Author Archives: Lindsey Walton

Chairman Mendelson Statement on Approval of FY2016 Budget Support Act

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 Phil Mendelson, Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, released the following statement regarding the Council’s approval of the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Support Act at today’s Legislative Meeting.

“The Council gave final approval today to a budget package for fiscal year 2016 that builds in extensive efficiency savings and increases funding in important areas like affordable housing and homeless services without resorting to increases in the sales and parking taxes,” Mendelson stated.  “Additionally, the final budget expedites tax relief for all District residents,” Mendelson continued, “moving the District toward final implementation of what will be the most progressive tax system in the nation.”

The expedited implementation of tax relief will allow residents to see tax relief for the current tax year, instead of unnecessarily delaying the tax relief.  Originally approved in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, the changes to the tax code are part of a comprehensive package of tax reforms that place particular emphasis on benefitting low and moderate income earners.  The Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Support Act, as approved by the Council today, will allow for implementation of tax relief one year earlier for, among others, those in the middle income tax bracket and small businesses throughout the District.  Contrary to suggestions made by some, the acceleration of tax relief does not limit flexibility for future budgets or jeopardize programming.

Mendelson Disturbed by Mayor’s Proposal to Delay Broad-based Tax Relief

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 WASHINGTON, DC – Phil Mendelson, Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, issued the following statement regarding the Mayor’s advocacy to delay the implementation of broad-based tax relief as approved by the Council at the May 27th Legislative Meeting.

“I was disturbed to learn today that the Mayor opposes the implementation of broad-based tax relief as adopted by the Council,” Mendelson stated.  “Acting to implement tax relief expeditiously is an important component of the District’s affordability strategy.  Changing course from this strategy would delay tax relief, hurting middle-class residents, or those on the road to the middle class, as well as businesses.”

“There is no reason to delay implementation of tax relief,” Mendelson continued, “unless the Mayor’s goal is to cancel the tax reform in order to unnecessarily increase spending on discretionary programs.  The government should be steadfast in its commitment to providing relief to those residents and businesses that bolster the District’s continued growth.”

The tax relief approved in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget is a comprehensive package of tax reforms that place particular emphasis on benefitting low and moderate income earners.  On average, the package provides an estimated $400 – $600 per resident in tax relief.   The reforms also make the District more competitive for businesses.  The Council has made implementation of this relief a priority.  Implementation of the tax reform package as proposed does not impact the approved funding for agencies and programs in the upcoming fiscal year.

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