Oversight of Department on Disability Services Contract
As Chair of the Human Services Committee, Councilmember Nadeau is working to ensure residents currently served by the Developmental Disabilities Administration Health Initiative contract continue receiving the same level of care regardless of provider. Recently, the Department on Disability Services announced that the current contract which provides vital services to residents with developmental disabilities would expire on August 30, 2019 and the services would be moved to DDS and other providers. Immediately after this decision became public, her office received an outpouring of emails and phone calls from advocates, families, and members of the disability rights community expressing their concerns. Councilmember Nadeau quickly held a joint public roundtable on the issue and based on testimony from advocates and residents concluded that the current plan leaves concerning gaps. Council does not have the legal authority to alter the contract, so she has asked DDS for weekly updates on the transition and asked the Mayor to reexamine the decision and consider extending the contract. Below is a timeline.
New law allows undocumented residents to designate “standby guardian” for children if parents are detained
WASHINGTON – Today, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau introduced, and the DC Council passed, emergency legislation that allows parents to designate a trusted adult who can serve as legal guardian for children if parents are detained. The new law is a response to heightened threats from the federal government of ICE raids. The Standby Guardian Emergency Amendment Act of 2019 was co-introduced by all Councilmembers and passed unanimously.
Comprehensive DCRA Reform Bill Brings Accountability and Transparency to Residential Housing and Construction
WASHINGTON – Today, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau introduced a comprehensive bill to reform the District’s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs by making it more accountable to residents and its decisions more transparent. The Tenant and Homeowner Accountability and Protection Amendment Act of 2019 was co-introduced by Councilmembers Mary Cheh and Anita Bonds and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Elissa Silverman, Jack Evans and Chairman Phil Mendelson. It was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Update: Amendments for July 9 Comprehensive Plan Markup
After consultation with the Chairman, other colleagues on the Council, constituents, and advocates, I have revised amendments that I plan on introducing at the Council’s July 9th markup.
Equal Access to Changing Tables Required By New DC Council Bill
WASHINGTON – Today, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau introduced a bill to ensure equal access to changing tables in publicly accessible government buildings and newly constructed or substantially renovated public buildings. The bill recognizes that in the District, all families regardless of composition should be able to access space where they can properly attend to the needs of the child in their care. The Equal Access to Changing Tables Amendment Act of 2019 has majority support on Council with co-introduction by Councilmembers Charles Allen and Robert C. White, Jr and co-sponsorship by Councilmembers Elissa Silverman, Mary Cheh, Kenyan McDuffie, David Grosso, Vincent Gray, and Jack Evans. It was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Statement on Recent ICE Actions in Ward 1
I am deeply troubled by reports from advocates that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted an action in Adams Morgan this past weekend that resulted in two parents being brought into ICE custody and separated from their teenage children. These actions tear our families apart and sow deep distrust in law enforcement. As Councilmember, I have called for an abolition of ICE and wrote DC’s law to establish a permanent immigrant legal services fund.
Statement on recent hate crime attack on U Street
Councilmember Nadeau released the following statement in the wake of the recent attack on a gay couple on U Street:
Statement from Councilmember Nadeau on Excessive Use of Force by Metro PD Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 24, 2019
“I reached out to Metro Transit Police Chief Pavlik and have heard back from him. I appreciate that they have launched an investigation. In the meantime, I’ve seen enough to condemn the actions of that officer. The video leaves little doubt in my mind that what happened was unacceptable. According to the Chief, the officer remains on full-duty status. His actions have harmed a member of the public, and at the very least he should be removed from contact with the public while the investigation is ongoing. Although this happened in Ward 1, it could have happened anywhere in the Metro system and that’s something all of our leaders across the region should be concerned about.”
Statement on Metro PD Officer Conduct
Statement from Councilmember Nadeau on Excessive Use of Force by Metro PD Officer
DC Council budget aggressively tackles homelessness crisis and funds quality-of-life improvements
Last week, the Council took an important vote on the budget that will set the direction for DC’s spending next year. It contains some significant wins for Ward 1 and on my priorities of addressing homelessness, supporting small businesses, building affordable housing, and keeping our communities safe. Below are highlights, but please feel free to get in touch with my office if you would like more detail on funded items.