A report released today by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute has confirmed what many of us have feared--the gap between rich and poor in this city continues to grow. The situation has become so severe that only Atlanta and Tampa have higher income inequality. An article in yesterday's Washington Post shed light on the human side of the issue, discussing the gradual shift in constituent services among our Councilmembers. In the past, constituent services focused on potholes, trees, crime and other city government issues. Today, we are seeing an increase in the number of residents looking to elected officials for financial help, including rent, utilities, and even funeral payments.
The constituent-service funds overseen by Councilmembers can alleviate many of these needs, and I am a huge supporter of their use for those in severe crisis. Unfortunately, the money can provide only temporary emergency assistance, not help for our neediest constituents to build better lives for themselves. Long-term projects such as school reform, vocational training, the improvement of UDC, and health care access are all essential to offering greater opportunity for our neediest residents to live decently.
The changing needs of residents as referenced in the Post article should be seen as the canary in the coal mine. If we do not find long-term solutions, the problem will escalate, causing future expenditures to spin out of control. Sonn, the constituent service funds will be used up.
Showing posts with label Poverty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poverty. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Gap Widens
District Matters is back after a month-long hiatus. Though I haven't posted in the past few weeks, my crusade to make this city a better place for everyone has been ongoing throughout the summer.
As many of you know, keeping a strong and vibrant middle class in this city is a passion of mine. It is key to maintaining a strong and healthy tax base and will secure the long-term finanical health of our city. But a middle class must be about more than finances. A strong middle class must concern itself with the matter of human decency. When I read the data today from the U.S. Census Bureau about the widening income gap between blacks and whites in DC, I was extremely disheartened. The latest figures show that whites earn a median income of $89,000 per year while blacks earn only $34,000. The numbers don't lie; we have a problem on our hands.
This income disparity cannot be cured overnight. But the DC government can do its part to help level the playing field. We need quality schools, improved job training, quality health care and improved constituent services. DC residents in all income categories bring value to this city; we must provide possibilities for those with fewer opportunities to shine. I am committed to finding concrete policy solutions that will enable all residents in Washington to live productive, decent lives. DC is a family, and we must behave as such.
As many of you know, keeping a strong and vibrant middle class in this city is a passion of mine. It is key to maintaining a strong and healthy tax base and will secure the long-term finanical health of our city. But a middle class must be about more than finances. A strong middle class must concern itself with the matter of human decency. When I read the data today from the U.S. Census Bureau about the widening income gap between blacks and whites in DC, I was extremely disheartened. The latest figures show that whites earn a median income of $89,000 per year while blacks earn only $34,000. The numbers don't lie; we have a problem on our hands.
This income disparity cannot be cured overnight. But the DC government can do its part to help level the playing field. We need quality schools, improved job training, quality health care and improved constituent services. DC residents in all income categories bring value to this city; we must provide possibilities for those with fewer opportunities to shine. I am committed to finding concrete policy solutions that will enable all residents in Washington to live productive, decent lives. DC is a family, and we must behave as such.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Healthcare Trumps All
The saga unfolding around Greater Southeast Community Hospital (GSECH) has, once again, ignited a debate about corporate profits vs. quality health care. Councilmember Catania has justifiably caused a stir by accusing the corporate owner, Envision, of putting profits ahead of patient care. What is happening at GSECH mirrors the healthcare crisis going on around the country. Unfortunately, it's in our home town, and the neediest of District residents are the ones suffering.
Quality health care is a right, not a privilege for only those who can afford it. Our leaders must find a way to ensure that DC residents have access to health care without first being frisked by corporate number crunchers. Governor Schwarzenegger has a far-reaching plan in California that guarantees coverage for every Californian. DC residents deserve coverage as well.
As long as the federal government continues to avoid dealing seriously with the nation's out-of-control health-care crisis, local leaders must lean heavily on Congress and the White House to make necessary changes and improvements while, at the same time, protect local residents from corporate profiteering. I applaud David Catania's efforts to stand up to a large corporation and to champion the cause of those who need our help desperately--too many struggling residents of the District of Columbia in need of medical attention.
Quality health care is a right, not a privilege for only those who can afford it. Our leaders must find a way to ensure that DC residents have access to health care without first being frisked by corporate number crunchers. Governor Schwarzenegger has a far-reaching plan in California that guarantees coverage for every Californian. DC residents deserve coverage as well.
As long as the federal government continues to avoid dealing seriously with the nation's out-of-control health-care crisis, local leaders must lean heavily on Congress and the White House to make necessary changes and improvements while, at the same time, protect local residents from corporate profiteering. I applaud David Catania's efforts to stand up to a large corporation and to champion the cause of those who need our help desperately--too many struggling residents of the District of Columbia in need of medical attention.
Monday, June 18, 2007
An Old School Fathers Day
All around the country, fathers and their kids celebrated their unconditional love for each other on Fathers Day. Unfortunately, for many in the District of Columbia, children are without fathers. In some cases, dads are in jail or were murdered. In other cases, they simple choose not to be a part of their kids' lives and upbringing. No matter the reason, Fathers Day should remind us that many youth of this city desperately need our help.
The government cannot create fathers. All the money in the world will not create never-formed or broken bonds. But several groups of courageous and dedicated black men in the District have come together to create organizations that mentor children and steer them away from violence and crime. Yesterday, two such groups, Peaceoholics and Cease Fire, held a special Fathers Day cookout and baseball game for kids whose fathers are not there for them.
The baseball game featured my team, the "new school" Peaceoholics, coached by co-founders Jauhar Abraham and Ronald Motten, against the "old school" Madness, coached by Cease Fire founder Al-Malik Farrakhan. We were sure we were going to win, but at the end of the game, we were beaten by the "old school" brothers 20-0!!! I have never been so surprised, but Al-Malik fielded an amazing team.
Today, I was reminded again of two things:
1) There are great people doing great things in this community, doing everything they can to save and support our youth.
2) Respect our elders. Not only do they have the ability to make a difference in our community, but they are very good at baseball!
The government cannot create fathers. All the money in the world will not create never-formed or broken bonds. But several groups of courageous and dedicated black men in the District have come together to create organizations that mentor children and steer them away from violence and crime. Yesterday, two such groups, Peaceoholics and Cease Fire, held a special Fathers Day cookout and baseball game for kids whose fathers are not there for them.
The baseball game featured my team, the "new school" Peaceoholics, coached by co-founders Jauhar Abraham and Ronald Motten, against the "old school" Madness, coached by Cease Fire founder Al-Malik Farrakhan. We were sure we were going to win, but at the end of the game, we were beaten by the "old school" brothers 20-0!!! I have never been so surprised, but Al-Malik fielded an amazing team.
Today, I was reminded again of two things:
1) There are great people doing great things in this community, doing everything they can to save and support our youth.
2) Respect our elders. Not only do they have the ability to make a difference in our community, but they are very good at baseball!
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Military Solution
As a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve, I am required to serve in an active military capacity one weekend per month and two weeks per year. During times of crisis, I can be called to go to war in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. While I have not been sent to a war zone, I have been to other hot spots around the world, such as post-tsunami Indonesia, where I was part of a humanitarian relief effort. Serving in thhe Navy has been an extremely rewarding experience for me, as it has been for many others.
How does this connect to issues in DC? Sometimes, the military may be one of the only ways out for kids living in dire circumstances. While many youth in DC have fractured families and are surrounded by guns, drugs and crime, the military offers them a way to travel, become better educated, learn discipline and organizational skills, and perhaps pick up a trade that can be of value in the civilian world. In many ways, the military can harness young energy in a positive way that can turn lives around.
The war in Iraq has tainted the reputation of the military, despite the hard work and dedication of our young men and women in uniform. But let's remember that the military has been around since before our nation was born, and it has fostered some of the most well respected leaders in the history of our nation. Most of our Presidents have been in the military and so have many successful CEOs, writers and other outstanding citizens. The military is not the solution for everyone, but for some of our city's youth, it may just well be. I am proud to serve my country in the United States Navy and I know that many other DC residents are as well.
How does this connect to issues in DC? Sometimes, the military may be one of the only ways out for kids living in dire circumstances. While many youth in DC have fractured families and are surrounded by guns, drugs and crime, the military offers them a way to travel, become better educated, learn discipline and organizational skills, and perhaps pick up a trade that can be of value in the civilian world. In many ways, the military can harness young energy in a positive way that can turn lives around.
The war in Iraq has tainted the reputation of the military, despite the hard work and dedication of our young men and women in uniform. But let's remember that the military has been around since before our nation was born, and it has fostered some of the most well respected leaders in the history of our nation. Most of our Presidents have been in the military and so have many successful CEOs, writers and other outstanding citizens. The military is not the solution for everyone, but for some of our city's youth, it may just well be. I am proud to serve my country in the United States Navy and I know that many other DC residents are as well.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
A Day with the Peaceoholics
I spent today with one of my favorite non-profit groups in DC, the Peaceoholics, a group dedicated to stopping violence. Founded by ex-offenders Ron Motten and Jauhar Abraham, the group uses crisis mediation and mentoring to keep disadvantaged youth out of trouble and teaches them skills to succeed in life. Jauhar took me under his wing for a day to see the group in action.
We spent the day in Ward 8, first at Malcolm X Elementary School and then at Anacostia Senior High School. At Malcolm X, we witnessed the convening of a "youth court," where a student accused of starting a fight was judged by her peers. It was amazing to see the childeren participate fully and take the case so seriously. Similar to a substence abuse-intervention, the court applied peer pressure to prevent future bad behavior.
At Anacostia Senior High School, we toured the facility and spoke with some of the students in the Peaceoholics mentoring program. We also observed a group attempting to get better statistical data on student attendance in order to track down truants.
This day's experience was incredibly moving. Hearing stories shared by some of the kids overwhelmed me with pain, but also with hope and admiration. It was absolutely heartbreaking to imagine the lives of some of the young children east of the river. With no parental guidance and a government that has essentially abandoned them, the heroic Peaceoholics have stepped in to do what they can to help some of our sons and daughters have a productive future. We owe Ron and Jauhar a debt of gratitude for all they are doing.
Check out the Peaceoholics website to learn more.
http://www.peaceoholics.org/home.htm
We spent the day in Ward 8, first at Malcolm X Elementary School and then at Anacostia Senior High School. At Malcolm X, we witnessed the convening of a "youth court," where a student accused of starting a fight was judged by her peers. It was amazing to see the childeren participate fully and take the case so seriously. Similar to a substence abuse-intervention, the court applied peer pressure to prevent future bad behavior.
At Anacostia Senior High School, we toured the facility and spoke with some of the students in the Peaceoholics mentoring program. We also observed a group attempting to get better statistical data on student attendance in order to track down truants.
This day's experience was incredibly moving. Hearing stories shared by some of the kids overwhelmed me with pain, but also with hope and admiration. It was absolutely heartbreaking to imagine the lives of some of the young children east of the river. With no parental guidance and a government that has essentially abandoned them, the heroic Peaceoholics have stepped in to do what they can to help some of our sons and daughters have a productive future. We owe Ron and Jauhar a debt of gratitude for all they are doing.
Check out the Peaceoholics website to learn more.
http://www.peaceoholics.org/home.htm
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
#1 in Per-Capita Income.....HIV, Teen Pregnancy, Unemployment, Illiteracy, Poverty
There was great news for the District last week as the Bureau of Economic Analysis came out with its report on personal income across the country. DC ranked number one with a per capita income of $56,307. That's not the only measurement in which DC ranks near the top of the list. Our nation's capital also has more per capita cases of HIV, teen pregnancy, unemployment, illiteracy and poverty than any state in the country. We truly are a city of have and have nots.
For all the talk of one city, we are two cities, primarily divided by the Anacostia River. I admire Chairman Vince Gray's slogan of "One City." In fact, I wear a lapel pin with those words on my business suits. It's great on paper, but when you look at the economics of this city, it's just not true. For people living in Wards 7 and 8 who see the income numbers, do you think they feel part of the economic resurgence in DC? I doubt it, and it's a shame.
I think the first step to solving this problem is for people to become more involved in their communities. Since I work downtown, I'm a volunteer as a tutor Stevens Elementary School. It's one hour per week, but it goes a long way to enriching the lives of our public school students.
Here are some ways that you can help enrich your community:
1) Help out at a local school
2) If you are a parent, attend PTA meetings or volunteer in your child's classroom
3) Participate in counseling and mentoring programs
4) Use your job skills to train others for success
These are just a few ideas. Getting involved locally will increase camaraderie across the city and will ultimately expand opportunities for those who have been left out. When people know each other and work together to improve their communities, neighborhoods and cities become strong and vibrant. Everyone feels invested in community success. If you have ideas about how to help your community, feel free to post them here.
For all the talk of one city, we are two cities, primarily divided by the Anacostia River. I admire Chairman Vince Gray's slogan of "One City." In fact, I wear a lapel pin with those words on my business suits. It's great on paper, but when you look at the economics of this city, it's just not true. For people living in Wards 7 and 8 who see the income numbers, do you think they feel part of the economic resurgence in DC? I doubt it, and it's a shame.
I think the first step to solving this problem is for people to become more involved in their communities. Since I work downtown, I'm a volunteer as a tutor Stevens Elementary School. It's one hour per week, but it goes a long way to enriching the lives of our public school students.
Here are some ways that you can help enrich your community:
1) Help out at a local school
2) If you are a parent, attend PTA meetings or volunteer in your child's classroom
3) Participate in counseling and mentoring programs
4) Use your job skills to train others for success
These are just a few ideas. Getting involved locally will increase camaraderie across the city and will ultimately expand opportunities for those who have been left out. When people know each other and work together to improve their communities, neighborhoods and cities become strong and vibrant. Everyone feels invested in community success. If you have ideas about how to help your community, feel free to post them here.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
NIMBY Strikes Again
There was an article in The Post today highlighting attempts by both MD Senators to move DC's juvenile detention center from Laurel into the District. DC, with no vote in Congress, of course, has no say in this matter. But that is beside the point.
In one of the news groups I subscribe to, HillEast, which happens to be my neighborhood, a debate raged about the location on the new center. While no location was specified, rumor has it that it will be placed in the eastern part of Capitol Hill. Residents were in uproar about having a juvenile detention facility in their neighborhood for fear of increased crime.
I urge citizens to take a true community view on this issue. We are one city, and we all need to work together to solve our problems. Would HillEast be my first choice for a new juvenile detention center? Probably not. But if it were truly the location that made the most sense, I would support it. If the kids in the facility are from DC, then the facility should be in DC where families can easily come to visit with them.
We are one city. Our problems will not be solved by continuing to isolate those who are less fortunate. While property values are an issue, let's think about the families in poverty who can barely make ends meet, and who are desperate for help. Let's put ourselves in their shoes. How would you feel if people wanted to keep you out of their neighborhood. You would probably feel hopeless. But suppose residents of HillEast embraced the facility and even volunteered and mentored some of the children who live there. It could make a difference in the lives of people who truly need help.
A rising tide will lift all ships. If we truly want to make the city a better place, everyone will have to pitch in. Let's not fall prey to the NIMBY syndrome.
In one of the news groups I subscribe to, HillEast, which happens to be my neighborhood, a debate raged about the location on the new center. While no location was specified, rumor has it that it will be placed in the eastern part of Capitol Hill. Residents were in uproar about having a juvenile detention facility in their neighborhood for fear of increased crime.
I urge citizens to take a true community view on this issue. We are one city, and we all need to work together to solve our problems. Would HillEast be my first choice for a new juvenile detention center? Probably not. But if it were truly the location that made the most sense, I would support it. If the kids in the facility are from DC, then the facility should be in DC where families can easily come to visit with them.
We are one city. Our problems will not be solved by continuing to isolate those who are less fortunate. While property values are an issue, let's think about the families in poverty who can barely make ends meet, and who are desperate for help. Let's put ourselves in their shoes. How would you feel if people wanted to keep you out of their neighborhood. You would probably feel hopeless. But suppose residents of HillEast embraced the facility and even volunteered and mentored some of the children who live there. It could make a difference in the lives of people who truly need help.
A rising tide will lift all ships. If we truly want to make the city a better place, everyone will have to pitch in. Let's not fall prey to the NIMBY syndrome.
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