The Ward 5 Report - Independence Day Edition
Council of the District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 06/26/2015 05:34 PM EDT
North Michigan Park Community Day Dear Reader,
As Fourth of July quickly approaches, I want to encourage you to review the Metropolitan Police Department's safety tips for fireworks. You can find more information below under "Announcements from the D.C. Government." Holidays are best observed when everyone enjoys the festivities, and no one gets hurt.
We are also approaching the Council's summer recess. Prior to recess, the Council will hold its final vote on the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Support Act. In addition, I am convening hearings on tackling truancy, the nominations for the District's next Fire Chief and Chief Administrative Law Judge, changes to the child support guidelines, and expanding language access in our schools. You can read more about our full legislative schedule in the "Legislative & Committee Updates" section.
Finally, I want to take this moment to recognize not only the independence of our nation, but today's ruling by the Supreme Court on marriage equality. Equality, in all its many forms-- across race, gender, class and sexual orientation-- was never meant to be aspirational. It is meant to be a reality. Let us celebrate the glimpses of the mountaintop along our continued journey. And let us not be satisfied until we are sitting atop that mountain.
Each and every one of us. In Service, Kenyan  Legislative & Committee UpdatesFiscal Year 2016 BudgetOn Tuesday, June 30, the Council of the District of Columbia will take its final vote on the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Support Act. In May, Councilmember McDuffie introduced his Ward 5 and public safety budget priorities, which received unanimous support by the Committee on the Judiciary and Council as a whole. To learn more about the Councilmember's Ward 5 and public safety priorities, please visit Councilmember McDuffie's website at http://www.kenyanmcduffie.com.
Tackling Truancy
On Monday, June 29, the Judiciary Committee, along with the Committee of the Whole and the Committee on Education will hold a public roundtable on Truancy and the Implementation of Truancy Reform Initiatives. Truancy continues to be a challenge for District schools, despite recent legislation targeted at reducing the problem. The purpose of the roundtable is to hear from public and government witnesses, including the Deputy Mayor for Education, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, the Child and Family Services Agency, the District of Columbia Public Schools, the Public Charter School Board, and the Justice Grants Administration.
If you are interested in testifying or attending the hearing, please visit the Council's website at http://dccouncil.us/events.
Fire Chief and Chief Administrative Law Judge nominations, child support guidelines
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On Tuesday, June 16, Councilmember
McDuffie presented a posthumous resolution to the family and friends of
Coach Simmeon Williams at Langdon Park Community Center.
Coach Williams dedicated his life to the District's youth through
athletics and recreational programing, particularly in Ward 5. Coach Williams, who began coaching at the age of 16, worked at several Department of Parks and Recreation Center sites, including Taft, Joseph H. Cole, and Marie Reed Recreation Centers. He also coached boys basketball at John Burroughs and McKinley Tech Education Campuses.
The ceremonial resolution was signed by every member of the Council of the District of Columbia.
Emergency Preparedness for seniors
On Monday, June 22, Councilmember McDuffie met with members of Wesley House Senior Apartments' residence council to discuss what to do when faced with an emergency situation. Due to recent severe thunderstorms, the Councilmember highlighted the importance of taking precautionary steps and following Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency's (HSEMA) recommendations when experiencing inclement weather, or worse.
To learn more about HSEMA's recommendations, please visit HSEMA's website at http://hsema.dc.gov, or call (202) 727-6161.
Community Bulletin Board
Seventh Annual DC Housing Expo
Saturday, June 27
11 AM
Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place NW
DC Clean Rivers Project First Street Tunnel Forum Community Meeting to Discuss Project Work Hours
Saturday, June 27
10 AM
St. George’s Episcopal Church
160 U Street NW
Coffee and donuts will be served
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DC Water will be hosting a meeting regarding the potential to extend construction work hours associated with the First Street Tunnel Project.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Tom Lindberg at (202) 787-4738 or Vickey Wilcher at (202) 787-4717.
Metro Movie Night at Fort Totten Station
Saturday, July 11
Dusk (Approximately 8:30 PM)
Fort Totten Metro Station's parking lot
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Metro invites you and your family to a night under the stars! The first-ever Metro Movie Night will be held on Saturday, July 11 at the Fort Totten Metrorail Station parking lot. This family-friendly event is free for all guests.
Bring your lawn chairs, snacks and beverages to this special screening of the DreamWorks animated film "Bee Movie". Gates open at 5 pm and guests can enjoy interactive sports games and music, or just sit back and relax with friends and neighbors, until the movie starts at dusk (approximately 8:30 pm).
Stay Connected
For more information, please visit http://www.kenyanmcduffie.com or contact our office at (202) 724-8028. Follow Councilmember McDuffie at twitter.com/CM_McDuffie and/or facebook.com/KenyanRMcDuffie.
