| Friends,
This week, I chaired the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization's public hearing on two pieces of proposed legislation: Councilmember Robert White's bill that will foster senior cohabitation, fondly known as, "The Golden Girls" bill and legislation I authored that will keep seniors housing units cool in warmer months by requiring landlords to provide air conditioning units. We will continue to work towards moving these bills forward to the full Council.
I also attended several Committee of the Whole/Committee on Education joint hearings on school safety to determine school safety provisions; increasing data collection and transparency on the hiring and retaining of teachers. During today's public roundtable on reopening public schools, Chancellor Lewis Ferebee stated, "A core part of this work (reopening). We are committed to clear lines of communication and authentic engagement with both our families and schools staff." The current plan is to open every DCPS Elementary Schools for students on November 9, 2020. Visit dcpsreopenstrong.com for more information.
I have created a brief survey to hear your thoughts on schools reopening and distance learning and will appreciate your response (below).
Finally, lets all remember to vote-- either by mail, drop box, or in-person. In-person Early Voting begins on October 27 with curb-side voting, if needed. Details on how to track your ballot, and on drop boxes and voting site locations are below.
As always, my staff and I look forward to assisting you and your family on any matter, please don’t hesitate to call 202-724-8064 or email me at abonds@dccouncil.us.
Stay safe and healthy,
Anita
TAKE THE SURVEY ON SCHOOLS REOPENING
Does your child attend DC Public Schools? Please take a few minutes to complete these general questions on the reopening of our DCPS Elementary Schools.
TAKE THE SURVEY HERE.
DC COUNCIL PASSES EMERGENCY LEGISLATION
On October 20, the Council of the District of Columbia gave unanimously approved emergency legislation to provide more renter assistance funds to those affected by the pandemic, to authorize legality of remote meetings of Condo Associations, and to extend unemployment benefits.
Bill 23-0938 - Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Temporary Amendment Act of 2020, introduced by Chairman Mendelson and Councilmember Bonds, reforms the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to aid tenants in their recovery from the public health emergency and to reduce administrative barriers to Emergency Rental Assistance Program payments for tenants in need.For rent assistance, visit Coronavirus.dc.gov/rent.
B23-0981 - Common Interest Community Virtual Meeting Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, introduced by Chairman Mendelson and Councilmember Bonds, amends Title 29 of the District of Columbia official code to authorize remote meetings of foreign corporations and associations; the Condominium Act to authorize Condominium Unit Owners Associations to conduct virtual meetings and clarify voting and quorum requirements for such meetings, during a time for which the Mayor has declared a public health emergency; and the Coronavirus Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2020 to remove a discrepancy with regard to the Mayor's public health emergency authority.
B23-0983 - Unemployment Benefits Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, introduced by Councilmember Silverman, amends the District of Columbia Unemployment Compensation Act to qualify District workers for additional seven weeks of unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits under the extended benefits program.
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COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
ANITA BONDS, CHAIRPERSON
COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
ANNOUNCES A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE COMMITTEE
on
Friday, October 30, 2020, 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
on
B23-0338 – “Eviction Record Sealing Authority Amendment Act of 2019”
On Friday, October 30, 2020, Councilmember Anita Bonds, Chairperson of the Committee on Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization, will hold a public hearing on Bill 23-0338. The hearing will take place via a web conferencing platform.
The purpose of Bill 23-0338 is to increase the rights of all tenants by requiring the Court to seal certain eviction records and to prohibit discrimination in housing based on a person having a sealed eviction record among other things
Additionally, the bill requires landlords provide 30 days written notice to the Rent Administrator and tenant prior to evicting a tenant for nonpayment of rent.
WATCH LIVE
– On the Council site, at https://bit.ly/2ooL0l1
– On the OCTFME site, at https://bit.ly/2JNZIro
– On TV, usually Channel 13
The Committee invites the public to testify remotely or to submit written testimony. Anyone wishing to testify must sign up in advance by contacting the Committee by e-mail at housing@dccouncil.us, and provide their name, phone number or e-mail, organizational affiliation, and title (if any) by the close of business on Monday, October 26, 2020.
UPCOMING HEARINGS
Monday, November 9, 2020, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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B23-0873 – “Rent Stabilization Program Reform and Expansion Amendment Act of 2020”
-
B23-0972 – “Hardship Petition Reform Amendment Act of 2020”
NEW HOUSING COMMITTEE TWITTER ACCOUNT
The Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization is now on Twitter to keep you informed of important committee business.
Please follow us at Twitter.com/DCOHNR
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NEW CORONAVIRUS EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION APP
 Beginning Tuesday, October 20, DC residents have the option to participate in DC CAN, a new alert notification system that allows smart phone users to receive an alert when they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. DC CAN is the official COVID-19 exposure notification app for Washington, DC and will help users know their exposure history and will alert a user if they have been exposed with directions on steps to take. The more residents that opt into the system the better for helping to slow the spread of the virus. DC CAN protects users’ privacy and data security.
To have the app installed on your device, visit HERE
NEW TRACK YOUR BALLOT WEBSITE
55 DROP BOXES NOW OPEN
EARLY VOTING BEGINS OCTOBER 27
 DC Board of Elections has a NEW ballot tracking system called Ballotrax. HERE.
Ballotrax can give the most updated information on your ballot immediately. You can also set alerts to let you know via email or text when your ballot is accepted.
NOMINATE A COMMUNITY HERO BY NOVEMBER 15TH!
FOR THE
6th ANNUAL COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES AWARDS
 During this COVID-19 pandemic, many DC residents, organizations and businesses are also providing outstanding services that are truly worthy of recognition. Make a nomination and inform us of their accomplishments.
The Community Cornerstone Awards Ceremony is being planned for February 2021.
Click here to make a COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE nomination today.
NEW GROCERY DISTRIBUTION SITES
  
 For comprehensive information concerning the Coronavirus data, the District's response, assistance, food, testing, statistics, and recovery, visit Coronavirus.DC.gov.
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