Congress is at it again!
 
As many of you have heard, the US House of Representatives will soon vote on a pair of bills that would overturn two laws that the DC Council overwhelmingly passed last year. The first, House Joint Resolution 26, disapproves “the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022." The second, House Joint Resolution 24, disapproves “the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022." Both bills have been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
 
The new House Republican majority, no surprises here, is determined to undermine the will of a majority of DC voters. For example, House Joint Resolution 24 would overturn legislation passed by the D.C. Council that will allow undocumented residents to vote in local elections, beginning in 2024. The attempted passage of both bill are, no doubt, just the first of many that DC residents can expect during the 118th Congress that will negatively impact the District's 700,000 residents.
 
While the Council can hold hearings, listen to its constituents, vote, and pass bills to better serve the over 700,00 DC residents, the process does not stop there.  You see, all bills passed by the Council are subject to congressional approval. We must send a strong message to Congress to stop interfering in the matters of DC residents.  Therefore, I, along, with my colleagues, have sent a joint letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressing concerns over both proposed measures. 
 
The Republican House majority on Capitol Hill who are making decisions for us, don’t look like us, are not elected by us, and therefore, should not try to govern for us.  Those of us who live in DC know what is best for us. We do not need Congress to tell us what we should or should not have in DC.  We are already without a vote in Congress.  It is time we have full autonomy over our affairs.  It’s time for Statehood.   
 
Stand up and speak out to save our democracy.  Our future depends on it.

Don’t just stand there.  Do something. 

It is a honor to serve the residents of Ward 8.

Peace and love,

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
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Emmitt Till & Mamie Till-Mobley:  Let the World See is a touring exhibition recommended for visitors ages 10 and up that shares the story of how a mother's bravery and fight for justice more than six decades ago fueled the civil rights movement in America.  It provides a framework for people and communities committed to racial healing.  The exhibition will be at the Martin Luther King Jr., Library through March 12th. 

For more information, visit https://www.dclibrary.org/lettheworldsee

Monique Diop

Job Title
Director of Constituent Services for the office of Councilmember Trayon White

What are some specific duties you do at work?
I will be coordinating incoming issues and concerns from the people we serve. Our office will continue to connect with constituents and agencies to advise Councilmember White on matters concerning our Stakeholders.

What's your favorite food?
Thiéboundienne! It’s a very fancy Senegalese Fish, vegetables, and Rice Dish!

What's your favorite movie?
Grease II. I cannot sing, but I love to sing

What's something you're proud of?  
Moving to Washington D.C. on my own at the age of 23.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I have a very green thumb! I can grow anything and can bring back most plants to vibrancy.

Are you a morning person or a night person?
I love the wee hours. Night or morning, is the time when everyone else is asleep, and it’s so peaceful and quiet, you can really sit and think. I get up every day at 6 am to start my morning meditation, but that doesn’t mean things don’t keep me up late at night.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A reporter, but being an ANC for so long, allowed me to inform the community. I love to advise, matter of fact, the name Monique, means “Advisor”

What motivates you at work?
I love to work on issues and see them come to fruition in my community. It's very satisfying when we can increase communication and get more people in our neighborhoods involved with civic issues.

What's your favorite work-related memory?
Once we took a field trip to Hershey Park Pa, and our manager, Mr. Lewindowsky let the entire crew pour chocolate all over his head! It was great!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself continuing to work for the District Government in any capacity that serves the community.

What are your greatest accomplishments thus far?
Clearing up my credit and paying off my debt.

What do you love about Ward 8?
I love Ward 8 because the people bring me joy. I love working with children because they are loving, ambitious, and very helpful. The teens think they are hipp and they have great dance moves! The seniors are historians and tell you all about the area. There are so many historic places to explore, and so many green spaces to relax in, our streets are wide, and we have abundant trees, places to park, and the best breathtaking city views.

What else do you want to share about yourself?
I’m an easygoing person who can talk to anyone, even if they don’t speak my language. I am an avid listener & professional storyteller. My motto in life is, to take a chance!
 

On Tuesday, February 7, the Committee of the Whole met for the third legislative meeting of Council Period 25.  

Councilmember White’s legislation supporting the nomination of LaToya Foster as Director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Media, and Entertainment was approved unanimously.  

Councilmember White also introduced the Rare Disease Day Recognition Resolution of 2023, which recognizes the need to raise awareness for rare diseases, honors rare disease patients and families in the District, thanks the National Organization for Rare Disorders and rare disease advocacy groups for their tireless work, and declares  February 28th, 2023 as Rare Disease Day in the District of Columbia. The legislation passed unanimously.  

Councilmember White also introduced two pieces of legislation alongside Chairman Mendelson to fill gaps during Congressional review, the River East at Grandview Condominium Property Tax Exemption Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2023. This legislation will amend District law of to provide for an extended real property tax exemption for unit owners of the River East at Grandview Condominiums while the state of the property is being resolved.  The emergency act passed unanimously.