Category Archives: news

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.

Statement on Mayor Gray’s Veto of Large Retailer Legislation

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DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson issued the following statement regarding the Mayor’s veto of Bill 20-62, the “Large Retailer Accountability Act of 2013”:

“The fundamental issue with the Mayor’s veto is whether the District’s economic development strategy should be focused on attracting low paying jobs.  Minimum wage should not be our goal.  These are not career building jobs.  A family cannot afford to live in the District on minimum wage.

A sound economic development strategy for a sustainable District of Columbia should not be predicated on low-wage jobs.  The District needs jobs, but they should be decent jobs with decent wages.”

The Council has 30 days to consider whether to override the Mayor’s veto.  However, the Chairman is scheduling the vote for next Tuesday’s legislative meeting.

March on Washington 50th Anniversary

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Council Chairman Phil Mendelson will participate in a variety of activities during the week-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington.

“The 1963 march was a seminal moment in our country’s history,” said Mendelson. “Dr. King’s historic speech set the tone for the strides accomplished over the past 50 years. And although it is important that we continue to acknowledge the symbolism of that day, there is still much to be done to achieve full equality for all of this nation’s citizens.”

Chairman Mendelson’s attendance is confirmed for the following events:

  • =&0=& – Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Washington Welcome Reception, The Willard Intercontinental Hotel
  • =&1=& –  DC Rally and March for DC  Statehood and Self-Determination, DC War Memorial; 50th Anniversary March on Washington National Action to Realize the Dream March and Rally, Lincoln Memorial
  • =&2=&–=&3=&Let

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LivingSocial Asked to End “Drink and Shoot” Promotions

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In a recent letter to LivingSocial CEO and FounderTim O’Shaunessy, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson asked the company to adopt a policy to discontinue marketing deals that promote “drink and shoot” activities, i.e., the opportunity to use a firearm and consume alcohol.

Citing public safety issues, Mendelson wrote, “Marketing gun use with alcohol consumption is corrosive to the notion of responsible gun use and ownership.” A copy of the full letter is attached.

Last year, the Council approved legislation (the Social E-Commerce Job Creation Tax Incentive Act of 2012) which provides $32.5 million in corporate and property tax abatements for the company that will go into effect beginning in 2015.

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