November 9, 2017 | Vol. 3, Issue 45
Dear Washingtonians,
When I think about the many contributions that veterans have made to our local government and to the nation’s capital, I feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude. The courageous men and women who have served in our military remind us there is no greater calling than service to others. They teach us what it means to sacrifice for a larger cause. And they show us the importance of putting country before self.
On this Veterans Day, and every day throughout the year, let’s reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the millions of veterans living throughout the United States. Let's show our gratitude by defending and promoting the local and federal policies and programs that have been put in place to support them. There is no greater debt our country owes than taking care of veterans after they have served, and we can only meet that obligation when local and federal leaders work in collaboration. Together, we can do things like build the North Capitol Commons, an affordable housing residence that includes 60 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans in Washington, DC. Together, we can help our veterans purchase homes, find employment, and get connected to the resources they need to thrive.
On Monday, I will join leaders from around the region in calling on Congress to preserve the deductions, bonds, and tax credits that benefit thousands of Washingtonians and millions of other Americans each year. We must preserve the resources that make projects like North Capitol Commons possible.
On behalf of the 680,000 residents of Washington, DC, I want to say thank you to the 30,000 veterans living in our community and all who have served and continue to serve our country.
Sincerely,
This week, the Bowser Administration launched Vets Ride, a new pilot program that will support the transportation needs of District veterans. Through this collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs and the Department of For-Hire Vehicles, veterans in Washington, DC with an annual income of less than $30,000 will be eligible for free taxi rides to medical treatment and/or appointments, educational opportunities, and employment.
For more information, call (202) 724-5454.
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On November 1, Mayor Bowser kicked off open enrollment in Washington, DC. Despite the federal marketplace now limiting its open enrollment period to six weeks, families and individuals in the District can sign up for or re-enroll in health insurance through DCHealthLink.com until January 31, 2018.
Go to DCHealthLink.com to sign up today.
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Spread the word: On Saturday, November 18, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is hosting an Early Childhood Educator Fair for child development center teachers, assistant teachers, and home caregivers in Wards 7 and 8.
Sponsored by OSSE’s Division of Early Learning, this event will help current child development educators and home caregivers learn how to start and complete their Child Development Associate credential and associate degree in early childhood education.
Learn more and register HERE.
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As of this fall, each ward has one DC Public Library that stays open on select holidays. The selected libraries were open on Columbus Day and will also be open on Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, and Emancipation Day.
The selected libraries include:
- Mount Pleasant Library (Ward 1)
- Georgetown Library (Ward 2)
- Tenley-Friendship Library (Ward 3)
- Petworth Library (Ward 4)
- Woodridge Library (Ward 5)
- Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library (Ward 6)
- Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library (Ward 7)
- Anacostia Library (Ward 8)
The libraries were selected based on their size and close proximity to public transportation. Learn more about the location and hours of each library at dclibrary.org.
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This week’s District Minute features stories about the DC Health Fair, Mayor Bowser's #BeTheMovement Women's Leadership Conference, and the kickoff of the District's 2017-2018 leaf collection program.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is the state education agency for Washington, DC charged with raising the quality of education for all DC residents.
OSSE has an opening for a Community Relations Specialist. This position is located in OSSE's Division of Data, Assessment, and Research and is responsible for improving the division's communications strategies and supporting internal knowledge management. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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