May 9, 2019 | Vol. 5, Issue 19
Dear Washingtonians,
Last week, I unveiled legislation that will allow for the sale of recreational cannabis in Washington, DC.
In addition to providing safety and clarity, the Safe Cannabis Sales Act of 2019 will promote equity by ensuring that the benefits of this new system – from jobs to revenue – go to communities that have been disproportionately hurt by marijuana criminalization.
For far too long, the possession of marijuana has been a pipeline to prison, especially for black men in our community. Now, we are taking a bold step to replace that pipeline with a pathway to prosperity.
When our city voted in favor of Initiative 71, which legalized adult possession and home use of marijuana, we did so with the understanding that the District would then set up a tax and regulate system. Unfortunately, before the DC Council could enact such a system, Congress stepped in and made it illegal for our city to use local funds to fully enact Initiative 71 in a safe and regulated manner. This has created a confusing and unsafe situation for our city and our residents.
By legalizing the sale of recreational marijuana, we can provide our community with safety, clarity, and equity.
Sign our petition and join us in urging Congress to let the District make our own decisions about how to regulate marijuana.
Sincerely,
 This week, Mayor Bowser announced that DC Circulator ridership continued to increase in April, the third month of free DC Circulator service. In April 2019, nearly 150,000 more passengers rode the DC Circulator than in April 2018, a 37 percent increase in ridership.
Amidst rising ridership, the Mayor has proposed keeping the Circulator free and now joins residents from across the city in calling on the Council to fund a free DC Circulator.
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 In recognition of International Compost Awareness Week, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be offering free kitchen caddies and compost soil samples at food waste drop-off locations on Saturday, May 11. The caddies and compost will be available to the first 50 participants at each location. Find open locations HERE.
Since Mayor Bowser launched the food waste drop-off program in 2017, the District has collected more than 527,916 pounds of organics from more than 83,584 participants in all eight wards. Food waste is the single largest component going into landfills, and landfills are the third largest source of methane in the U.S., according to the USDA. Diverting food waste from landfills and turning it into compost contributes to a greener and healthier planet.
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 On Wednesday, May 15, join the Mayor's Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives for a mommy and me yoga workout, featuring meditation. Moms and babies, moms and children, and moms-to-be are welcome!
Learn more and RSVP HERE.
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This week’s District Minute features stories about the Safe Cannabis Sales Act of 2019, the opening of a new childcare and co-working facility, and the 40th Annual Washington Area Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service.
 The mission of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is to provide court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive residents by building on the strengths of youth and their families in the least restrictive, most home-like environment consistent with public safety.
DYRS has an opening for a Juvenile Justice Institutional Counselor. This position is responsible for coordinating the development of Temporary Service Plans and Individual Service Plans with education, recreation, mental health, and medical services and overseeing the implementation of plans. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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