June 8, 2016 | Volume 2, Issue 22
Dear Washingtonians,
Yesterday, we took a big step in our
Fight for $15. I stood with members of the DC Council,
representatives from business and labor, and workers as we announced a path forward. Following that announcement,
the Council passed legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour and the tipped minimum wage to $5 per hour by 2020.
Raising the wage is the single most effective way we can help
working families in the District
of Columbia.
Things are looking good in DC. Since January
2015, we brought unemployment down by a full percentage point, adding 23,000
jobs – nearly 20,000 of which came from the private sector. Unemployment is
down by 3% in Ward 7 (which is now below 10%, for the first time since
2007) and 4.1%
in Ward 8.
Without a doubt, there is tremendous growth and prosperity in
the District. And by raising the wage, we will ensure that every
Washingtonian has a chance to participate in that prosperity – and has a fair shot at
a good life here in DC.
Sincerely,
Countdown to the
Constitutional Convention: 5 Days!
The
New Columbia
Statehood Commission (NCSC) continues to take steps toward
achieving statehood for the District of Columbia. The Commission has
released a draft Constitution and has begun
hosting working group meetings, as well as community town hall events throughout the city
to receive public comments on the draft constitution. The full list of
upcoming community town halls can be found at statehood.dc.gov.
The constitution is also available at statehood.dc.gov
for both review and comment by residents who
may prefer to share feedback online.
Please
consider joining us by signing up for a working group or attending a town hall.
Your feedback is important. We need your help to achieve statehood and full
representation in Congress.
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ICYMI: The United Medical Center's Board of Directors voted to approve a site selection study in support of the District's plans to create a new hospital east of the Anacostia River. Learn more about this decision HERE.
WMATA’s
SafeTrack program began last Saturday and will continue throughout
the next year, making critical repairs to segments of every metro
line. While WMATA
is working on repairs, the Bowser Administration is focusing on easing the
burden on District residents and visitors. Individuals traveling throughout the
District are encouraged to visit SafeTrack.goDCgo.com for travel
resources, tips, and information. Planning ahead during this period is
essential.
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Yesterday, Mayor Bowser joined second graders at Watkins Elementary School in Eastern Market for a reading session. After a conversation on the importance of public service, Mayor Bowser read, Grace for President, by Kelly DiPucchio - a story about a student who decides to participate in her school's mock election when she realizes there has never been a female president.
Mayor Bowser also reminded students to get involved in this years' DC Public Library Summer Reading Program. All kids over age five and teens who reach their summer reading goal will win two tickets to a Washington Nationals baseball game. To learn more about the Library’s summer reading program, visit your local library or visit summer.dc.gov.
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On Saturday, Mayor Bowser attended the Parkside neighborhood's community celebration in Ward 7 and introduced one of the event's main attractions, the Trouble Funk Band. The afternoon was full of great entertainment, food, and plenty of fun.
This
Saturday, June 11th features another festive event, Capital Pride! Pride
is the annual celebration for the national capital region's LGBTQ community.
Want to walk with Mayor Bowser in the parade? RSVP to join her HERE. Parade walkers should plan to meet at
the corner of 23rd and P Streets, NW by 3:30 p.m. For more information, email lgbtq@dc.gov.
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The DC Free Summer Meals Program offers free meals to all children 18 years and younger at all open meal sites in the District through August. The program operates from Monday through Friday and on weekends at select locations around the city. Residents can call-211 or 866-3-HUNGRY; text “FOOD” to 877-877. Visit summer.dc.gov for more info.
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 Next Saturday, June 11th
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
is hosting its eighth annual DC Housing Expo and Home Show, the one-stop
shop for all resources for homeowners, tenants,
residents facing foreclosure, small business owners, seniors, the youth, and
community leaders
More than 5,000 people are
expected to attend this all-day event, which will provide invaluable
information and guidance for all current and potential renters and homeowners
in the District of Columbia. For more info, visit to dhcd.dc.gov/2016expo.
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The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises many of the District of Columbia's recreation/community centers, parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, spray parks, tennis courts, community gardens, dog parks, aquatic facilities and features.
DPR has openings for lifeguards to join the summer aquatics team. Lifeguards protect the health and safety of swimming pool patrons and assist in maintaining the cleanliness and quality of the pool water. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications,
can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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