Interested in public policy, the DC budget, research and information to inform and improve the caliber of public policy discussions or advocacy? This is the place for you: information and intelligence that improves advocacy is the stock in trade of this blog.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Follow DC Jobs Council on Twitter
Monday, March 29, 2010
Free child abuse prevention training in April
Safe Shores will train on Stewards of Children, a revolutionary interactive prevention training program developed by Darkness to Light, a national child sexual abuse prevention organization. This program educates adults to take simple, proactive to protect children from sexual abuse, including how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly. April 2010 Stewards of Children Trainings
City Council hearings
- B18-674, "Medicaid Benefits Protection Amendment Act of 2010": The Committee on Health (At-large CM Catania, chair) is holding a hearing on April 29 at 2:00 pm in the JAWB. Details are in the notice.
- "Post Hypothermia - A Review of Homeless Shelter Operations During the Winter of 2009-2010": The public roundtable is being held on March 31 at 10:00 am by the Committee on Human Services (Ward 6 CM Wells, chair) in the JAWB. Details are in the notice.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Notices from the March 26 DCR
- The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) issued emergency and proposed rules in the March 26 DCR "to change the current prospective payment reimbursement methodology for inpatient hospital services for hospitals participating in the Medicaid Program." The public may comment in writing within 30 days of publication. Details are in the notice.
- The Department of Human Services (DHS) issued emergency and proposed rules in the March 26 DCR regarding a new DCMR chapter titled "Shelter and Supportive Housing For Individuals and Families." The proposed rules will become effective in not less than 45 days from the date of publication. DHS has also given notice "of its intent to take final rulemaking action to adopt these regulations within fifteen (15) days of approval by the District of Columbia Council ("Council") or the expiration of the Council review period, whichever occurs first."
From the notice:
The purpose of the new chapter is to establish rules to administer the District of Columbia’s Shelter and Supportive Housing Program for individuals and families. The District initially published proposed rules for the Program on Friday, September 28, 2007. In addition, the District published the proposed rules for the Program to implement the new Permanent Supportive Housing initiative on Friday, August 15, 2008. Public comments were received during the comment periods and the Department has revised the original proposed rulemakings to reflect the comments received on each. Because the revisions represent substantial alterations, the Department is republishing the combined comprehensive Program rules, as an emergency and proposed rulemaking, in accordance with section 303(f) of the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act, as added by section 4 of the District of Columbia Documents Act, effective March 6, 1979, D.C. Law 2-153, D.C. Official Code § 2-553(f) (2006 Supp.). In addition, these rules were submitted to the Council and are awaiting Council approval, or expiration of the Council review period, as required by section 31 of the HSRA.
Details are in the notice.
- Now available: First Draft Fiscal Year 2011-2015 Consolidated Plan and Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Action Plan for the District of Columbia. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is making the draft available for public comment no later than April 2. Comments are sought on four federal entitlement programs: Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA). The deadline for comments is May 3. Details are in the notice.
- The Justice Grants Administration notice funding availability in the March 26 DCR. Details about these opportunities are in the notice.
- UDC’s Board of Trustees published a corrected final notice in the March 26 DCR regarding the university’s procurement rules approved by the City Council.
Underage drinking in DC
You can subscribe to CESAR updates by going to http://www.cesar.umd.edu/.
Questions from DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
- What do you think DC spends annually to support families started by teens?
- What do you think DC invests annually in rigorously evaluated programs to prevent teen pregnancy?
DC Campaign wants to know what you think! Email Jen Bissell with your answer(s): jbissell (at) dccampaign (dot) org.
Getting to the DC Register online
- The first way is to use this URL: http://www.dcregs.org/.
- The second is to use this URL: http://dcregs.dc.gov/. Note that this option follows the DC government pattern of URLs which is agency abbreviation (dot) dc (dot) gov.
- The third way is via the Office of the Secretary website, http://os.dc.gov. Use the link "Access the DC Municipal Regulations and Register."
Friday, March 26, 2010
Proposed rules on election procedures
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Opening remarks from Master Facilities Plan hearing
More than 80 scheduled to speak at Healthy Schools public hearing March 26
According to CM Cheh's website,
this bill would (1) make school meals healthier and more nutritious; (2) increase the amount of local and fresh fruits and vegetables served in schools; (3) increase exercise and physical activity in our schools; (4) promote school gardens, recycling, energy reduction, and other green initiatives; and (5) improve school nurse, asthma, and allergy programs.
Metro area prom dress giveaway May 2
The event is taking place on May 2 at 3:30 pm at the City of Glenarden’s Gold Room (8600 Glenarden Parkway). For pre-registration and further information, contact Helen Robinson at Janeg1962 (at) yahoo (dot) com. You can also go to their website.
Today on D.C. Politics with Jonetta
DC joins Mayor's Action Challenge
The purpose of the challenge is for mayors to
set at least one bold, measurable goal or target to guide local action in each of the following areas to ensure that every child has:
- Opportunities to learn and grow;
- A safe neighborhood to call home;
- A healthy lifestyle and environment; and
- A financially fit family in which to thrive.
DC's goals include school attendance, use of pre-k, reducing obesity, and connecting more families to jobs and job training.
Yay DC!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Committee on Economic Development changes hearing dates
Washington Peace Center's latest activist resource
Updated Child Abuse Prevention Month activities
CFSA announces one Child Abuse Prevention month event
Be sure to share this info with teens and programs working with teens. The first 50 teens will receive free gifts!
Anacostia Library update
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
CFSA to brief community on FY 2011 proposed budget
The event is being held on April 14 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm and is open to the public. Details in the flier below.
This briefing follows the April 1 release of Mayor Fenty's proposed budget and is in advance of the April 22 public hearing by the Committee on Human Services on the CFSA budget.
CFSA FY11 Budget Briefing Announcement
Child welfare updates
- Help CFSA improve its website (take the short survey)
- Support teens in care with Passion for Fashion, a fashion show and benefit for Haiti (press release here)
- Participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) and share your event information with CFSA so the agency can include it on their calendar of events across the city. Need an idea for an event? Some ideas are here.
More public policy and practice reads
CM Thomas and community present people's child care budget
Monday, March 22, 2010
Mayor Fenty's March 23 sked
Election 2010: Candidate update
- DC for Democracy (@dc4d on Twitter) is following candidates on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dc4d/dc-candidates-2010
- Richard Urban has a website, http://www.rufordc.com/.
- Candidate for Ward 5 Tracey D. Turner has a website, http://www.traceydturner.com/, is on Facebook and is on Twitter, @Turnerfor5.
- Delano Hunter, candidate in Ward 5, is on Facebook.
- Jim DeMartino is running in Ward 6. He's all over the web with this website, http://www.jim4ward6.com/, Twitter (@JimDeMartino), and on Facebook and YouTube (get there from his website).
Calendar updated
Sunday, March 21, 2010
More testimony from oversight hearings
- Kenneth Noyes from the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence testified before the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary on the Office of Victim Services.
- S.H.A.P.P.E.'s Cathy Reilly testified about funding for DCPS in FY 2011 on March 9.
- Mary Levy testified before the Committee of the Whole on DCPS oversight on March 15. She supplemented her testimony with information on DCPS hires and funding by type.
The City Council in the March 19 DCR
FYs 2009 and 2010 oversight hearings schedule change: The March 19 DCR includes the March 15 updated of the schedule. Check out the notice.
Mayor Fenty's March 22 sked
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
DDS FY 2011 budget forum
Trainings for providers
JGA has a new website!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Testimony from the March 11 CFSA oversight hearing
Some of those who testified:
- Roy Morris, Esq.
- T’Kara Plater, Foster Care Campaign Staff, Young Women’s Project
- Brittany Silver, President, Foster Care Campaign, Young Women’s Project
- Trey Jones, Foster Care Campaign Staff, Young Women’s Project
- Nadia Moritz, Executive Director, Young Women’s Project
- Nakea Paige from the Young Women's Project
- Tosin A. Ogunyoku, Senior Program Coordinator, Foster Care Campaign, Young Women’s Project
- Dr. Roque Gerald, Child and Family Services Agency
DPR seeks public input on improving website
Parks and Rec is also hosting focus groups during the week of April 5
to gather more in-depth information on what people want to see on the website. Those interested in participating in focus groups can share contact information at the end of the online survey or can contact Stuart Allan by email at stuart (dot) allan (at) dc (dot) gov. The update of the website is expected to be complete in late spring.
DCPS oversight hearings
Council Chairman Vince Gray's opening statement for the March 15 hearing is here. The witness list, 96 people long, which explains the separate hearing for DCPS staff, is here.
From and about the Fenty Administration
- Bernedia Long is the assistant to the Ward 3 MOCRS staff. She is interested in being kept in the loop in Ward 3 issues. Her direct phone is 671-2337 and her email is Bernedia (dot) Long (at) dc (dot) gov
- DPR has a new application and vetting process for community partners: This process is for organizations interested in providing free programs at Department of Parks and Recreation facilities during the summer of 2010. The submission deadline is 5:00 pm April 15. More information about the process is on the DPR website.
- Two upcoming DCPS events: 1) Teaching and Learning Community Meeting in Ward 4, March 16 at 6:30 pm at Roosevelt Senior High School (4301 13th St NW) and 2) Chancellor’s Community Forum in Ward 7 on The Vision for DCPS High Schools, March 24 at 6:30 pm at Kimball Elementary School (3375 Minnesota Ave SE).
- The DCPS central office has moved: On March 1, the office opened at its new location, 1200 First St NE. While the location has changed, all phone numbers have remained the same. For a guide to the new location, click here.
- The Mt. Pleasant Library is closing for renovation on March 27 at 5:30 and the interim branch (3164 Mount Pleasant St NW) will open on April 19. The interim will be open until the spring of 2011 when the renovated library re-opens. Over the next year, library patrons can return or renew books checked out from any DC library.
- The brand spankin' new Benning Library (3935 Benning Rd NE) is opening April 5. The interim library closed March 13.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
More candidates in 2010
So this is what we know that has not been shared on the blog before:
- Committee to Elect Ernest E. Johnson Mayor (D)
- Can't find a website for Tayman 2010 but what we do know is that Patrick is running for mayor.
- Current Ward 6 member Tommy Wells is running for re-election.
- Delano Hunter is running for the Ward 5 seat.
- Harry Thomas, Ward 5 CM, is running for re-election.
- Kenyan McDuffie is running for the Ward 5 seat.
- Tracey Turner is also running for the Ward 5 seat.
- Current Ward 3 rep Mary Cheh is running for a second term.
- At-large member Phil Mendelson is running to retain his seat.
- Richard Urban is running for an At-large seat.
Building Governmental Transparency, March 19
The Center for American Progress is having this free event on March 19 from Noon - 2:00 pm at Center for American Progress (1333 H St NW). If you are not able to attend, watch the streaming video the day of the event.
A timely history lesson
March 10, 1884 The [District] Time Bill was passed -- establishing the 75th meridian time for the District -- March 11, 1884 Washington Post.
An article the previous October (October 26, 1883) explained that this would move time in Washington ahead 8 minutes and 12 seconds.
This was a follow up to the adoption of the recommendations of the General Time convention which established the time zones with which we are familiar. Those time zones went into effect November 18, 1883.
Friday, March 12, 2010
CM Cheh exemplifies transparency
Witness testimony from other hearings is easy enough to find. Go to http://www.marycheh.com/, go to the calendar on the right side of the home page (shown as "Events") and click the date of the hearing. You can also watch the hearing from a link on the page.
If you like this improvement to the CM's site, send her an email, mcheh (at) dccouncil (dot) us.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
More changes made to oversight and budget hearings schedules
New Ward 4 MOCRS staffer
Agency responses to council questions
Mayor Fenty around town March 11
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Maternal and Child Health Community Meeting
Survey of Ward 5 senior citizens - supporting our elders helps support kids
Why is a child advocate promoting a survey on the needs of senior citizens? Beyond the fact that seniors are an important part of families, some grandparents in DC step up to parent their grandchildren. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2008 American Community Survey, for instance, approximately 11% of children in DC live with their grandparent and the grandparent is the head of the household.
A few years ago, the city created the Grandparents Subsidy Program to help low-income grandparents care for their grandchildren and keep them out of the foster care system. The program "provides monthly financial assistance (on a first come, first served basis) to low-income grandparents and other relatives residing in the District of Columbia who are raising grandchildren, great grandchildren, or great nieces or nephews outside the child welfare system."
Paying attention to the needs of our elders is important just because and particularly because so many are caring for children who might otherwise end up in foster care.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
CM Michael Brown's home run of a hearing
Stable employment, affordable housing and quality education are the keys to stabilizing our most challenged neighborhoods. Job training and preparing District residents to succeed in the workplace must continue to be the focus of the Department’s operations.
- Are we are training our residents in industries where jobs currently exist or where they are projected to exist in the near future?
- How do we measure outcomes related to job training?
- How do we ensure that our youth workforce development programs provide meaningful experiences year-round that set our youth up for success?
Read the rest of CM's opening statement here. To see who testified at the hearing, take a look at the final witness list.
DOES director Joe Walsh will appear before the committee on March 15 at 1:00 pm in Room 120 of the JAWB.
Volunteers needed for Citizens Review Panel
Mayor Fenty to attend education hearing in the community, March 9
Child abuse and domestic violence featured on Social Justice Challenge
was founded on the idea that reading can change the world. Each month we will focus on a different area of social injustice in the world and encourage participants to learn about the issues through reading and other media and take action steps towards making a difference.12 months. 12 themes. Countless lives changed.
March at Social Justice Challenge is about domestic violence and child abuse. The month's reading list is here.
Hub DC - space for social innovators
The central concept behind Hub DC is that it's driven by the community - it provides the resources that members need to have their greatest impact. Organizers are reaching out to others interested in making the idea real in DC. At the first community meeting, it's our chance to think big ... how can Hub DC incubate social innovation, strengthen the local economy, and unify segmented groups? How can we build a culture and a momentum that encourages others to join? What do we want the space to look like?
The community meeting is being held on March 14 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm at St. Stephen's Church Dining Room (1525 Newton St NW). RSVP by March 12 to alex (dot) denny (at) the-hub (dot) net. You can also check out the Hub DC blog.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Calendar updates
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Oversight and budget hearing sked changes
New report finds some progress in mental health services for DC kids in foster care
The report finds that some "tangible implementation progress has already been made." Examples include a crisis mobile response service for children and "Choice Provider clinicians are being trained to provide trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy." Significantly more progress, however, must be made and the report contains a number of specific recommendations to improve services.
The DC Citizen's Review Panel is mandated by the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, known as CAPTA. Members are concerned District residents who want to ensure that children and families receive the necessary services and supports to ensure their safety and well-being.
When Healthy Food is out of Reach, March 16
"When Healthy Food is Out of Reach: An Analysis of the Grocery Gap in the District of Columbia" is being held on March 16 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. The event is being held at the Washington D.C. Economic Partnership (1495 F St NW). Speakers will include Harriet Tregoning, Director of the Office of Planning and Dr. Pierre Vigilance, Director of the Department of Health.
RSVP here. Space is limited.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Event and other ideas for Child Abuse Prevention Month
But we can prevent child abuse and neglect. If you are interested in learning more about what your organization can do to participate in the month and beyond to prevent child maltreatment, take a look at this list of suggestions from CFSA.
And remember to share information about your event with Roopa Chakkappan at roopa (dot) chakkappan (at) dc (dot) gov so that it can be included on the calendar of events.
UPDATED: More on budget and oversight
- What's In Store for FY 2011? A Forum on the DC Budget Outlook, March 8: DC Fiscal Policy Institute, The Arc of DC and others are sponsoring this annual event featuring key players in the DC budget to hear about some of the possible ways to address the budget gap, and to learn about best how to advocate for the services important to you. Registration and coffee, 9:00 am; Program: 9:30 - 11:30 am. The free event is being held at the Sumner School (1201 17th St NW). Speakers are: Ed Lazere, Executive Director, DC Fiscal Policy Institute; Eric Goulet, Budget Director, Council of the District of Columbia; Fitzroy Lee, Chief Economist, Office of the Chief Financial Officer; Dawn Slonneger, Chief of Staff, Office of the Honorable Vincent C. Gray; T.J. Sutcliffe, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, The Arc of the District of Columbia. RSVP to Tina Marshall at marshall (at) cbpp (dot) org or 408-1080.
- Just released--Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to the FY 2010 Oversight and FY 2011 Budget Hearings: The Arc of DC has done it again with this insightful and helpful guide to the City Council's oversight and budget hearings. The guide offers questions related to services for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families that the public may wish to track during the hearings. The City Council's oversight and budget hearings are one of the public's main annual opportunities to weigh in on what's working and what needs improvement in DC services. UPDATE March 4, 12:40 pm: The guide is available by emailing T.J. Sutcliffe, tjsutcliffe (at) arcdc (dot) net.
Executive branch intel
- Clarence Carter's testimony before the Committee on Human Services at the DHS FYs 2009 and 2010 oversight hearing.
- Joseph Martin has moved to Serve DC from the Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS). His email remains the same: joseph (dot) martin (at) dc (dot) gov.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Mayor Fenty on facility modernizations
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
CFSA seeks advocate input
This is just the initial phase of the redesign. Described as "swift and basic," the upgrade will feature a new design, new navigation, and about 20 pages of content by June. This vastly improved platform will allow for future improvements. In the second phase and beyond, CFSA expects to seek and incorporate input from various sources.
Together, families and communities can prevent child abuse
The public can learn ways to help by learning how to how to help family members and others better handle stressors like unemployment, poverty, and social isolation that make child abuse predictable. Service providers can attend a policy forum to better understand the role that public policy plays in supporting families to reduce the likelihood of abuse. The larger community can participate in trainings which educate adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and moves them to actions.
Child and Family Services Agency is going to promote such events and opportunities. If your organization is sponsoring an event during Child Abuse Prevention Month, send details to Roopa Chakkappan at roopa (dot) chakkappan (at) dc (dot) gov.
Council news: Barry and earmarks
The other news is about earmarks. The council voted to remove all earmarks from the FY 2010 budget and City Council Chair Gray is recommending that the FY 2011 budget contain no earmarks. It is curious that the council also approved requirements for nonprofit organizations seeking earmarks. The requirements are consistent with those recommended in the Bennett report including rigorous grant management and compliance with business laws and regulation.
Catania's 2010 campaign website
Jonetta Rose Barras' DC Politics, March 2, 11:00 am
Mayor announces SYEP registration
Too bad the mayor's announcement comes after the big email splash on March 1 that included details about requirements and the website, summerjobs.dc.gov.
Monday, March 1, 2010
New info on DME website
Bennett, earmarks and Councilmember responses
March 2 City Council activities
- The final reading on B18-449, "Foster Care Youth Identity Protection Amendment Act of 2010"
- The final reading on B18-647, "Fiscal Year 2010 Balanced Budget and Spending Pressure Control Plan Temporary Act of 2010"
- The first reading on B18-69, "Anti-Graffiti Act of 2010"
The next Legislative Meeting is scheduled for April 6 at 10:00 am.
Late on March 1, the office of City Council Chair Vincent Gray announced an additional legislative session on March 2 "to address the findings of the Bennett investigation of Council contracts and earmarks. It will follow the regular meeting that starts at 10 AM." The council estimates the additional session will start at 3:00 pm.
More on earmarks (like the Auditor's report)
The DC Auditor has finally posted it here (link updated 2/8/12). I had a copy but it was not widely available to the public. So I asked for a copy and the DC Auditor posted it!
But wait, there is more. You now can read the formal response of Eric Goulet, council budget director. Goulet's response provides contextual information as well as insights into future earmark reforms.