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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 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 The Washington Post or 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 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
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Mayor to Sign Mandatory Mask Order |
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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.
Read the Full Story
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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) online or by calling 202-442-4423. After hours complaints to ABRA may be made by calling 202-329-6347.
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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
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Limiting the number of visitors by requiring a free, timed-entry pass in advance of one's visit (the Zoo will release 5,000 timed passes per day)
- 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 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: Welcome Back.
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Legislative Update: Vision Zero Omnibus Receives First Vote |
Vision Zero Advances - The 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
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Requiring DDOT to construct a protected bicycle lane when doing construction on a road segment where the 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 report or news coverage from DCist.
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Expired Documents & the DMV |
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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 a copy of this memo printed out and on hand when you’re driving outside of the District.
Listen to the Full Story
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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.
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.
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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 - 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.
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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 ready.dc.gov/pets.
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DC Tag Deadline Extended! |
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Big News for College Applicants - In recognition of the great hardship COVID-19 has caused to District families, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (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 DCTAG Counselor today!
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Legislative Update: Care for LGBTQ Seniors |
Years in the Making - Councilmember Cheh's "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 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.
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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!
Sign-up here to share your ideas and interests with the Woodley Park Main Street
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Ending this Update on a Happy Note:
Fire and Emergency Medical Services Rescues 6 Dogs from Burning Home
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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:
FEMS to the Rescue
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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 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.
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