Press Release: Chairman Mendelson Statement on His FY 2023 Budget

By Press Release On May 9, 2022 Last updated May 9, 2022

News Release — DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 9, 2022

CONTACT: Lindsey Walton

WASHINGTON, DC — Chairman Phil Mendelson released the following statement ahead of the first vote on the Council’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and Financial Plan.

“This budget takes major steps to level the playing field in education, and expand the city’s efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing,” said Mendelson. “It also nearly doubles the number of inspectors to stand up the new Department of Buildings on solid footing. My proposal to increase the funding for at-risk schools is a game-changer.”

The highlights of the proposed budget include:

Adding $41.6 MILLION to increase the weight of the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF) to provide funding for District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and District of Columbia Public Charter Schools (DCPCS) whose at-risk student population is greater than 40%, and on top of that, additional funding for schools whose at-risk student population is greater than 70%. These ADDITIONAL EDUCATION FUNDS will go DIRECTLY to schools who need it most.

Adding a total of 41 NEW INSPECTORS (for a total of 101) at the new Department of Buildings for housing code violations, illegal construction and vacant property enforcement. This is a quality of life issue.

EXPANDING THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT to undocumented workers with a tax ID number, offering a basicincome to thousands of residents not previously eligible.

Creating 400 TARGETED AFFORDABLE HOUSING (TAH) VOUCHERS with a priority for families facing eviction from Rapid Re-Housing.

Adding new funds to the shallow subsidy program for LOW INCOME SENIORS. This rental assistance program will help at least 125 seniors, typically fixed income.

An additional $11.6 MILLION TO THE ACCESS TO JUSTICE INTIATIVE. These civil legal services will provides legal representation of residents facing eviction or denial of benefits.

“We can never fund all the things we want to, but these proposed changes, along with the rest of the Committees’ recommendations, will have a significant impact on all residents of the District,” Mendelson added.

The Council will vote on the proposed budget tomorrow, May 10^th and again March 24^th. A second vote on the Budget Support Act is expected in early in June.

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