know someone who would like to receive these updates directly, he or
she may sign up through [13]marycheh.com or by
emailing [14][email protected]

Summer Bridge Program for Grades 3, 6, & 9

Summer Bridge - [15]Summer Bridge 2020 is an opportunity for students to
attend their school ahead of the new year and re-acclimate to learning in
the classroom after learning at home this past spring. Students entering
3rd, 6th, and 9th grades will engage in a variety of academic and
social-emotional learning activities designed to prepare them for success
as they transition to a new grade level or school building. Breakfast and
lunch will be provided each day. Students will be introduced to new health
protocols, including social distancing, and masks will be provided daily.

Summer Bridge will take place in-person at schools for two weeks as long as
health conditions permit from 9 am to 1 pm:
* Monday, August 10th to Thursday, August 13th
* Monday, August 17th to Thursday, August 20th

The deadline to sign-up for the optional Summer Bridge program is July 6th.
Students who are entering grades 3, 6, or 9 in 2020-2021 can [16]register
for Summer Bridge at this link. If you have questions, please contact your
school principal or email [17][email protected].

Historic Advancement of DC Statehood

From The Washington Post -

D.C. statehood approved by U.S. House for first time in history

"For the first time since the establishment of the District of Columbia 230
years ago, the House of Representatives voted to declare the city to be the
nation’s 51st state, a legislative milestone that supporters say begins to
right historical wrongs."

[18]Read the Full Story

Great News from the DC Green Bank

Environmentalism in Action - The [19]DC Green Bank, the independent
District authority created to accelerate deployment of affordable private
and public capital for the clean energy economy, has officially partnered
with the leading sustainable and DC-based firm Flywheel Development to fund
its Solar For All installations in 2020 – a re-roofing and solar
development effort focused on Wards 7 and 8 and backed by $3.2 million in
solar assets.

“By funding these projects we will not only help save DC residents millions
in utility bills through the construction of nearly 1 megawatt of solar
energy, reducing emissions by 1,100 tons of carbon dioxide annually, we are
also creating jobs for residents and collaborative partnerships to help the
District thrive,“ Hopson said.

[20]Read the Full Story

Small Businesses Resources: Legal Advice & a $5,000 Tax Credit

Apply for Property Tax Relief - The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) has
reported that 2,500 small businesses have not filed a District franchise
tax return to claim the Small Retailer Property Tax Relief Credit. The
credit, of up to $5,000, is available for tax years 2018 and 2019 to
eligible small retailers who had a sales tax account with OTR and federal
gross receipts of $2.5 million or less during those years and are current
on all District tax obligations.

If an eligible small retailer did not claim the credit on its 2018 District
franchise tax return, it is not too late to file a return claiming the
credit. For 2019, the deadline to file a return is July 15th, 2020.
* To learn more about the tax credit, please visit OTR's [21]online FAQ
page, call the Customer Service Center at (202) 727-4829, or
email [22][email protected]

Small Business Legal Advice Available - On July 2nd, the DC Bar Pro Bono
Center will provide free legal advice to entrepreneurs and small business
owners. These remote and brief legal consultations will last up to 45
minutes. To register for this clinic, please click: [23]here. If you need
legal assistance but are unavailable on the 2nd, you may request legal
assistance through the DC Bar's [24]Pro Bono Center. The Pro Bono Center
may ask for additional information about your small business's legal needs
to ensure that you are connected with the most appropriate attorney.
* Please contact [25][email protected] with any questions

Paid Family Leave Program Launches Today!

From DCist - D.C.’s Paid Family Leave Program Gets Final Go-Ahead To Launch
July 1

"The city’s chief financial officer has certified that the program, which
would give employees of D.C. businesses up to eight weeks of paid parental
leave, has enough funding to move forward on July 1...In addition to the
eight weeks of paid leave for a parent of a new child, the program provides
six weeks of paid leave for individuals caring for a sick family member and
two weeks for personal medical issues."

[26]Read the Full Story

Celebrating the 4th of July Safely

Virtual Palisades Parade - This Independence Day will simply not be the
same without the Palisades Citizens' Association's (PCA) 4th of July Parade
& Picnic. However, the PCA will continue to celebrate the holiday and
Palisades community with a virtual parade featuring photos and memories of
past parades and community events. Please keep an eye out on the PCA
[27]website and [28]social media page for the virtual celebration.

A Socially Distanced Independence Day - This 4th of July, the Mayor is
asking residents to [29]celebrate the holiday at home, or close to home,
and in small groups. Large gatherings remain a high risk activity and, as
with other holidays, we will have more 4th of Julys, but we only have one
opportunity to respond to this pandemic. All of us share a special
responsibility to protect one another and our most vulnerable neighbors:
* Please wear a mask when outside of your home
* Maintain six feet of space between you and others
* Choose activities wisely
* If you are hosting an event or party, keep a list of your guests in the
event that it is needed for contact tracing

District Agency Operations - On Friday, July 3rd, the District Government
will observe the 4th of July holiday. While some services will be affected,
many District employees will continue serving to maintain essential
District operations or modified operations:
* Low-barrier shelters will remain open and families or individuals
seeking access to homeless services should call 311 or the DC Shelter
Hotline at (202) 399-7093
* The District’s COVID-19 [30]testing sites and call center will be
closed on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th
* The Department of Employment Services Navigation Call Center will be
closed. Residents are encouraged to file unemployment insurance claims
[31]online
* [32]School Meal Sites and Grocery Distribution Sites will be closed and
reopen on Monday, July 6th
* All Department of Motor Vehicles locations will be closed on Friday,
July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. Online DMV services remain available, and
customers are encouraged to use online options by visiting [33]dmv.dc.gov
* All DC Public Libraries will be closed on Friday, July 3rd and
Saturday, July 4th
* The DC Department of Public Works will observe the July 4th holiday
(Saturday) and trash and recycling collections will be made on Friday, July
3rd. Please note: collection schedules will not slide
* The Circulator will operate from 6 am – 9 pm (riders are required to
wear masks or face coverings) and service on the National Mall route is
suspended

Public Murals for DC Statehood

From WJLA - D.C. commissions 51 murals in a week in lead-up to statehood
vote

Mayor Bowser commissioned #MuralsDC51, a project to create 51 murals across
all eight wards. The art represents motifs ranging from statehood, to
social justice to Black history. This project was coordinated through the
popular [34]Murals D.C. program that is part of the Department of Public
Works.

[35]Read the Full Story

PPE & Wipes Are Clogging Local Pipes

From WUSA9 -

PPE, disinfectant wipes are clogging up D.C. toilets. Stop flushing them.

"In the last couple of months, workers have also seen PPE, such as gloves
and masks, coming into the water treatment facilities...WSSC Water has seen
a 17-ton increase in wipes coming into water treatment facilities during
March and April this year compared to the same time in 2019."

[36]Watch the Full Story

Safety Measures at the DMV

Safely Visiting the DMV - Many residents are in need of Department of Motor
Vehicle (DMV) services, but many are concerned about safely accessing the
DMV during the pandemic. DMV Director Gabriel Robinson has provided the
following information on the agency's safety measures for the public and
DMV staff:

During Phase II, we are not operating as usual. With the changes below,
everyone that comes to the DMV will be served in an environment that is
suitable for a senior. Here are some of the changes:
* No one can visit the DMV without an appointment
* Since we are on an appointment based system, we do not have a waiting
room. Meaning no crowd at all
* We allow the public inside the building only at their appointment time.
So as soon as you walk in, you’ll go straight to a window to be processed
* We are only allowing the person receiving the DMV service inside the
building. No additional people are allowed unless someone is disabled or a
senior in need of an escort
* All customers and employees must wear a mask or facial covering inside
the building
* DMV has installed a sneeze guard between our employees and all
customers
* The DMV disinfects clipboards and pens after every use
* We ensure social distancing with floor markers
* We’ve installed hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the service area
for customer and employee use

Again, everyone that visits the DMV will use an environment built with a
senior in mind. I hope this information helps as you make you decision to
make an appointment or not. Stay Safe.

-Gabriel Robinson

How to Safely Exercise During the Pandemic

[37]video

From NPR - Masks & The Outdoor Exerciser: Advice For Runners, Bikers,
Walkers, Hikers

"The experts I spoke to all said wearing a mask is a good thing. Now you
probably don't think you have the coronavirus if you feel good enough to
exercise. But some people are asymptomatic – they never show symptoms – or
presymptomatic – sick but not yet feeling it. A mask will protect others by
blocking respiratory droplets you breathe out that can carry viral
particles. A mask with a tight weave (i.e., you can't see the sunlight
through the fabric) and multiple layers may give you a measure of
protection as well by preventing you from inhaling viral particles expelled
by someone who's infectious.

The exception for mask-wearing might be if you're 100% certain you won't
come within 12 feet of any human, my sources did note..."

[38]Read the Full Story

AARP: Seniors Matter in the Census

[39]

Completing the Census helps ensure that our community counts, says [40]AARP
DC President Rev. Dr. Kendrick Curry. Participation is confidential and
easy.

For more information, please see the AARP's [41]step-by-step guide to
completing the 2020 Census.

Metro Operations on the 4th of July

Metro Extends Service - The Mayor encourages everyone to celebrate the 4th
of July at home. Should you nevertheless be downtown, the Metro will extend
service at selected stations following the Salute to America fireworks
display on the National Mall. For the safety of Metro's workforce and
riders, Metro requires the wearing of cloth face coverings or masks while
on the system, including all stations, platforms, trains, and buses.

On the 4th of July:
* Metrorail will open at 8 am with a "Covid-19 weekend schedule" during
daytime hours
* More frequent service will begin on all lines at approximately 4 pm to
accommodate the Salute to America event on the National Mall
* Certain stations near the National Mall will remain open for "entry
only" for 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks display
* After 9 pm, most other stations will only be available for "exit only"
* Metro will continue to run trains on all lines, in both directions
until all customers have been accommodated

Ending this Update on a Happy Note:

The District's Progress Pride Crosswalk

From LGBTQ Nation -

Trans & POC inclusive rainbow crosswalk installed in D.C.

"The nation’s capital has installed a rainbow crosswalk that uses the
colors of the transgender flag and black and brown stripes in time for
Pride month.

A rainbow was lain down at the crosswalk of 17th and P Streets NW in D.C.
At one end of the rainbow was a rainbow made up of pink, light blue, white,
brown, and black stripes, representing the transgender flag and people of
color."

[42]Read the Full Story

Our Office is Open!

Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is
closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are
teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.

You may continue to [43]email the office directly or reach us via phone
through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget
requests, and constituent services requests.

[44]Facebook [45]Twitter

FOLLOW MARY

References

1. [link removed]
2. [link removed]
3. [link removed]
4. [link removed]
5. [link removed]
6. [link removed]
7. [link removed]
8. [link removed]
9. [link removed]
10. [link removed]
11. [link removed]
12. [link removed]
13. [link removed]
14. mailto:[email protected]?subject=Sign-Up: Councilmember Cheh's Ward 3 Newsletter
15. [link removed]
16. [link removed]
17. mailto:[email protected]
18. [link removed]
19. [link removed]
20. [link removed]
21. [link removed]
22. mailto:[email protected]
23. [link removed]
24. [link removed]
25. [link removed]
26. [link removed]
27. [link removed]
28. [link removed]
29. [link removed]
30. [link removed]
31. [link removed]
32. [link removed]
33. [link removed]
34. [link removed]
35. [link removed]
36. [link removed]
37. [link removed]
38. [link removed]
39. [link removed]
40. [link removed]
41. [link removed]
42. [link removed]
43. [link removed]
44. [link removed]
45. [link removed]
Unsubscribe:
[link removed]

This message was sent to [email protected] from [email protected]

Mary Cheh
Mary Cheh Ward 3
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NWSuite 108
Washington, DC 20004
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

iContact - Try it for FREE: [link removed]