FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2024
Media Contact: Melissa Littlepage | mlittlepage@dccouncil.gov | 771-333-9834
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Council of the District of Columbia voted to dissolve the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs, chaired by Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, following federal charges against Councilmember White. Subsequently, two new sub-committees were created: the Sub-Committee on Recreation and Community Affairs, chaired by Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin, and the Sub-Committee on Libraries and Youth Affairs, chaired by Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker.
“I stand ready to chair the Sub-Committee on Libraries and Youth Affairs, which oversees the DC Public Library (DCPL), the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS), and Serve DC, among other agencies,” shared Councilmember Parker.
Councilmember Parker added, “I will be laser-focused on not just the facilities and operations at DYRS, but also the more than 90% rates of recidivism among youth served by the agency. Clearly, our efforts to rehabilitate and support our young people are not working. As the District grapples with high rates of violent crime, improving the efficacy of DYRS is paramount. I look forward to conducting rigorous oversight to both support and hold accountable this critical agency.” Regarding DC Public Library, Councilmember Parker shared, “We know our libraries have faced unique challenges in recent years as a vital ‘third space,’ where neighbors come for more than books. I look forward to addressing residents’ concerns around recent policy changes at DC Public Library and finding ways to support the agency.”
Councilmember Parker concluded, “My plans for this sub-committee include holding hearings this fall, conducting announced and unannounced visits to agency facilities, addressing residents’ concerns, and ensuring there is a robust public record about each agency’s operations.”
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