Category Archives: news

Federal Shutdown Response

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Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Members of the DC Council today took the next step in response to the impending federal shutdown, introducing emergency legislation declaring all District government personnel and operations as essential.

“Currently, the District is unfairly tethered to the federal appropriations process, meaning important local government services are placed in jeopardy by unrelated national budget squabbles,” Mendelson stated.  “An orderly society cannot function without government, as residents and businesses depend on government services.  Government, therefore, is ‘essential.’”

Despite approximately 98 percent of the District’s budget being derived from local revenue and federal grants available to other jurisdictions, despite over a billion dollars in reserve funds, and despite having adopted a balanced District budget over four months ago, the District is still being left by the potential lapse in appropriations, or “shutdown.”

The proposed emergency declares all Council employees as essential, creates a presumption that all Executive Branch employees are essential, and authorizes compensation to be paid during a lapse in appropriations out of the contingency cash reserve fund.

The Council will vote on the emergency at the October 1, 2013 Legislative Meeting.

 

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Chairman Mendelson Launches New Website

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Council Chairman Phil Mendelson announced today the launch of a new website for his personal office and committee.  The new website will allow the Chairman to provide more frequent updates to constituents on Council news and upcoming hearings of the Committee of the Whole.  It also provides more options for following the Chairman’s actions on the Council as well as in the community.

The new website—www.chairmanmendelson.com—is an improvement both aesthetically and substantively.   With the ability to provide frequent updates on the Chairman’s activities and Committee actions, the website is a great resource to keep residents informed about what is happening at the Council.  Notably, the website allows constituents to sign up for regular e-mail updates from the Chairman, delivering breaking news directly to one’s inbox (see http://chairmanmendelson.com/updates/).

“I hope that residents find the new website to be a useful tool for staying informed,” Mendelson stated.  “My goal is to provide timely information about Council activities and upcoming hearings so that residents can better engage with their elected officials.”

The website links to a new community blog as well, “The Mendelson Post.”  This blog will follow the Chairman in the community, and also link residents with Mendelson’s constituent services team if they have a problem that needs fixing or if they would like to report an issue.

 

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New Issue of “Chairman’s Update” (9.18.13)

By news, newsletter

The newest issue of Phil Mendelson’s newsletter is now available.  The newsletter has been restyled, and has been renamed the “Chairman’s Update.”  But like the predecessor newsletter (the “At-Large Update”), you can find the same great content and news items.

In the September 18, 2013 issue, Chairman Mendelson discusses the budget accomplishments that are to take effect beginning next month, comments on legislation that will impact the first election of the District’s Attorney General, and shares another constituent services story.  The newsletter also contains a list of upcoming hearings of the Committee of the Whole.

You can access the newsletter through this link, 9.18.13 Chairman’s Update, or view the embedded document below.

Statement on Navy Yard Shootings

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DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson issued the following statement regarding the shootings today at the US Navy Yard:

“The senseless and shocking events of today at the US Navy Yard weigh heavily on our city. My sympathies are with the victims and their families. No one should have to live in fear of the simple act of going to work. And no one should lose a loved one because of a stranger’s hatred.”

“This tragic incident reminds us of the need for a solution to gun violence that keeps firearms out of the wrong hands.”

“I want to thank the Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders who stood in the line of fire to protect our citizens.”

Sept. 16 Media Briefing

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WHO:        DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson

WHAT:      Legislative Meeting Media Briefing

WHEN:      Monday, September 16, 2013, 10:00 am

WHERE:

John A. Wilson Building, Room 412
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC

Background:

Chairman Mendelson will hold a media briefing to   preview major actions to be taken at the upcoming legislative meeting, which   will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 10 am. For additional information, please call: (202) 724-8032.

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