WASHINGTON, DC—“The pandemic is creating a defining moment in DC. The Mayor’s budget proposals for the current fiscal year (FY) and FY2021 take important steps to stave off large across-the-board budget cuts that would have deepened the downturn. We commend her decision to use some of the city’s reserves, the FY 2019 surplus, and other revenue proposals—such as closing tax loopholes.
“While the local fund budget protected and slightly expanded some crucial programs, it also missed an opportunity to respond to some immediate needs by failing to create a fund to stabilize child care providers, provide assistance to our undocumented brothers and sisters, and adequately fund the Affordable Housing Preservation Fund, among other needs.
“Our understandings of the strengths and weakness of this budget will continue to evolve as we gain a better assessment of the Mayor’s proposal, including how she plans to leverage federal dollars. We urge the DC Council to build on the Mayor’s proposal to ensure that the final budget adequately funds crucial investments that are needed to build a stronger, more just recovery.”
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