Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  It's no secret that many in the District are struggling to make ends meet right now. Federal layoffs, the longest government shutdown in history, threats to SNAP benefits, cuts in federal funding for essential support programs, and other mounting pressures have put many neighbors in difficult situations. While we can't…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  One key to persevering in difficult times is to prioritize joy—especially when there are good reasons to celebrate. From coast to coast, this week has been a joyful reminder that there are millions of Americans who will stand up to authoritarian and corrupt government, defend the civil rights of our neighbors,…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  Last week, I warned of an impending hunger crisis if action was not taken to protect SNAP and ensure residents receive their November benefits. I'm glad to share with you that several developments over the past 24 hours will allow us to protect recipients and ensure they receive their benefits.  Yesterday, Mayor Bowser authorized the use of local…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  It's been a busy week and there are a number of updates I want to share with you about changes to tenants' rights (namely around TOPA - the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act), the impending loss of SNAP benefits for tens of millions of Americans (including hundreds of thousands of DC residents), and several pieces…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  Yesterday, the Committee on Youth Affairs held a public oversight roundtable on overcrowding conditions at the Youth Services Center (DC's juvenile detention center, also known as YSC). This critical oversight is a continuation of our work seeking to improve outcomes for youth across the District. From last week's introduction of the C.A.R.E. for Youth Plan,…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  This week, I introduced a 16-bill policy package in my role as the Chair of the Committee on Youth Affairs. The C.A.R.E. for Youth Plan is designed to foster youth wellbeing in the District, and was developed in partnership with impacted youth and their families, advocates, agency employees, lawyers, judges, and experts.  Since…

Dear Ward 5 neighbors,  Earlier this week, Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding the federal government, resulting in an indefinite shutdown. Many federal workers are furloughed, some are facing layoffs, government services are interrupted, and some federally-run museums and parks are closed (including, for example, the U.S. National Arboretum in Ward 5). The Smithsonian announced that…

Last Saturday was one for the books. It was truly our best Ward 5 Day yet, and my heart is still full from the hundreds of smiles I saw on the faces of neighbors who came out to celebrate with us. Thank you to everyone who stopped by! I loved seeing neighbors on the dance floor,…