Grosso Introduces LGBTQ Cultural Competency Legislation for Clinical Medical Providers

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2015

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Introduces LGBTQ Cultural Competency Legislation for Clinical Medical Providers

Washington, D.C.—Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced legislation seeking to narrow LGBT health disparities in the District of Columbia with the introduction of the “LGBTQ Cultural Competency Continuing Education Amendment Act of 2015.” The legislation requires two credits of instruction on cultural competency or specialized clinical training focusing on patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming, queer, or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

 “Over 66,000 LGBTQ citizens reside in D.C., and they deserve access to medical professionals who are sensitive to and knowledgeable about the unique health needs of the LGBTQ community,” said Grosso.

According to the Joint Commission field guide, “Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and Patient- and Family-Centered Care for the LGBT Community,” LGBTQ patients face barriers to equitable care, such as refusals of care, delayed or substandard care, mistreatment, inequitable policies and practices, little or no inclusion in health outreach or education, and inappropriate restrictions or limits on visitations. These factors contribute to higher instances of chronic conditions among LGBTQ individuals; higher infection rates of STDs and HIV; higher prevalence of suicide attempts, mental health illness such as anxiety, depression, and addiction; and higher instances of some cancers.

“LGBTQ health disparities are real and this is a contribution to our efforts to narrow those disparities in the District of Columbia. I am proud that my colleague from Ward 7, Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Yvette Alexander joined me in co-introducing this bill. Together, we will continue to ensure the LGBTQ community enjoys a greater quality of life in the District of Columbia,” said Grosso.

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Grosso Will Vote “No” on D.C. Jail Healthcare Services Contract

For Immediate Release
April 10, 2015

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Will Vote “No” on D.C. Jail Healthcare Services Contract

Washington, D.C. –- Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) released the following statement today on his plan to break with his history of abstaining from votes on contracts before the D.C. Council:

"On Tuesday, the Council is scheduled to vote on a contract to provide healthcare services to inmates across D.C. Department of Corrections facilities.  I will vote "no."  This decision was not made lightly; sometimes one strong, principled stance outweighs another principled stance. And, after careful consideration and a review of Corizon Health, Inc.'s well-documented history of failing to provide adequate medical care to inmates across the country, I must take a strong stand.

"In my time on the Council I have championed good government and ethics reform. I believe the Council's role in voting on contracts over $1 million can be used as a vehicle for corruption and I have consistently voted "present" on those contracts. Despite this practice, it has always been my contention that Council oversight of the contracting and procurement process is critical. Even if the Council was not required to vote on contracts, I would still work diligently to prevent this company from operating in the D.C. Jail given their objectionable track record.

"Awarding this contract would be an absolute failure of government to protect the health and well-being of District of Columbia residents who are in jail. Corizon's history of failing to provide necessary medical care, allowing extreme delays in medical services to persist and operating substandard facilities cannot and should not be ignored. The circumstances surrounding this contract are too egregious to overlook.

“Just as I have worked to encourage greater government transparency, accountability and heightened ethics standards, I have also grounded all of my work on the Council in the principles of human rights.  Our inmates, just like everyone else, deserve to be treated with dignity.  Those in D.C. corrections facilities have a human right to the highest standard of healthcare and safeguarding those rights is imperative.  Therefore, I am obligated to take this deliberate, important and principled stance against this contract.”

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Grosso Calls for Ban on D.C. Travel to Indiana

For Immediate Release
March 30, 2015

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Calls for Ban on D.C. Travel to Indiana

Washington, D.C. – Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) is calling for a ban on the use of public funds for travel to the State of Indiana after Governor Pence legalized and defended anti-LGBTQ discrimination. Governor Pence signed legislation on Thursday, March 26, 2015, which legalizes discrimination based on religious beliefs.

“Discrimination has no place in the District of Columbia, and our public employees should not be forced to travel to a place that prides itself on fueling anti-LGBTQ animosity. The blatant bigotry on display by Governor Pence and the legislature leads me to believe that Indiana is not a safe place for our public employees to travel. Our government should not support any jurisdiction that displays such bigotry, and the Mayor should ban all publicly financed travel to Indiana and stand firmly with our LGBTQ public servants and residents,” said Grosso.

“The District of Columbia has a strong record of support for our LGBTQ residents and employees by protecting all individuals from discrimination. My ‘Reproductive Health Nondiscrimination Act’ that is currently being challenged by Republicans in Congress, would ban this kind of religious discrimination by private employers for employees seeking abortion services. Religious discrimination rephrased as ‘religious freedom’ is still discrimination, whether it is discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity—it has no place in the District of Columbia.”

Grosso has a strong record of support for the LGBTQ community including support for repeal of the discriminatory Armstrong Amendment, which allowed for religious discrimination in higher education; banning so-called conversion therapy for LGBT youth; and support for LGBT homeless youth support services, among many others.

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Grosso: Senators’ Hypocrisy Shocking but Not Surprising

For Immediate Release
March 19, 2015

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105

Grosso: Senators’ Hypocrisy Shocking but Not Surprising

Washington, DC -- Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) issued the following statement in response to the introduction in the Senate of disapproval resolutions targeting two D.C. human rights laws, the Reproductive Health Non-discrimination Amendment Act of 2014 and the Human Rights Amendment Act of 2014:

“It is truly disturbing that Senators Ted Cruz and James Lankford are so interested in defending the right to discriminate. My bill to prevent discrimination against people in the workplace by employers regarding their employees’ reproductive health choices protects residents, especially women. The Human Rights Amendment Act, which I strongly supported, fixes an exception to our city’s robust non-discrimination laws to ensure that all educational institutions treat students fairly, and is in line with a 1987 court decision. It is my strong belief that the First Amendment of the Constitution safeguards both the exercise of an individual’s right to practice religion as well as an individual’s right to be protected from religions.

Equally galling is that just last month Mr. Cruz introduced a bill to allegedly defend states’ rights to set their own laws regarding marriage. On his website, Mr. Cruz describes himself as “a passionate fighter for limited government.” Yet here we find him actively undermining the unanimous votes of D.C.’s elected officials.

I am sick and tired of the grandstanding and political pandering of members of Congress who see meddling in D.C. affairs as an easy way to win partisan points. These Senators wouldn’t dare propose a bill to overturn laws in Texas or Oklahoma. Tactics like these highlight the need for legislative and budget autonomy for the District of Columbia.

In D.C. we stand for the human rights of workers, students, women, LGBT folks, and all people. There is no human right to discriminate. Senators Cruz and Lankford should sort out their ideological confusion and respect the District of Columbia’s self-governance.”

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Grosso’s Bill Eliminates Civil Statute of Limitations in Child Sex Abuse Cases

For Immediate Release
March 17, 2015

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105

Grosso’s Bill Eliminates Civil Statute of Limitations in Child Sex Abuse Cases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced the Childhood Protection Against Sexual Abuse Amendment Act of 2015. This legislation would eliminate the statute of limitations for the recovery of damages arising out of sexual abuse that occurred when a victim was a minor.  Additionally, the bill creates a two-year window for individuals whose claims were previously time-barred.

“There are few actions more depraved than sexual violence or abuse against children,” said Grosso. “Because most victims of childhood sexual abuse do not come forward until much later in their adult lives, we need to ensure that the statute of limitations is not a barrier to justice.  A person who victimizes a child should never be able to hide behind time.”

Currently there are seven states that no longer have a civil statute of limitations for claims of childhood sexual abuse.  Last week, the Utah state legislature passed similar legislation, removing the statute of limitations for civil actions against perpetrators of child sex abuse.

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Kicking off Women’s History Month, Grosso Introduces Bill to Ensure Gender Equity in D.C.

For Immediate Release
March 3, 2015

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105

Kicking off Women’s History Month, Grosso Introduces Bill to Ensure Gender Equity in D.C.

Washington, D.C. — Today, in honor of Women’s History Month and the International Women’s Day on March 8, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced the Local Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Amendment Act of 2015. The United Nations General Assembly adopted CEDAW in 1979 and President Carter signed the treaty on behalf of the United States in 1980; however, the United States Senate has not yet ratified CEDAW. In 2014, municipalities across the nation began signing onto the Cities for CEDAW initiative, pledging to implement the principles of CEDAW at the local level in light of the Senate’s failure to act.  The U.S. is one of only eight countries that has not ratified the treaty. Countries that ratify CEDAW are mandated to condemn all forms of discrimination against women and girls and to ensure gender equality in the civil, political, economic, educational,  social and cultural arenas.

“In D.C., we already have some of the strongest human rights protections for women and girls in the country,” said Grosso. “In honor of Women’s History Month, I am introducing this legislation to ensure that all of our government agencies are working proactively for gender equality.”

Under the legislation, D.C. government agencies will be required to conduct gender analysis reporting, including data analysis, to assess gender equity in their operations. The bill also calls for an annual citywide action plan to address any deficiencies identified in the gender analysis reporting. Such analysis and evaluation will help identify and remedy structural gender inequalities in the D.C. government.

Additionally, March 3 is the International Sex Worker Rights Day and CEDAW notes how sex workers are particularly vulnerable to violence and other human rights abuses due to stigma and criminalization. Grosso has previously called for a greater emphasis on protecting the human rights of those involved in commercial sex.

Grosso Supports Deputy Mayor’s Plan for Community Academy Public Charter School Closure

For Immediate Release
February 19, 2015

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Supports Deputy Mayor’s Plan for Community Academy Public Charter School Closure

Councilmember Grosso (I-At Large), Chairman of the Committee on Education released the following statement regarding the vote today by the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board (PCSB) to revoke the charter for Community Academy Public Charter School (CAPCS):

This morning, the PCSB voted to revoke the charter of CAPCS.  The Deputy Mayor for Education announced a collaborative plan for school year 2016-2017 that includes Friendship Public Charter Schools, D.C. Bilingual Public Charter School, and the Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools that will ensure continuity of education services for all students enrolled at CAPCS campuses or the online program.  The CAPCS charter will remain effective until June 30, 2015. 

I have been fully briefed by Deputy Mayor Niles on the future plans for the CAPCS campuses and the steps that will be taken to move the process forward to meet the needs of each student.  I will work closely with the Deputy Mayor and the Public Charter School Board to ensure that all of the necessary systems are in place for the successful implementation of this plan.

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Grosso Introduces Bill to Expand Voting Rights in Local Elections to Permanent Resident Immigrants in D.C.

For Immediate Release
January 20, 2015

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Introduces Bill to Expand Voting Rights in Local Elections to Permanent Resident Immigrants in D.C.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At-Large) introduced the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015, a bill to grant voting rights in local municipal elections to all non-citizens in D.C. with permanent residency immigration status.

The full text of Grosso's statement follows:

This morning along with Councilmembers Allen, Nadeau, Evans and Silverman, I introduced the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015. This bill would grant voting rights in local municipal elections to D.C. residents who are not U.S. citizens but have permanent residency status.

“All politics is local” is a common phrase in the U.S. political system and what most District residents care about are the tangible things that affect their day-to-day lives like potholes, playgrounds, taxes, snow removal, trash collection, red light cameras and more.  All of these issues are important to voters in D.C.  Unfortunately, not all of our residents have a say in choosing the officials who make these decisions.  In my opinion, that is unjust.

Since 1970, the District of Columbia has had a steady increase in the number of foreign-born residents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2012), approximately 53,975 residents in the District are foreign born, but not naturalized U.S. citizens.  Over 90% of that population is 18 years of age or older. These are taxpayers who should have the opportunity to have their voices heard in local elections.

For most of American history, non-citizens were permitted to vote in 22 states and federal territories. It was not until the 1920s that, amidst anti-immigrant hysteria, lawmakers began to bar non-citizens from voting in local and statewide elections.  Unfortunately, this hysteria continues across the United States, but it does not need to continue any longer in the District of Columbia.

Currently, there are seven jurisdictions where non-citizens can vote in local elections in the U.S., six of which are in neighboring Maryland. None of these cities or towns has experienced incidents of voting fraud with regard to non-citizens voting in federal elections.  A similar bill was introduced in the Council in 2004 and unfortunately, due to the political climate at the time regarding immigration reform, it did not receive full consideration by this Council. Eleven years later, the time is now to reignite this conversation.

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Grosso to Congress: Don't Blunt D.C.'s Election

For Immediate Release

December 9, 2014

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun

(202) 724-8105

 Grosso to Congress: Don't Blunt D.C.'s Election

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) issued the following statement on a potential rider on Initiative 71 that House Republicans are negotiating in the omnibus spending bill to prevent a federal government shutdown:

"It is disheartening and frustrating to learn that once again the District of Columbia is being used as a political pawn by the Congress. On Election Day, residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of Initiative 71, which would legalize the limited possession and cultivation of marijuana by adults who are 21 or older. To undermine the vote of the people--taxpayers--does not foster or promote the "limited government" stance House Republicans claim they stand for; it's uninformed paternalistic meddling.

The members of Congress and the residents of the 50 states they represent do not have to deal with the significant and growing collateral consequences of the marijuana arrests and convictions in the District as a result of the failed "War on Drugs". The people have spoken and they have voted. We are tired of a criminal justice system that has too often focused on vengeance and punishment, and does not allow for social and economic reintegration of returning citizens into our communities so that they do not turn to crime again. Initiative 71 was our start for a common sense approach to these issues. It's about social justice.

The District's medical marijuana program was delayed by Congress for over a decade and we will not stand by and allow this to happen again with Initiative 71. I urge the residents of this city to take a stand along with the Council in our continued fight for legislative and budget autonomy and call members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee to ask them to pass a clean CR and leave the District of Columbia out of their politics."

TAKE ACTION: Call and tweet the chairs and ranking members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to express your frustration with this proposal.

Senate Appropriation Committee:

Chair: Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-MD

@SenatorBarb

@SenateApprops

(202) 224-4654

Ranking member: Senator Richard Shelby, R-AL

@SenShelby

(202) 224-5744

House Appropriations Committee:

Chair: Rep. Hal Rogers, R-KY

@RepHalRogers

@HouseAppropsGOP

(202) 225-4601

Ranking Member: Rep. Nita Lowey, D-NY

@NitaLowey

(202) 225-6506

Grosso Announces Formation of Diverse, City-wide Arts and Creative Economy Coalition

For Immediate Release

October 30, 2014

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun

(202) 724-8105

Grosso Announces Formation of Diverse, City-wide Arts and Creative Economy Coalition

Washington, DC -- Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I - At Large) is pleased to announce the formation of ArtsAction DC: Strengthening Our Creative Community, a coalition of 40 organizations representing performing and visual arts and the creative economy.  Grosso works with the group who meets monthly at Arena Stage.

“One of my highest priorities since I was elected to the Council is to bring together organizations from around the city to advocate with one voice on behalf of the arts and the creative economy.  I am delighted to announce that those organizations have come together to form ArtsAction DC, which will advocate on behalf of funding, support, and growth of the arts and arts education in D.C.,” Grosso said.

ArtsAction DC comprises a diverse group of organizations, both large and small, that drive the creative economy sector in Washington D.C., including: theater, dance, visual art, written and spoken word, music, fashion, film, and festivals. 

The group is developing a study entitled “Funding for a Cultural Plan for DC,” which the group intends to release prior to the FY16 Budget process next year with the goal of making the case for increased funding for the arts in D.C.

“ArtsAction, DC will be an indispensable voice for the arts and the creative economy in DC,” said Grosso.  “I am delighted that so many organizations from disparate arts disciplines have come together to advance the common goal of critical support for the arts.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to work with this dynamic group in the months and years ahead.”

Learn more about ArtsAction DC here: www.artsactiondc.org, Twitter, and Facebook.

The members of ArtsAction are:

Anacostia Playhouse

America for the Arts

Atlas Performing Arts Center

Arena Stage

ArentFox

Artomatic, Inc.

Beltway Poetry Slam

Capital Fringe

Center for the Creative Economy

CityDance

CulturalDC

Dance Place

DC Fashion Foundation

DC Shorts

Dupont Underground

(e)merge art fair

Folger Shakespeare Library

Ford's Theater

GALA

Gay Mens Chorus

Idea Plex/Studio 202

Molotov

Listen Local First

Pen Faulkner Foundation

Phillips Collection

Shakespeare Theater

Split This Rock

Step Afrika!

Studio Theater

Taffety Punk

THEARC

Theatre Alliance

Theatre J

Ward 8 Cultural Council

Washington Performing Arts

Washington Bach Consort

The Washington Ballet

Woolly Mammoth Theatre 

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Grosso Announces Hearing on 'Clean Hands' Bill

For Immediate Release

September 18, 2014

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun

(202) 724-8105

Grosso Announces Hearing on 'Clean Hands' Bill

Washington, D.C. -- Today, the Committee on Government Operations will hold a hearing on the Clean Hands Elections Reform Amendment Act of 2014, a bill which Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced with his elections reforms package.  The hearing will be held at 11:00 am in room 120 of the John A. Wilson Building, located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

The Clean Hands Elections Reform Amendment Act of 2014, if enacted, will require that all candidates for elected office obtain a "clean hands" certification from the Office of Campaign Finance prior to qualifying for the ballot for any election.  Currently, the Board of Elections can fine candidates who fail to comply with the rules and procedures in our election laws. However, there have been many cases where fines have gone unpaid because the Board of Elections has little enforcement authority. "By requiring candidates to certify that they have clean hands, particularly when it comes to their prior campaigns, we will encourage our candidates to be more attentive to the elections and campaign finance rules," Grosso said.

Councilmember Grosso has introduced a series of election and campaign finance reform bills in an effort to engage the residents in the political process. Those bills include the Public Financing of Political Campaigns Amendment Act of 2013, a bill to allow candidates to run for office on a blend of small contributions from individuals and limited public funds; the "Instant Runoff Voting Amendment Act of 2014," a bill to allow voters to rank candidates in the order of their choice and the candidates with the least number of votes would be eliminated; and the "Open Primary Elections Amendment Act of 2014," a bill to allow qualified registered voters the opportunity to change their party affiliation through Election Day.

Each bill has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations. 

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Grosso’s Criminal Justice Bills Pass through Committee

For Immediate Release

September 18, 2014

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun

(202) 724-8105

Grosso’s Criminal Justice Bills Pass through Committee

Washington, D.C. -- Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large), a strong advocate of criminal justice reform, is pleased to announce that two major bills that he introduced, the Record Sealing for Decriminalized and Legalized Offenses Amendment Act of 2014 and the Repeal of Prostitution Free Zones and Drug Free Zones Amendment Act of 2014 passed in the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety. Both bills were noticed to be placed on the legislative agenda for the upcoming legislative meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2014.

The Record Sealing for Decriminalized and Legalized Offenses Amendment Act of 2014 was introduced as a companion bill to Grosso’s legislation to tax and regulate marijuana in the District of Columbia. The bill will ensure that residents with a non-violent misdemeanor or felony possession of marijuana as their only prior criminal history can have their records for those charges or arrests sealed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Superior Court. Furthermore, employers will be prohibited from asking if an applicant previously had their records expunged or sealed. “For perspective, there were 20,000 arrests in the District of Columbia over a 10 year period for a non-violent possession of marijuana. This will help thousands of D.C. residents. The legislation is also critical to addressing barriers to employment, housing and education,” said Grosso.

The Repeal of Prostitution Free Zones and Drug Free Zones Amendment Act of 2014 will reverse the current rulemaking allowing MPD to declare a particular location as a prostitution free zone for a 20-day period. A task force of experts who investigated MPD’s handling of hate crimes reported that transgender women and women of color expressed that MPD officers view and treat them as criminals. “Repeal of the prostitution free zones is long overdue,” says Grosso. “The prostitution free zones are a gateway to racial profiling. The repeal of these particular zones is a matter of justice and protecting communities that are heavily impacted.” The legislation was expanded to also repeal the Anti-Loitering/Drug Free Zone Act of 1996. Since the language creating prostitution free zones and the Drug Free Zone Act are nearly identical, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety believed that both laws are likely unconstitutional.

Note: Both bill titles as introduced were Record Sealing for Non-Violent Marijuana Possession Act of 2013 and Repeal of Prostitution Free Zones Amendment Act of 2014.

Grosso's Statement on Latest School Boundaries Proposal

For Immediate Release

June 16, 2014

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun

(202) 724-8105

Grosso's Statement on Latest School Boundaries Proposal

On Thursday, June 12, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education released an updated draft proposal on student assignment policies, DCPS school boundaries, and feeder patterns. After reviewing the proposal, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) released the following statement:

"It is clear from the school boundary proposal released last week that the Deputy Mayor's office and the Advisory Committee heard and responded to the significant amount of community input they've received over the last few months. I am supportive of the direction this proposal is headed. It maintains a core system of neighborhood schools, while also preserving the opportunity for school choice. I am also pleased that diversity in student enrollment was kept as a top principle reflected in the Advisory Committee's decision to prioritize access to early childhood programs for at-risk students, and recommending "set asides" for out-of-boundary students in zoned elementary, middle, and high schools.

While I understand the concerns of some communities impacted by changing boundary lines or feeder patterns, it is my hope that the Advisory Committee's proposed grandfathering provisions will limit any abrupt changes for students and families. Unfortunately, revisions to the DCPS school boundaries are timely and cannot wait.

Though this proposal moves the conversation forward, I am disappointed that it did not include any discussion or recommendations regarding the need for proactive planning, collaboration, and coordination between DCPS and the D.C. Public Charter School Board when it comes to opening new charter schools in the District. If our goal is to have citywide student assignment policies that are coherent and efficient, charter schools must be a part of the conversation. I will continue to push for that.

Although the D.C. Council does not have a vote on student assignment policies or the school boundary proposal, we will ultimately have to work with the Executive to implement any plan that is approved. That includes the construction and re-opening of perhaps four middle schools and to work with WMATA to provide free Metrorail services for our high school-aged students. I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Executive to find the appropriate path forward.

I look forward to hearing more community discussions and feedback on what has been released and I encourage everyone to engage in the conversation in the coming weeks. I appreciate that the Deputy Mayor's office has taken the helm for this process and appreciate all of the members of the Advisory Committee who have volunteered to do this hard work."

To get more information and share your feedback on these proposed changes, you are invited to:

• Attend a community meeting
  • June 16, 6 - 8 pm, Savoy Elementary School, 2400 Shannon Place, SE
  • June 17, 6 - 8 pm, Dunbar High School, 101 N Street, NW
  • June 19, 6 - 8 pm, Takoma Education Campus, 7010 Piney Branch Road, NW
• Provide testimony at Council of the District of Columbia public oversight roundtable on school boundaries on June 26, 2014 at 9AM.  Call 202-724-8000 or e-mail jjordan@dccouncil.us to sign up.
• Email your concerns and questions to dme.studentassignment@dc.gov or call 202-478-5738.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Watch Live & Submit Your Questions to Address Urban Farming in the District

For Immediate Release

June 11, 2014

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun

(202) 724-8105

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:  Watch Live & Submit Your Questions to Address Urban Farming in the District

Washington, D.C. – Tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., the D.C. Council will hold a legislative hearing on the D.C. Urban Farming and Food Security Act of 2014; a measure to transform vacant District-owned lots into food producing urban farms.  During this hearing, residents will have a unique opportunity to participate live by submitting questions, comments and other feedback directly to Councilmember Grosso via the MadisonDC collaborative platform.

This is the first time such direct citizen involvement has been captured by the city government.

“MadisonDC is an exciting platform because it promotes and encourages transparency in the legislative process,” said Grosso.  “This tool will spur community engagement and prompt robust dialogue around the issues that matter most to District residents.”

To join the conversation and learn more about the platform, visit MadisonDC.  Also, visit the Urban Farming and Food Security Act and submit your questions or comments before, during and after the gavel drops.

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About Madison

MadisonDC is the District of Columbia’s version of the free Madison software that reinvents government for the Internet Age.  Madison is custom-built to connect the decision-makers in our democracy to the people they serve.

About The OpenGov Foundation

OpenGov is a small non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)3 working to open government. That means making it easier for people to access and use as much government information as possible via innovative technology.

Grosso Reports FY2015 Budget Victories

For Immediate Release:

May 28, 2014

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun

(202) 724-8105

Grosso Reports FY2015 Budget Victories   

Success with priorities in education, workforce development, transportation, homelessness, environment, and more

Washington, D.C. – Today, the D.C. Council held a legislative meeting on the first reading of the FY 2015 Budget Request Act of 2014 and the FY2015 Budget Support Act of 2014. Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) worked in committee to ensure inclusion of his top priorities in the budget. 

“The Committee of the Whole put forward a thoughtful and comprehensive budget that will benefit all District residents in the areas of education, workforce development, human services and transportation.  This budget is the result of a lot of hard work and careful considerations and I am pleased to support and vote in favor of it,” said Grosso. 

Grosso’s FY2015 Budget Victories

Tax Revision Commission

From the very beginning, Grosso supported the diligent work of the Tax Revision Commission. He advocated for the inclusion of the Commission’s recommendations in the FY15 budget, and was happy to join his colleagues in passing one of the largest tax relief packages for low & middle class individuals and families in the District’s history. In particular, Grosso advocated for the following:

• Adding a new individual middle income bracket of $40,000 to 60,000 at 7% in FY15 and later 6.5% in FY16
• Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to childless workers
• Raising the standard deduction for single and married filers
• Reducing the unincorporated and incorporated business franchise tax to 8.25%

Public Education

Improving public education has been a priority for Grosso since he first joined the Council. He supported the work of the Committee on Education in the FY15 budget and is especially pleased to support the following enhancements:

• $1 million for the continuation of the Community Schools grant program, which works to integrate academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement in our public schools. Grosso strongly supports school being seen as community centers and this funding is vital to the success of the program.
• A provision requiring D.C. Public Schools to report on its implementation of a restorative justice pilot program next school year. Grosso is committed to pushing our education sector to reexamine school discipline policies in an effort to end the school-to-prison pipeline. Restorative justice programs implemented with fidelity in schools is one way to advance those efforts.
• Grosso also supports the Committee on Education’s decision to amend the Capital Improvement Plan to align capital funding with those schools that need it most. The additional funding for School Within A School, Logan Elementary, Marie Reed Elementary, Murch Elementary, Orr Elementary, and Watkins Elementary for modernization in FY2015 is important to the continued improvement of these education campuses.
• Expansion of the school-based mental health program administered by the Department of Behavioral Health. Social-emotional support personnel are especially important for students. Our kids do not leave the stress of their home lives at the school house door. Even the best, highly qualified teacher struggles to teach a child who is only physically present but shut down mentally from stress and trauma.
• $100,000 to support teen health educators who provide sexual and reproductive health education to their peers.

Workforce Development

It is important for the District of Columbia to not only establish a positive climate for businesses, but also for residents who work here or are seeking meaningful work. Grosso was proud to champion and support initiatives to improve workforce development and support District government employees.

• Grosso worked diligently with the Chairman of the Committee on Government Operations, Kenyan McDuffie, to pass a proposal for 8 weeks of paid family leave for  District government employees in connection with the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child, or the care of a family member who has a serious medical condition.  This is the most expansive family leave provision in the country.
• $5.5 million investment in District Workforce Development at the University of the District of Columbia Community College Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning program to ensure that we are supporting workforce development programs that are successful and supporting our residents so that they can secure life-long, meaningful employment that allows them to take care of themselves and their families. 
• $175,000 for a new employee at the Workforce Investment Council and a technical assistance consultant to conduct a cross-agency study that will track how each District agency allocates their adult literacy and workforce development funding.

Food Security & Recreation

Grosso believes we need to bolster our recreation options and efforts toward food security in the District of Columbia and complement the strong, robust health care infrastructure we are establishing. Grosso was pleased that the following initiatives he advocated for and supported were approved:

• $8,000,000 for the renovation and modernization of the District’s only Therapeutic Recreation Center, which services people with disabilities and is located in Ward 7.  The funding will create additional changing spaces and showers in the women’s locker room, help to replace a badly patched roof and expand the physical size of the facility, which has not been renovated since it was built in 1971.
• $1.3 million to create a locally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enhancement. With this funding, no resident receiving SNAP benefits will receive less than $30 per month in assistance, greatly increasing food security in the District.
• $75,000 to support the Summer Food Services program administered by the Department of Parks and Recreation for low-income children participating in summer programming; $63,000 to support school food pantries at low-income schools in the District; $500,000 in capital dollars to support the development of urban farming, new community gardens and edible landscapes at sites across the District.

Homelessness Services

Grosso is committed to improving how the District assists our most vulnerable residents, as well as health outcomes in the city. He advocated for and supported the following:

• $600,000 to hire 10 family case managers for families at D.C. General to assess families, connect them with the appropriate social services, and ultimately assist them in finding permanent housing.
• $1.3 million to fund key provisions of the End Youth Homelessness Act of 2014, including funding for 10 transitional beds and 5 emergency shelter beds for youth aged 24 and younger, and street outreach to identify and assist vulnerable youth.
• $2 million to fund the Homeless Prevention Program Establishment Act to implement prevention efforts that have proven to be successful in other jurisdictions.
• $2.3 million to expand the Permanent Supportive Housing Program at the Department of Human Services.
• $3 million to the tenant-based Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) for homeless families, and those at risk of becoming homeless.
• New funding for coordinated entry system to connect the homeless population to housing and other wrap around services.
• $200,000 to conduct a feasibility study for the CCNV individual homeless shelter to determine the housing and service needs of the population and facility.

Transportation & the Environment

Having a multi-modal transit friendly city that is the “greenest” in the country is something we should all desire and is a top priority for Grosso. Over the course of this year, he has established quarterly meetings with the District Department of the Environment to discuss his priorities, participated on panel discussions with the DC Environmental Network to address waste management in the District, and just last month joined the Anacostia Watershed Society in a river clean-up targeting 25 sites around the Anacostia watershed.  Grosso was pleased that the following initiatives he supported were including in the FY2015 budget:

• Budget Support Act language establishing a statutory deadline of June 30, 2018 for the District Department of the Environment to adopt and publish a Record of Decision selecting the remedy for remediation of the contaminated sediment in the Anacostia River.  This commitment ensures that DDOE will work quickly and efficiently so that District residents can swim and fish in the river sooner rather than later.
• $500,000 to conduct a Comprehensive Rail Study to examine the impact of increased population on current commuter rail, the feasibility of expanded commuter and industrial rail, and the impact of privately-owned rail crossing on current and future rail use.
• Grosso is pleased to report that the Council will maintain the planned 6-year, $400 million investment in the streetcar project and dedicate $45-$65 million of operating funds to the project annually. The Council adjusted the proposed streetcar PayGo transfer from a fixed to a floating base year. 25% of the District’s revenues generated over the previous year, rather than a locked-in baseline of FY15, will be dedicated to support the construction of the new streetcar.  The provision will be implemented in FY2017.  These changes ensure that District residents will reap the benefits of a comprehensive streetcar system.
•  $187 million towards the H Street bridge, a critical infrastructure project needed for the completion of the streetcar line.  Full replacement of the H Street bridge will be completed before Fiscal Year 2018.
• $5 million for the Washington Humane Society, which provides the District’s animal control services, to secure a new location and building.

Transparency & Open Government

Grosso is fiercely committed to transparency and open government. To advance these ideals, he was successful in getting the following reporting requirements included in the FY2015 Budget Support Act:

• By October 1, 2014, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer shall submit a report on recommendations for improving transparency of the agency’s budget, including a plan for implementing improvements by the submission of the Fiscal Year 2016 budget to the Council.
• With the support of the Chair of the Committee on Health, language was also included in the BSA requiring the Department of Health to begin submitting quarterly reports on all grants administered by the agency. During the performance oversight and budget hearings, we heard testimony from many public witnesses regarding the continuous delays with DOH expending grant money. The quarterly reporting will help improve oversight and hopefully grant funding operations at the agency.
• Grosso also worked with the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, to include language requiring the Department of Parks and Recreation to submit reports to the Committee on workforce strategic hiring plan to fill 106 vacancies, the development and implementation of a comprehensive complaint in-take database system to quantify and analyze the number and type of complaints the agency receives and report on the status of a system to produce performance metrics.

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Grosso Announces New Initiative to Collaboratively Draft DC Laws Online with the Public

For Immediate Release:

May 16, 2014

Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun

(202) 724-8105

Grosso Announces New Initiative to Collaboratively Draft DC Laws Online with the Public

MadisonDC powers historic initiative to give the public a direct voice in the creation of District legislation, starting with bills on urban agriculture, open primaries, and marijuana policy

Washington, D.C.--Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) and The OpenGov Foundation announced that three legislative proposals on urban farming, tax and regulation of marijuana, and open primaries are now open on the Internet to give the public a direct voice in the lawmaking process. This historic effort is made possible by the new Madison online lawmaking tool, empowering all residents to log on, be heard and ensure that their elected officials get policy right for the District.  MadisonDC connects people directly with their elected officials, turning a confusing lawmaking process into an interactive, seamless user experience where everyone can add their input. Grosso will review and consider suggestions starting today and ending June 12.

WATCH: Grosso Invites Constituents to Help Draft DC Legislation

“As we encourage more public engagement in the legislative process, I hope D.C. residents will take a moment to log onto the Madison project,” said Councilmember Grosso. “I look forward to seeing the public input on my proposed bills.”

WATCH: Learn How MadisonDC Gives You A Direct Voice in DC Government

Grosso is the first-ever local elected official to give residents—and others—a chance to participate in their municipal lawmaking process on the Internet. The three bills currently online with MadisonDC for public input are the D.C. Urban Farming and Food Security Act of 2014, the Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act of 2013, and the Open Primary Elections Amendment Act of 2014. MadisonDC not only opens up legislation to feedback from local residents, but also from people around the United States and other parts of the world who have experiences with similar laws and can provide their perspectives.

“We are excited to support Councilmember Grosso’s unprecedented efforts to bring residents - and their ideas--directly into the local lawmaking process.  But what really matters is that we’re going to produce better City Council bills, with fewer frustrations and unintended consequences,” said OpenGov Foundation Executive Director Seamus Kraft.

“These three bills are only a start,” Kraft continued.  “The ultimate goal of MadisonDC is transforming D.C.’s entire policymaking machine for the Internet Age, creating a completely seamless, on-demand collaboration ecosystem for both citizens and city officials.  The possibilities are limitless.”

About MadisonDC

Madison is a free online policymaking tool created by the non-partisan, non-profit OpenGov Foundation to empower you to participate in your government, efficiently access your elected officials, and hold them accountable.  Currently in beta, Madison is open source software that can be used to put any policymaking process online, increasing government transparency and connecting users like you directly to the decision-makers in our democracy.  Click here if you want Madison working to improve your local, county or state government results.

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