Income inequality is a concern all across the country, but especially here in the nation’s capital. The gap between rich and poor in the District is one of the highest among the largest cities in the United States. While many residents are doing very well in DC’s education-driven economy, many residents are falling further behind, and their kids will likely, too.
That’s not a healthy scenario for our city. All the resources being put into education reform, for example, will have limited impact if thousands of youngsters are not ready to learn because they don’t have a safe and stable place to live.
DCFPI is co-hosting two exciting ways to further the conversation on how we can work together to close this gap.
The Un-Forum: One-on-One Conversations With DC’s Mayoral Candidates On Income Inequality
On three Sunday evenings’March 2, 9, and 16’DC’s leading mayoral candidates will sit down for 45 minutes to talk about the most pressing issue facing the District — inequality — and how it affects jobs, housing, health, and education for so many residents. The discussions will be held at the UDC Law School, Moot Court Room, from 7 to 9 pm. There will be refreshments. The candidates will sit down’Charlie Rose-style’with NBC 4 Reporter Mark Segraves on March 2 and Washington Post Senior Editor and former Metro columnist Marc Fisher on March 9 and 16. Join us!
- March 2: Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser and Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells
- March 9: Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans and At-Large Councilmember Vincent Orange
- March 16: Businessman Andy Shallal and Mayor Vincent Gray
A Free Screening of the Robert Reich Documentary, Inequality For All
On Thursday, March 13, DCFPI will host a free screening of Inequality for All, the recent Robert Reich documentary. The film provides insight into the widening income gap in America and its impact on the economy. We’ll share the latest stats on DC’s growing income inequality, too.
Join us on March 13 from 6:30-9pm at the True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street, to view the film for free, and to find out how the FY15 budget can be used to decrease income inequality in the District. Please, rsvp as soon as possible at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inequality-for-all-screening-tickets-8247104311
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