July 22, 2020

Coronavirus Update: Mask Mandate, Budget Vote, & Vision Zero

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday's legislative meeting was remarkable. The Council was able to
advance important legislation, including the much-anticipated [1]Vision
Zero bill (details below), but our scheduled final vote on the District's
Fiscal Year 2021 Budget was delayed to this Thursday, July 23rd. As anyone
would anticipate during such a challenging budget year with great community
needs and substantial revenue loss, there was much debate and concern as to
how vital programs would be funded and how revenue for those essential
services would be generated.

Predominantly, this became a discussion on taxation and a measure in the
budget to create a 3% advertising tax to generate $18 million. Due to great
concern over this tax's effects on local news outlets and small businesses,
the Council recessed to evaluate whether there was a way to identify
funding from other programs to balance the budget (as is legally required)
so that the tax would not be necessary. This work is being done
predominantly by the Chairman and Budget Office, and I will keep residents
updated of any major budgetary shifts that result from this further review.
And, as the media has produced some great and succinct accounts of these
discussions and the lengthy budget proceedings (see [2]The Washington Post
or [3]DCist), I would like to take a moment here to state that this last
minute maneuvering and ad-hoc approach is not the proper way to conduct tax
policy.

Without analysis and evaluation of the consequences to residents and
businesses, these types of changes create great risk of adverse
consequences. In the context of the 3% advertising tax, local news outlets
raised the concern that it would cause great harm during an already
difficult financial period in local journalism and for the small business
that depend on advertising. I have previously introduced a bill, the [4]Tax
Revision Reestablishment Act, that would create a commission to regularly
evaluate the District's tax code. The commission could make comprehensive
tax recommendations based on research, equity, and effectiveness, and would
provide the Council with roadmap to a more progressive and fair tax code.
I'm hopeful that after Tuesday's discussions, and the dissatisfaction
expressed by my colleagues at the unknown effects any new taxes could have,
that there will be renewed interest in passing this legislation. Indeed,
just tonight, the Council Chairman promised to hold a hearing on the bill
this fall.

Regards,

Mary

Please see [5]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 [6]marycheh.com or by
emailing [7][email protected]

Mayor to Sign Mandatory Mask Order

From DCist - Mayoral Order Will Require People To Wear Masks Outside The
Home

Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday she will sign a new executive order
requiring people to wear masks whenever they’re outside of their homes.

The order will mandate mask-wearing while waiting for the bus, ordering
food at restaurants, sitting in cubicles in open offices and walking dogs,
among other activities. A copy of the order was not immediately available,
but Bowser said it will contain “enforcement language” regarding penalties
for alleged violations.

[8]Read the Full Story

What to Do When A Business Flouts Safety Measures - Despite the strong
evidence to support mask-wearing and the current requirements for indoor
and outdoor business operations, many residents have reported seeing very
lax safety measures when it comes to masks and social distancing by certain
businesses.

The District takes enforcement in this area seriously, and residents are
encouraged to call and report issues to 311 or to file a complaint with the
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) [9]online or by calling
202-442-4423. After hours complaints to ABRA may be made by calling
202-329-6347.

National Zoo Announces Reopening this Friday

Zoo Safety Measures - The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has announced that
they will reopen to the public on July 24th under new coronavirus safety
protocols. It is unclear what size crowds the reopening may bring to the
surrounding neighborhoods, so please remain diligent in social distancing
when outside of the home (especially when using public transit) and adhere
to the new mask mandate. During a call between the Council and Executive
today, Councilmembers were told there was coordination between the federal
government and District agencies on the Zoo's reopening protocols, and it
should be noted that this is a federal facility that makes its own
determination about reopening or not.

The Zoo's new safety measures include:
* Requiring that visitors ages six and older wear face coverings during
their visit
* Limiting the number of visitors by requiring a free, timed-entry pass
in advance of one's visit (the Zoo will release [10]5,000 timed passes per
day[11])
* Please note: for Ward 3 neighbors who are accustomed to walking through
the grounds, residents will also be required to obtain a free, timed-entry
pass
* Implementing safe social distancing protocols, including some one-way
paths and directional guidance where appropriate
* Providing hand-sanitizing stations for visitors and conducting enhanced
cleaning

To reserve a free, timed-entry pass - Visitors can reserve passes online at
[12]si.edu/tickets or by phone at 1-800-514-3849, ext. 1. An individual
will be able to reserve up to six passes at a time.

For more on the National Zoo's reopening plan, please see: [13]Welcome
Back.

Legislative Update: Vision Zero Omnibus Receives First Vote

Vision Zero Advances - The [14]Vision Zero Enhancement Omnibus Amendment
Act of 2020 unanimously passed the first of two Council votes at Tuesday's
Legislative Meeting. Combining bills introduced by Councilmember Allen,
Councilmember Cheh, Councilmember Todd, and the Mayor, the legislation is a
broad and comprehensive approach at moving the District towards achieving
the Vision Zero goal of no traffic fatalities or major injuries on the
District's roadways, bike lanes, and sidewalks.

Major safety components of the bill include:
* Requiring the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to construct
sidewalks on both sides of the street and to connect them to existing
sidewalks when doing major repair on a stretch of road
* Significantly increasing penalties for contractors who fail to restore
bike lanes and painted crosswalks after doing construction
* Requiring DDOT to construct a protected bicycle lane when doing
construction on a road segment where the [15]MoveDC plan calls for a bike
lane
* DDOT will also be required to submit to the Council a Vision Zero
infrastructure progress report that describes the proposed projects in each
of the District’s 15 most dangerous corridors for pedestrians and cyclists
* The bill also bans right-on-red at all intersections within 400 feet of
a school, playground, recreation center, library, Metrorail station
entrance, as well as at any intersection with a bike lane running through
it
* Quite importantly, the bill requires the Executive to enter into
negotiations with Maryland and Virginia in order to establish reciprocity
for parking and ATE camera infractions

For more on this effort, please see the Committee on Transportation & the
Environment's legislative [16]report or news coverage from [17]DCist.

Expired Documents & the DMV

From WTOP - DC’s Dept. of Motor Vehicles gives drivers reprieve on expired
documents

Documents that expired on or after March 1 remain valid — and will stay
that way until 45 days after the District’s public health emergency is
lifted. These include the following:
* Driver’s licenses
* Vehicle registrations
* Vehicle inspections
* Ticket payments
* Ticket adjudication responses

You’ll need to have [18]a copy of this memo printed out and on hand when
you’re driving outside of the District.

[19]Listen to the Full Story

Heat Emergencies & Modified COVID-19 Testing Schedules

The Heat & Free COVID-19 Testing - The operating hours of the District's
free firehouse coronavirus testing sites are likely to fluctuate and change
when the region experiences extreme bouts of heat and flash flooding.
Closing testing sites when it is unsafe to operate is certainly the right
decision, but can result in frustration for those unaware of the sometimes
last minute changes. Residents are encouraged to schedule a test with their
healthcare provider whenever possible and quarantine for 14 days pending
test results.
* For the most updated testing site operating hours, please reference
[20][link removed].

Antibody Testing Sites - There are three free, appointment-based antibody
testing sites in the District. Locations include the Takoma Recreation
Center (300 Van Buren Street, NW), the Hillcrest Recreation Center (3100
Denver Street, SE), and Canal Park (200 L Street, SE). To schedule an
appointment, please call 855-363-0333.

A Quick Note on Coronavirus Trends - The coronavirus positivity rate for
residents under 40 years of age is increasing in the District, with the
percentage of those hospitalized under 40 doubling since July 1st. This is
not a virus without adverse consequences and serious medical challenges for
the young and healthy, so please properly social distance, wear a mask when
out of the home as will be mandated, and engage in proper hygiene.

Heat Emergency Resources

[21]

High Heat Index - When the temperature or heat index in the District
reaches 92 degrees, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
(HSEMA) will implement the Heat Emergency Plan and activate cooling centers
for residents in need of relief from the weather. Please keep the resources
below on hand should you need or encounter another in need:

Interactive map - [22]Click here for the 2020 cooling center map. Residents
may also type in an address to identify the closest cooling center
location's site addresses and hours of operation.

Transportation to Cooling Centers - If you or someone you know needs
transportation to a cooling center, call 202-399-7093.
* Safety at Cooling Sites - Due to COVID-19, upon entry at cooling sites
residents will be offered a mask. Individuals will be required to wear a
mask for their entire duration at the cooling site. Seating will be marked
off with tape to indicate required social distancing measures.

Pet Safety - For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in
extreme temperatures or in vehicles, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at
202-576-6664. For additional pet safety tips, visit [23]ready.dc.gov/pets.

DC Tag Deadline Extended!

Big News for College Applicants - In recognition of the great hardship
COVID-19 has caused to District families, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant
([24]DCTAG) progrM for District students attending out of state
universities has extended the deadline to complete the online application
to September 7th, 2020.

For more information, please contact your [25]DCTAG Counselor today!

Legislative Update: Care for LGBTQ Seniors

Years in the Making - Councilmember Cheh's "[26]Care for LGBTQ Seniors and
Seniors with HIV Amendment Act" has unanimously passed its first reading on
the Council. Many LGBTQ seniors and seniors with HIV report having been
subjected to institutionalized discrimination when accessing health care
and social services, making them statistically less likely to seek out
medical or palliative care. The District’s Human Rights Act does not
currently provide protections to LGBTQ seniors or seniors with HIV who are
living in long-term care.

This legislation establishes a “Bill or Rights” for seniors living in these
facilities, ensuring that they are treated respectfully and appropriately,
and mandates cultural competency training for caregivers in long-term care
facilities. In addition, the legislation would define LGBTQ seniors and
seniors with HIV as a group of “greatest social need,” a designation that
will enable the District to access federal funding under the “Older
Americans Act” to provide programming to this community.

The [27]Washington Blade extensively covered the multi-year effort to
advance this bill and an additional (final) vote will likely be held after
the Council returns from the recess period in September.

Volunteer with the Woodley Park Main Street

Love Woodley Park? - The Woodley Park Main Street is looking for creative
and engaging volunteers! Here are some ways residents can help the
community right now:

PHOTOGRAPHY: Enjoy being on urban safari? Help the Main Street build their
photo library of Woodley Park sites, businesses, and community members.

ONLINE EVENTS: Like to plan parties and line up special guests? Know how to
make Zoom meetings fun? Love trivia? the Main Street needs you on their
planning team!

[28]Sign-up here to share your ideas and interests with the [29]Woodley
Park Main Street

Ending this Update on a Happy Note:

Fire and Emergency Medical Services Rescues 6 Dogs from Burning Home

FEMS to the Rescue - Just yesterday, DC Firefighters successfully rescued
six dogs from a burning home on K Street, NW. Four of the home's occupants
had safely evacuated by the time first responders arrived on the scene, but
six dogs remained inside. After saving five of the animals, a firefighter
discovered a sixth lying unconscious in the basement beneath a table.

A member of the department's rescue squad carried the dog out to safety
worked with other firefighters to revive her by providing oxygen and water.

For video on this remarkable rescue, please see the following link:

[30]FEMS to the Rescue

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 [31]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.

[32]Facebook [33]Twitter

FOLLOW MARY

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