D.C. Council to Vote on “Red Flag” Gun Bill, Public Restrooms Plan
WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the D.C. Council will vote on “red flag” gun legislation that gives residents and police more tools to reduce access to firearms by those who are a risk to themselves or others. They will also vote on legislation that would lead to public restroom facilities and incentives for businesses that make restrooms available to the public. The bills, written and introduced by Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, will reduce gun violence and provide dignified facilities for residents experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. Tomorrow, both will receive their first of two required votes to become law before the end of the current Council session.
End-of-Year Activity at the Council
The Council has until the end of the year to pass any remaining bills before newly reelected members are sworn in and the new Council period begins in 2019. This means a flurry of activity as we wrap up.
Councilmembers Call on Mayor to Restore Housing Counseling Funding
WASHINGTON – Today, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau called on Mayor Bowser to restore funding cuts to housing counseling providers, a critical resource for residents seeking affordable housing. The letter suggests a possible source of funding: a surplus in dedicated tax revenue to the Housing Production Trust Fund.
Nadeau Introduces Elaine’s Law to Protect Survivors of Abuse in Divorce Proceedings
Today as members of the D.C. Council wear purple for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau introduced the Alimony Justice for Injured Spouses Amendment Act of 2018 or “Elaine’s Law” to protect spouses from having to pay alimony, legal fees and other spousal support to their abusers in divorce proceedings. The bill is co-introduced by Councilmembers David Grosso and Anita Bonds.
Nadeau Hosts Ward 1 Education Town Hall on Search for Public Schools Chancellor and Deputy Mayor for Education
On September 17, Councilmember Nadeau hosted a Ward 1 Town Hall meeting focused on the search for the District of Columbia Public Schools Chancellor and the Deputy Mayor for Education. The event was an opportunity for residents of Ward 1 to share their thoughts on this search and hear from Councilmember David Grosso, Chair of the Education Committee, and Laura Wilson Phelan, Ward 1 Representative on the State Board of Education. Attendees split into three groups where they worked on and answered questions about their priorities for each position which were shared at the meeting with a representative from the Mayor’s office and which were provided to the administration in the below letters.
Nadeau, Joined by Full Council, Calls on ICE to Cease Racial Profiling, Return Detained Washingtonians
WASHINGTON – Today, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau was joined by all members of the D.C. Council calling on Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to cease racially profiling people in the District of Columbia and return detained Washingtonians.
Nadeau Bill Gives Kids Healthier Beverage Options
WASHINGTON – The healthy beverage choice will be an easy choice for kids and parents under a new bill introduced today by Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau. The Healthy Beverages for Kids Meals Act of 2018 aims to reduce childhood obesity by making healthy choices like water, milk, and 100% fruit juices the default beverage option for all restaurant’s kids’ meals in Washington, DC. Families would still be able to order other beverage items upon request at restaurants. The bill is co-introduced by Councilmember David Grosso and is supported by the American Heart Association.
Denouncing White Supremacy
This Sunday, August 12, a group of white supremacists are planning a protest in downtown Washington at Lafayette Square near the White House. Details about street closures, which are concentrated around the White House and in Foggy Bottom, are here.
ICE Raids in Ward 1
I have received reports from advocates and local officials that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted at least three operations in Mount Pleasant, Columbia Heights and Petworth over the last 10 days, arresting approximately 20-25 people. This includes one operation where ICE detained nine residents from Sarbin Towers, an apartment building at 16th and Park Rd NW.
Statement on Initiative 77
Yesterday, a majority of my colleagues on the Council introduced a bill that would repeal Initiative 77. Since you wrote me about the issue, I wanted to let you know where I stand.
