November 10, 2016 | Vol. 2, Issue 43
Dear Washingtonians,
Throughout our country's history, courageous men and women have answered the call to protect and defend the freedom of all Americans and the core principles for which our country stands. Tomorrow, we honor the many selfless and patriotic veterans who have served our country in war and in peace.
Washington, DC is home to more than 25,000 veterans, and District residents continue to step forward and volunteer
to serve our great nation.
I encourage every veteran in the
District to reach out to the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs – it is dedicated to
serving the District’s veteran community, their families, survivors, and veteran
caregivers. The office exists to ensure that veterans, just like every resident in
the District, are able to find pathways to the middle class and take part in
the success we enjoy as a District.
Tomorrow, as we celebrate Veterans Day on the the 98th anniversary of the armistice
that ended World War I, be sure to thank a veteran.
Sincerely,
 Download the "Stat of the Week" and share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
On Tuesday, nearly 80 percent of District voters voted in favor of DC statehood. After the results came in, Mayor Bowser released the following statement:
"With massive turnout, District residents overwhelmingly voted to continue on our bold, new path to DC Statehood. Today, nearly 80% of District voters cast a ballot for full democracy and citizenship. We pause tonight to celebrate this remarkable milestone in the District's decades-long fight for fundamental fairness, and - with renewed energy and resolve - we will continue the march to convince the next President, Congress and the country that statehood for the District's 672,000 residents is a moral imperative.
I am grateful to our residents, to those who participated in the process by voting, and to the hundreds who volunteered their time to draft a state constitution that reflects our shared values. There will be many twists and turns ahead - just like there have been good days and not so good days in DC's history - but as we take this monumental step forward together, we can be sure that DC's best days are ahead of us."
Going forward, the Statehood Commission will submit information to the President and Congress, requesting admission to the United States. If Congress approves the request, then Washington, DC will become the 51st state in the nation.
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November is the start of the holiday and giving season - it’s a time to give back and give thanks to communities. From November 15 - December 15, the Bowser Administration will be sharing photos and videos on social media of the many things we are thankful for in DC.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and
show your followers what makes the District such a great place to live, work
and play by using the hashtag #ThankfulDC
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With housing covenants protecting over 13,000 of the District's affordable housing units, preserving affordable housing in Washington, DC is critically important.
To protect and preserve these units and others, Mayor Bowser created the DC Housing Preservation Strike Force in 2015. Yesterday, Mayor Bowser released the Strike Force Report, which includes a six-point plan to preserve affordable housing in Washington, DC. The plan will: 1) establish a preservation unit; 2) create a public-private preservation fund; 3) expand resources to preserve small properties; 4) adopt regulations for the District Opportunity to Purchase Act; 5) advance preservation through the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act; and 6) enhance programs to allow low income seniors to age in place.
Read the Strike Force Report at dhcd.dc.gov.
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Yesterday, Mayor Bowser joined the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
Director David Do at the second annual Diwali Reception. Diwali, also
known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over one billion Hindus, Jain
and Sikhs worldwide. This year’s celebration included cultural performances,
ethnic food, networking and a lamp lighting ceremony - a central tradition in
Diwali celebrations - and was overseen by Priest Shri Narayanachar of Sri Siva Vishnu
Temple.
At the event, Mayor Bowser presented a proclamation that recognized November 9, 2016
in Washington, DC as “Diwali Day."
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The Bowser Administration is working to make DC 311 more convenient and accessible for District residents.
The 311
call center is undergoing significant upgrades to improve efficiency and
accessibility. The Office of Unified Communications recently hired 35 additional call takers through
the Department
of Employment Services’ L.E.A.P. (Learn, Earn, Advance, Prosper) job
training and employment program. L.E.A.P., a network of interconnected partners
utilizing the “earn-and-learn” approach, links unemployed residents with
employment, education, and training opportunities.
There are also new ways to reach DC 311. Residents can text ‘MENU’ to DC311 (3-2-3-1-1) or use the online chat feature during business hours. Customers can also use the new and improved web portal at 311.dc.gov to submit requests to DC311. And, of course, residents can still call 311 or 202-737-4404 to request services.
Read more about
the recent 311 enhancements HERE.
Watch the most recent District Minute to learn more about what has been going on in DC. This week features stories about the signing of the Fraternal Order of Police DC Corrections Labor Union Working Conditions Bargaining Agreement; the tenth anniversary of the consolidation of 911 and 311 operations; and the DC Chamber Awards Gala.
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 The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) provides prevention, intervention and treatment services and support for children, youth and adults with mental and/or substance use disorders including emergency psychiatric care and community-based outpatient and residential services.
DBH has an opening for a food service worker. This position performs routine food service tasks at Saint Elizabeths Hospital and assists with menu review and food preparation. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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