See all the latest updates from Councilmember McDuffie and our team

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Neighbor,

The last few weeks, I have been hearing from workers, small business owners and faith leaders that the District needs a reopening roadmap that brings our restrictions in line with neighboring states and gives residents the ability to plan for the future. On May 2nd, I sent a letter ([link removed]) to Mayor Bowser urging her to release a timeline and provide additional financial support to our struggling small businesses and hotels.

On Monday, I sent out a press release ([link removed]) reaffirming my call for a formal reopening plan with support from community stakeholders, business leaders and faith leaders. Following that press release, the Mayor announced a new timeline for when restrictions will lift. This roadmap gives businesses a plan for the future, enabling them to reopen, rehire and recover. We must continue to prioritize a safe and equitable economic recovery. We cannot get complacent about defeating this virus, but we are moving forward and on the right path.

In service,

Kenyan
In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:

* Legislative Update
* New Reopening Roadmap Released:
* New Rent and Utilities Relief Program - STAY DC
* Kenyan in The News
* Committee on Business and Economic Development 2021 Budget Hearing Schedule
* Kenyan in the Community
* Parking Enforcement & Ticket Amnesty Updates
* Small Business Spotlight
* Covid-19 Vaccine Update



** Legislative Update
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Last week, Councilmember McDuffie introduced the Child Wealth Building Act ([link removed]) and the Clean Hands Certification Equity Amendment Act ([link removed]) . The Child Wealth Building Act is a District 'Baby Bonds' proposal that would codify economic opportunity as a birthright for all Washingtonians. If passed, this bill would create a trust fund account for every child born in the District whose family income is at or below 500% of the federal poverty line, roughly $132,000 for a family of four. You can read Councilmember McDuffie's full press release on the bill's introduction here ([link removed]) .

This Clean Hands legislation would reduce the barriers imposed on small business owners, returning citizens and low-income residents to obtain licenses and permits. The current certification process is particularly burdensome for business operators who have been impacted by the pandemic. This bill reduces barriers by increasing the minimum amount of debt that would prevent an applicant from obtaining Clean Hands certification to $5,000 and reducing the types of debt that would restrict access to the certification.


** New Reopening Roadmap Released:
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Starting May 21st all bars and nightclubs will be able to open at 50% capacity and restrictions on other public and commercial activities including capacity limits will be lifted. Starting June 11th, all restrictions, including for bars, nightclubs and large sport/entertainment venues will be lifted. A full timeline can be found below. Mask wearing will still be required indoors until/unless that guideline changes.


** New Rent and Utilities Relief Program - STAY DC
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STAY DC, a new relief program made possible by new federal funding provides support for back rent to pay unpaid rent going back to 4/1/20, upcoming rent for up to 3 months, utility expenses for water, gas, & electricity, and extended housing support available for 18 months per tenant

Call 833-478-2932 to apply


** Kenyan in The News
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Between the Councilmember's new Child Wealth Building Act, his push for a reopening roadmap and his advocacy for a new Ivy City rec center, it was a busy news week. Catch up on some of the articles you may have missed that feature Councilmember McDuffie:

What If Low-Income D.C. Kids Had Trust Funds? With ’Baby Bonds,’ One Lawmaker Wants To Try It (DCist ([link removed]) )

Kenyan McDuffie, Others Push Mayor for a Clear Reopening Roadmap (City Paper ([link removed]) )

Inside the housing showdown in D.C.’s Ivy City, where kids have no place to play (Washington Post ([link removed]) )

DC Councilmember proposes trust fund program for babies born to low-income families (WUSA9 ([link removed]) )

Bowser Launches Disparity Study of D.C.'s Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses (Washington Informer ([link removed]) )

Does D.C. need to protect industrial land from redevelopment? It’s the latest comprehensive plan controversy (Washington Business Journal ([link removed]) )

Children in Ivy City have already waited too long for a place to play (Washington Post (http://) )

Robert Contee Confirmed as Chief of Metropolitan Police Department (City Paper (http://) )

Breaking out and dancing in DC (Jonetta Rose Barras ([link removed]) )


** Committee on Business and Economic Development 2021 Budget Hearing Schedule
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The Committee on Business and Economic Development has released its budget hearing schedule. We encourage the public to testify or submit written testimony for June 3rd and tune in to watch the rest of the budget hearings with government witnesses. If you are interested in testifying as a public witness, email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) by 5 PM on June 2nd.

Hearings can be viewed live at www.kenyanmcduffieward5.com/live


** Kenyan in the Community
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Today, Councilmember McDuffie met with DC Department of Transportation Director Lott for a walkthrough of Michigan Ave to discuss the numerous accidents on this street, share concerns he's heard from constituents and look for ways to prevent future accidents to keep residents safe.

Last week, Councilmember McDuffie joined representatives from UDC and Pepco to tour the new UDC Grown agricultural pod at the Bertie Backus campus in Ward 5. This initiative will cultivate more entrepreneurship in farming, expand access to healthy foods in communities that need them, and lay the foundation for urban agriculture moving forward.
Last week, Councilmember McDuffie spent the day meeting with residents, small business owners, educators, and community leaders in the Edgewood community.


** Parking Enforcement & Ticket Amnesty Updates
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Starting June 1st, District government will resume normal parking enforcement, vehicle towing, vehicle registrations, and inspection requirements. Additional enforcement measures till start on July 1st.
Starting June 1st, the annual fee for an RPP sticker will increase from $35 to $50 for the 1st vehicle registered in a household. An exemption exists for one resident age 65+ per household. Additional fees will apply to other vehicles in a household. More information here ([link removed]) .
The Mayor also announced a new ticket amnesty program. From June 1 until September 1, drivers will be able to pay outstanding tickets without paying any penalties w/ new ticket amnesty program.


** Small Business Spotlight
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Last Thursday, Councilmember McDuffie celebrated small business week by meeting with local business owners, including Republic Cantina's own Chris Svetlik, to discuss the importance of a safe reopening, increasing indoor dining capacity, and getting folks vaccinated. Make sure to support our Ward 5 businesses like Republic Cantina on N St!
[link removed]
The Small Business Administration has announced a $28.6 billion dollar Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which will provide assistance to eligible restaurants, bars, & businesses impacted by Covid. The funding will be equal to pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10M per biz ($5M per location). You can learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .
The Small Business Administration also re-opened the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application process soon. This $16B program will enable applicants affected by Covid to receive grants equalling up to 45% of gross earned revenue, up to $10M. You can learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .


** Covid-19 Vaccine Update
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There are now 12 walk-up vaccine sites open to residents 12 and older where you can go get vaccinated with no appointment necessary. There are three walk-up sites in Ward 5 - Langdon Park Community Center, Providence Health System, and Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. If you know someone who wants the vaccine but is homebound, they can set up an appointment to have the vaccine come to them by calling 1-855-363-0333.

The next Covid-19 vaccine day of action will be May 22nd. You can sign up to help get neighbors vaccinated here ([link removed]) .
You can see the slides from the Mayor's full situational update from May 10th here ([link removed]) .

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