Grosso Introduces Sense of the Council Resolution to Implement Police Reform

For Immediate Release: 

July 13, 2016

Contact:

Matthew Nocella, (202) 724-8105
mnocella@dccouncil.us

Grosso Introduces Resolution Calling for Police Reform

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced a “Sense of the Council to Implement Police Reform” resolution to support families of victims lost to police violence; to implement widespread police reform; and to acknowledge support for all persons fighting for equal treatment under the law.  The move comes in the wake of the gun violence that occurred in Dallas, St. Paul, and Baton Rouge last week.

“I am tired of standing by and simply offering my condolences every time another person has been fatally shot,” Grosso said. “Violence is not a solution to our problems.  We must proactively examine our policies to reduce the use of violence as a solution to conflicts.”

The resolution states that the Mayor and the Council should study Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) policies and practices to assess their impact and make necessary improvements to reduce incidences of police shootings and use of violence in D.C.

The killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police galvanized Grosso to introduce the measure, though they were just the latest in a string that highlights the systemic racial disparities in our criminal justice system.  Recent analyses indicate that African-Americans are 2.5 times as likely as white Americans to be shot and killed by police officers.

While D.C. has not experienced fatal shootings on the same scale as other cities, Mapping Police Violence found that police fatally shot 17 people, 16 of which were African-Americans, between January 2013 and April 2016.

“As the Chair of the Education Committee, I’m particularly concerned about the kind of message that these shootings send to our children of color about how they are perceived,” Grosso said.

Grosso sent a letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser asking her to establish a citywide call to action to implement data-driven police reform measures and to strengthen police-community relations. He also sent a letter to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee, requesting he hold a hearing in the fall to examine MPD’s implementation of recommendations made last year in a report from the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor.

Grosso also acknowledged the horrific killing of five police officers in Dallas and his desire to strengthen the relationship between residents and police.

“To acknowledge that this nation and our city faces a serious problem does not mean that we do not respect and appreciate the vast majority of police officers who risk their lives to protect us every day,” he said. “As we mourn the loss of those officers, we must hold our police, government, and each other accountable for treating every person equally and with dignity under the law so that confidence is restored between our communities and those charged with their protection.”

###

Below is the resolution, as introduced:

Sense of the Council to Implement Police Reform - July 12 2016 by Team_Grosso on Scribd

Below is the letter Councilmember Grosso sent to Mayor Bowser:

Grosso Letter to Mayor Bowser on Implementing Police Reform by Team_Grosso on Scribd

Below is the letter Councilmember Grosso sent to Councilmember McDuffie:

Grosso Letter to Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie on Implementing Police Reform by Team_Grosso on Scribd

Grosso Commits to Advancing Family Leave Legislation this Fall

For Immediate Release: 

July 11, 2016

Contact:

Matthew Nocella, (202) 724-8105
mnocella@dccouncil.us

Grosso Commits to Advancing Family Leave Legislation this Fall

Washington, D.C. - It was determined last week that the Council of the District of Columbia will not consider the Universal Paid Leave Act of 2015, a measure introduced by Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) that provides 16 weeks paid leave to all workers in D.C., before it adjourns for its summer recess.

"The working families of the District of Columbia need the security and stability this legislation provides," Councilmember Grosso said.  "I'm disappointed that we're not moving forward, however I remain committed to the goals of the bill and to enactment by the end of the year."

The bill, which Grosso co-wrote with Councilmember Elissa Silverman, would allow any employee in D.C., or any D.C. resident employed outside of the city, to access a government-run fund that would pay for up to 16 weeks of leave for a qualifying event. Qualifying events include a baby born or adopted or major medical operations for the worker or a family member. The bill's definition of family and major events are inclusive of the diversity of D.C.'s workers and families, including low-income workers, single-parent households, caregiving for non-child family members, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, and more.

"I greatly appreciate the efforts of Chairman Mendelson, Councilmember Silverman, the D.C. Paid Leave Coalition, the National Partnership for Women and Families, Family Values @ Work, and the many other advocates working on this measure.  We will continue our efforts over the summer recess to get a bill that is progressive and fiscally responsible that we can act on in September."

"As a country we lag behind the rest of the world on family leave-we need pro-family policies that encourage care taking and nurturing," said Grosso when he introduced the legislation last October. "The Universal Paid Leave Act will support our D.C. workers and families, while giving our local businesses a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining highly qualified employees."

Grosso Statement on Recent Gun Violence Across the Country

For Immediate Release: 

July 8, 2016

Contact:

Matthew Nocella, (202) 724-8105
mnocella@dccouncil.us

Grosso Statement on Recent Gun Violence Across the Country

Washington, D.C. – The following is a statement from Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) on the recent acts of gun violence in Dallas, TX, St. Paul, MN, and Baton Rouge, LA:

“My heart breaks over the senseless violence in this country that continues to be ignored by our national leaders. My heart breaks over the killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the five Dallas police officers, whose lives were cut short without cause.  My heart breaks for the family, friends, and communities torn apart by this bloodshed. My heart breaks especially for the children of the victims, some who witnessed firsthand these horrific acts, forced to carry that trauma with them the rest of their lives.

“We have serious questions to reflect on as a city and as a nation. Why is it that in our country shooting another human being is even considered a solution? Why are unarmed African-American men seven times more likely than unarmed white men to be killed by police?

“I cannot stand by, simply offering thoughts and prayers.  To say that it does not happen here in the District is simply untrue and ignores the reality faced by our residents.  My hope is that the Mayor and the Council can seriously study the Metropolitan Police Department’s policies to determine what improvements can be made to reduce incidences of unnecessary shootings and violence in our city.

“It is critical that we are proactive to ensure all residents of D.C. are treated equally with dignity under the law and to restore the necessary trust between our citizens and those charged with their protection.”

Congressional GOP Continue Attempts to Upend Grosso's Non-Discrimination Law

For Immediate Release: 

July 7, 2016

Contact:

Matthew Nocella, (202) 724-8105
mnocella@dccouncil.us

Congressional GOP Continues Attempts to Upend Grosso's Non-Discrimination Law

Washington, D.C. - The following is a statement from Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) on attempts by Republicans in the House of Representatives to ban funding to enforce the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act (RHNDA), which he championed:

“Congressional Republicans never cease to amaze me with their continued efforts to overturn the actions of the District of Columbia’s locally elected government,” Councilmember Grosso said.  ”We will not allow discrimination on the basis of a person’s private reproductive health decision to occur in the District.”

The RHNDA, which was passed unanimously by the D.C. Council and signed by the Mayor, is now law and prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on their reproductive health choices.

“Regardless of Congressional actions, discriminating on this basis is still prohibited and individuals will not lose their right to sue to enforce the law,” he said.

Grosso’s bill was already the target of a House vote last year to disapprove-or overturn-the law, an action that has not been pursued for decades and was ultimately ineffective without subsequent passage in the Senate and approval of the President.

Additionally, Republicans have introduced a variety of other amendments to weaken the District’s gun safety laws, and overturn both the budget autonomy and marijuana decriminalization referendums.

“It’s time for Congressional Republicans to focus on the serious issues facing our nation, like comprehensive gun safety reforms,  and stop meddling in the local affairs of the District of Columbia. These efforts to overturn my legislation and other measures reiterates, once again, the urgent necessity for D.C. to have budget and legislative autonomy, and ultimately statehood.” 

###

Grosso Bill Would Improve LGBTQ Health Data

For Immediate Release: 
June 28, 2016

Contact: Matthew Nocella
(202) 724-8105
 

Grosso Bill Would Improve LGBTQ Health Data

Washington, D.C. — Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced a bill to improve the documentation of health outcomes and behavioral risk factors of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community by the District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH).

“Earlier this year, I wrote to the Department of Health to ask why this data was not being collected, and I was told it would cost too much,” said Grosso. “But not collecting data on the District’s LGBTQ community costs us even more as we cannot appropriately respond to critical health issues facing these residents.”

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Health Disparities Documentation Act of 2016, would require the District Department of Health (DOH) to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity through its annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS).

The BRFSS is a cross-sectional telephone survey conducted by state health departments in all 50 states and the District of Columbia with technical and methodological assistance provided by the Center for Disease Control.  All levels of government rely on the data when making policy choices to address public health issues.

Additionally, the bill would require that the data collected be used in the annual report on the health of the District’s LGBTQ community, a collaborative effort of the Department of Health and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

“We have the highest estimated percentage of LGBTQ residents in the nation living in the District. Not including these questions as part of the annual BRFSS is a missed opportunity and disservice to the community,” said Grosso.

 ###

D.C. Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Passes First Vote with Grosso's Priorities

For Immediate Release
May 17, 2016
Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105

D.C. Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Passes First Vote with Grosso's Priorities

Washington, D.C. -- Today, the D.C. Council took its first vote on the "Fiscal Year 2017 Local Budget Act of 2016", "Fiscal Year 2017 Federal Portion Budget Request Act of 2016", and "Fiscal Year Budget Support Act of 2017", which together comprise the fiscal year 2017 budget. Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) worked closely with his colleagues to ensure inclusion of his top priorities in the budget. Grosso made the following statement:

"I am proud of the hard work and collaboration that happened during the budget process on behalf of D.C. residents. My colleagues and I were tasked with balancing the city's many priorities. Through this arduous process, we produced a budget that is fair and puts the needs of the people at the forefront.
 
"Budgets are about choices and unfortunately we could not do everything that we wanted or that was asked of us. Nevertheless, I believe this budget will continue to move us forward and help ensure that we are putting students in the District of Columbia in the best position to learn and succeed. The Committee on Education's budget and policy recommendations that passed a couple of weeks ago were strong, reflecting the needs and issues raised during the performance and budget oversight hearing process, and I am delighted to see that the Committee of the Whole builds upon our efforts. For a second year, the Committee utilized an objective process that evaluated the status of DCPS facilities and ranked them for modernization based on 4,600 data points.
 
"I am especially grateful that my colleagues once again supported the Committee on Education's approach to depoliticize funding of our school modernizations. Our model, based on equity, student demand, community-centered schools, and transparency, prioritizes the schools in greatest of need. 

"Particularly important is inclusion in this budget of funding for the replacement and closing of D.C. General, a goal that I have championed for years. I commend Mayor Bowser for taking on this important and difficult task. While I acknowledge the great deal of work ahead, the changes that the Council made will strengthen the plan, while saving money and ensuring stability. I was glad to help identify capital funding necessary for D.C. to own the new shelters rather than lease them, while working with my colleagues to ensure that Coolidge High School will still complete its full renovation onthe Mayor's schedule."

Grosso's Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Victories
Education
Under Grosso's leadership, the Education Committee approved a $3.9 billion budget improving public education, literacy, and career readiness for all District residents, including:

• $1.8 million to increase the subsidy rate for child care providers;
• $2.3 million to increase additional capacity for the Strong Start Early Intervention program that provides services to infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays;
• $1.6 million to continue the early literacy grant initiative targeting third grade reading success, which Grosso created in Fiscal Year 2016;
• $11.9 million in capital funds for data systems infrastructure at OSSE, to improve data collection, transparency and coordination in the education sector;
• $800,000 to restore the 21st Century Learning Grants at OSSE;
• $200,000 for the establishment of a D.C. Oral History Project
• $440 million in FY17 for school modernizations and other repairs for D.C. Public Schools;
• $2.5 million for Show Up Stand Out, ACE, and PASS, programs that support student attendance and divert young people away from the criminal justice system;
• $700,000 to increase the library collections budget including opening day collections for Palisades, West End, and Capitol View branch libraries;
• $600,000 to support the success of the Books from Birth program at DC Public Library;
• $1.2 million to expand the school-based health centers located in 7 schools throughout D.C.; and
• $650,000 for the Department of Health to continue funding for the teen pregnancy prevention programming and teen peer sexual health educators.

Capital Improvement Plan for DC Public Schools
This year, the Committee on Education continued its objective approach to capital modernizations. The model was refined to include 4,600 data points throughout 10 categories to rank all 112 schools in the DCPS portfolio, and was based on the following principles:

• Ensure that the Capital Improvement Plan reflects equity focused planning, aligns investments with student demand, upholds the values of community centered schools, and builds facilities to support quality educational programs;
• Exercise greater discipline in managing the scope and budget for the projects; and
• Increase transparency in the capital funding process, including delineating general stabilization fund categories such as roof repairs, boiler repairs, ADA compliance, and electrical upgrades to school specific projects.

As a result, the Committee approved a $440 million Capital Improvement Plan for FY17, enhancing the Mayor's plan by $13 million.

Arts
As a world class city, Grosso believes we must plan and develop strategies to sustain a thriving artistic and creative sector, which includes:

• $4.6 million to increase Arts Building Communities to provide more grants to more artists and provide larger grants to organizations that currently apply for multiple grants in order to meet their need;
• $1.45 million to conduct educational activities and outreach to youth and young adults;
• $30,000 to increase training and employee development of new staff of the Commission on Arts & Humanities; and
• $20,000 to increase legislative and grants management for the processing of additional grants by the Commission on Arts & Humanities.

Health and Human Services
As a member of the Committee on Health and Human Services, and recognizing the impact health and human services has on the success of students at school, Grosso is glad to see important investments in this sector including:

• Over $100 million in capital funds to build smaller, more humane shelters for families experiencing homelessness, resulting in the closure of D.C. General, fostering more stability, and saving over $165 million in the process;
• $2 million for additional Permanent Supportive Housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness;
• $2.5 million for additional Targeted Affordable Housing for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness;
• $4.9 million for youth development funding that will be issued in FY17 while the government and community create a new strategy to replace the D.C. Trust; and
• $1.2 million for Produce Plus to support low income individuals eating healthy and fresh food.

To learn more about the Committee on Education's budget and priorities on the Committee on Education, please visit www.davidgrosso.og.
 
 
###

Grosso's FY17 Budget Unanimously Passed by Committee on Education

For Immediate Release

May 5, 2016

Contact: Keenan Austin  

(202) 724-8105

Grosso's FY17 Budget Unanimously Passed by Committee on Education

Washington, D.C. - Today the D.C. Council Committee on Education unanimously passed the budget formulated by Committee Chairperson David Grosso. The $2.3 billion in operating dollars and $1.6 billion in capital budget for the city's public education system includes public schools, public charter schools, and libraries, and next goes to the full Council for a vote. The budget builds upon the Executive's investment in the full modernizations of all schools. The Committee continues its work on an objective approach to capital funding, establishes a strategic communications protocol around environmental safety, including exhaustive water testing, and restores a critical investment in public libraries.

"I've often said that the education of our children does not happen exclusively in our schools. To best serve our children, every part of the government must be engaged in this process," said Grosso.

"This budget supports the full modernization of all DCPS schools with a priority on the schools that are in the greatest of need. Many of our schools have not seen full construction or modernization over the past few decades, while others enjoy second and third iterations of development. These inequities cannot exist if we are committed to each child receiving a quality education regardless of their zip code."

"It is the responsibility of our government to make sure that taxpayer dollars support our students fairly and equitably. Last year I introduced a tool to remove politics from the city's education budget, and this year we were able to improve it with even greater analysis and better data."

The Committee also makes a number of important policy recommendations including a periodic review of the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula and the publishing of statewide discipline guidelines and regulations. The Committee's budget also establishes a D. C. Oral History project to ensure that our unique history is properly preserved for generations to come. The budget includes the following enhancements:   

• $220M new funding for DCPS capital modernizations
• $22.5M in small capital improvement projects at DCPS
• $1.8M to increase child care subsidy rates to align rates with licensing ratios
• $1.6M for early childhood literacy interventions to improve 3rd grade reading outcomes
• $3.9M for a data warehouse centralizing data from our school system
• $2M for general library maintenance, as well as $350,000 for general collections
• $450,000 for life-saving access to epinephrine in schools
• $200,000 to support college access and college readiness programs
• $1M for Healthy Tots subsidies for early childhood education centers
• $727,000 for environmental literacy
• $400,000 for collections and maintenance for the soon-to-be reopened West End, Capitol View and the Palisades libraries
• $1.5 M to support the Cleveland Park Library project
• $600,000 to provide additional funding support for the Books from Birth program
• $200,000 for the establishment of a D.C. Oral History Project
• Sends $107,871 to the Department of Human Services to increase 1.0 FTE for the PASS program which works with youth and families to improve school attendance and performance and prevent juvenile justice involvement

Grosso: Dissolution of D.C. Trust is Both a Challenge and an Opportunity

For Immediate Release: 
April 28, 2016
Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105
   

Grosso: Dissolution of D.C. Trust is Both a Challenge and an Opportunity

Washington, D.C.--Councilmember David Grosso, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, released the following statement regarding the dissolution of the D.C. Trust, formerly known as the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, after today's budget oversight hearing with the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services:

"Today's hearing provided an important venue to discuss how to move forward in the aftermath of the D.C. Trust's dissolution. I appreciate the thoughtful insights brought by community members and Deputy Mayor Donald. I also understand the frustration and disappointment felt by members of our youth-serving community at how this has all unfolded. I look forward to working with my colleagues, the executive, and stakeholders in the community to chart the best course forward in a collaborative and transparent manner.

Since taking office I have questioned the efficacy of the D.C. Trust in the wake of historical mismanagement. While the Trust provided funding for many critical activities after school and during summer, I was not sure it was the best model for delivering this money. For this reason, I met regularly with the Trust and pressed the agency for answers, such as last fall when important youth-serving programs were facing cuts to their funding. With the dissolution of the Trust, it is imperative that we develop a new mechanism to fund youth programs, in a way that is stable, well-managed, and sufficiently resourced. I will also work with my colleagues to ensure that the $4.92M originally meant for the Trust remains in the FY17 budget for the same purpose, and that funding for summer programs, which the Trust will still administer, gets out as quickly as possible.

While this announcement presents many challenges, I also see it as a moment of opportunity. As Chairperson of the Committee on Education, I am optimistic that we can now completely re-envision what it means for the D.C. government to invest in and support our youth and children from a holistic, cross-agency perspective. The work of the Trust and the programs it funded are critical to the success of our city in general, and key to improving educational achievement in particular. I want our families, young people, and youth-serving organizations to feel reassured that although the D.C. Trust is closing, I will see to it that the government redoubles its commitment to supporting our students, inside and outside of the classroom."

###

Grosso to Hold Hearing on Lead in Schools this June

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2016

Contact: Keenan Austin 
(202) 724-8105

Grosso to Hold Hearing on Lead in Schools this June

Washington, D.C. -- Councilmember David Grosso, Chairperson of the Committee on Education stated today that he will hold a joint hearing with the Committee on Transportation and the Environment on the testing of lead levels in all of D.C.'s traditional and charter public schools.  This hearing is a follow up to on-the-record questioning inquiries made by the Committee on Education to D.C. administrators during performance and budget oversight hearings regarding the testing of lead levels in schools. Representatives from D.C. Public Schools, the Public Charter School Board, D.C. Department of Energy, and the Department of General Services will be called to testify.

"It is well documented and widely reported that the impact of lead has grave consequences on a child's mental and physical development.  As government leaders, we have a responsibility to protect our most valuable resource --our children--by exhaustively testing all water in our schools. I have called on DCPS and PCSB leadership to oversee the completion of testing all waters sources and report back to the Committee in June about the status of their schools. Parents, teachers, our community and, most importantly, our young people deserve the assurance that their government is acting in their best interest."

###

Grosso Introduces the Search Warrant Execution Accountability Act of 2016

For Immediate Release
April 5, 2016

Contact: Keenan Austin 
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Introduces the Search Warrant Execution Accountability Act of 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.--At today's D.C. Council Legislative Meeting, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced legislation to strengthen the District of Columbia's search warrant requirements and to require the District of Columbia to pay reasonable expenses to a property owner whose property is damaged or destroyed in a police search when the search is executed on the wrong property. 

"While I understand and recognize that officers, when executing a search warrant, may on occasion damage property in order to effectively perform their duties; I cannot turn a blind eye to the fact our residents are negatively impacted when the police carelessly execute search warrants at the wrong address," said Grosso.

"Many people in minority communities have, for good reason, become afraid of interacting with the police and when an unassuming resident is subjected to a police raid that was not executed on the appropriate property, it certainly does not instill confidence in police practices and further frightens our residents. As a government, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard and implementing this legislation will ensure that our residents have a clear course of action when they have faced an injustice."

Grosso's legislation proposes to:

• Strengthen the requirements related to an application for a search warrant by ensuring that when a request is made for a search warrant to be executed at any hour of the day or night, the standard is based on a preponderance of the evidence, not the current probable cause standard.
• Requires that when an application for a search warrant is made to search the purported residence of a suspect in an ongoing police investigation, the Court must be satisfied that the police have done their due diligence to determine that the suspect owns the premises or is likely to reside there.
• Establishes a claims process to enable eligible property owners to receive the reasonable expenses required to replace property or restore property to the condition it was in prior to a search, if the execution of the search warrant resulted in damage or destruction to the property and MPD executed the search warrant on the wrong premises.
• Defines "wrong premises" for the purpose of this act.

###

Grosso Applauds Ruling in Favor of Budget Autonomy

For Immediate Release: 
March 18, 2016
Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Applauds Ruling in Favor of Budget Autonomy

Washington, D.C.--Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) issued the following statement on the ruling by D.C. Superior Court Judge Brian F. Holeman in Council of the District of Columbia v. DeWitt:

"This is a great day for the people of the District of Columbia as the judicial system has upheld the legitimacy of our public referendum for budget autonomy. Today's ruling means that the Council and the Mayor can go forward with enacting the people's will by spending local tax dollars according to our own priorities, and without the interference of onerous and ideological riders placed on the federal budget. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and my constituents to push for full legislative autonomy and voting rights for all residents of the District of Columbia."

###

Grosso Statement on Impact of Metro Closure on Schools

For Immediate Release

March 15, 2016

Contact: Keenan Austin

(202) 724-8105

 

Grosso Statement on Impact of Metro Closure on Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C--Due to safety concerns, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has announced that it will shut down the entire Metrorail system starting at midnight tonight and reopening at 5 am on Thursday, March 17. Councilmember Grosso, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, released the following statement:

"Metro's safety record has been a longstanding and well-documented concern for residents throughout the entire region. While I do not discount the challenges that lie ahead for WMATA, I am deeply concerned by the recent decision to close the entire Metrorail system. As Chairperson of the Committee on Education, my primary concern is ensuring that our students can get to school safely. As many of you know, the District of Columbia does not have a traditional school bus system and many of our 87,000 public school students rely on public transportation to get to school on time. I understand that this is a significant disruption for many of our families. I am in contact with school officials and they will continue to update the public as more information becomes available."

As of 5:30p on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, D.C. Public Schools has announced that school will open as scheduled; however, tardies and absences will be excused. For more information about Public Charter School openings and closures please visit: www.dcpcsb.org

###

Grosso Introduces Legislation to Ensure Public Access to Government Buildings

For Immediate Release
March 15, 2016
Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Introduces Legislation to Ensure Public Access to Government Buildings

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced the "Ensuring Public Access to Government Buildings Amendment Act of 2016." The bill directs the Department of General Services ("DGS") to establish regulations that outline how policies are made for access to government buildings. Currently, for most buildings, DGS follows federal guidelines set by the Interagency Security Committee for entry protocols. Grosso's legislation mandates that the agency look at best practices in other local and state jurisdictions to ensure that residents who must enter government buildings to conduct routine business have the fullest access possible.

"Over the years, we have seen increases in policies that limit access to government buildings in the name of security, without any actual evidence for such policies," said Grosso. "This security theater greatly frustrates me, and it has a disproportionate effect on some of our most vulnerable residents including those who are homeless or undocumented immigrants. If a person who is homeless and has lost all their belongings has to get a replacement birth certificate from the D.C. Department of Health, they have to show identification to get into the building even when the reason for their visit to the building is to get identification documents."

The legislation also clarifies the policy for entrance to the John A. Wilson Building, the seat of the D.C. Council and the Mayor, where residents currently must show a photo I.D. or sign a log book to enter. The bill prohibits those practices that limit access to the building, while allowing for other security measures such as metal detectors.

###

Grosso Opposes PSC Conditions to PEPCO/Exelon Merger Proposal

For Immediate Release
March 2, 2016
Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Opposes PSC Conditions to PEPCO/Exelon Merger Proposal

Washington, D.C.--Today, D.C. Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) released the following statement regarding the proposed merger between PEPCO and Exelon: 
 
 "After careful review and consideration of the Public Service Commission's revisions to the proposed PEPCO-Exelon merger agreement, I cannot support the Commission's order. 
 
The conditions proposed by the PSC are problematic because, among other things, they remove the rate freeze through 2019, a protection so critical that its removal fundamentally alters the purpose of the revised agreement.  Now, with our ratepayers potentially facing imminent rate increases, it is clear that the PSC's revisions are no better than the initial proposal nor the settlement agreement as amended and leave our residents far more vulnerable. 
 
While I applaud the Mayor, the Attorney General and the Office of the People's Counsel for opposing the PSC's new conditions, I am deeply disappointed that the PSC has wavered.  
 
There is no deal that could be put forward to address the primary reasons the PSC rejected this proposed merger last August.  Exelon has failed to demonstrate a commitment to renewable energy and there is an inherent conflict of interest in their existing business model.  These realities will not change.
 
The PSC's initial determination that this acquisition is not in the public interest was correct at the time when made and remains the only correct and appropriate outcome today. 
 
Supporting these new conditions, and any other attempt to massage this deal through, is a slap in the face to our residents and ratepayers, who deserve consistently affordable rates, access to renewable energy sources and a commitment to reliable service. 
 
This case has been a divisive and expensive distraction and it is time that we move on and commit to making real investments in the future of our energy services and study the feasibility of establishing our own municipal power utility."  
 
###
 

Grosso Calls on Supreme Court to Uphold Women's Reproductive Rights

For Immediate Release
March 2, 2016
Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Calls on Supreme Court to Uphold Women's Reproductive Rights

Washington, D.C.--Today, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, a case that challenges the constitutionality of a Texas law that would effectively close many clinics that provide abortion services in that state. Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) made the following statement in advance of the oral arguments:

"Today I stand with millions of people across the country who want to see the Supreme Court make the right decision and protect access to abortion services. Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt revolves around the question of whether Texas law H.B. 2, and myriad others around the country, places an undue burden on access to abortion services. If allowed to go forward, the Texas law would close the majority of abortion providing clinics in the state, placing significant obstacles between a person seeking to terminate a pregnancy and access to such services.
 
In D.C., we are lucky to have some of the strongest protections of a woman's right to make decisions about her own body, despite continued interference by Congress. In 2014, the D.C. Council passed my Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act to stop employers from retaliating against employees for their reproductive health decisions, which Congressional Republicans unsuccessfully sought to block. I will continue to fight the Congressional rider that prohibits the D.C. government from spending local tax dollars on abortion services, creating barriers to access for our poorest residents. And I will continue to advance legislation to safeguard reproductive rights, like my bill that ended shackling of pregnant women and girls in D.C. detention facilities.
 
On a personal level, my wife and I make regular contributions to the D.C. Abortion Fund in an effort to help mitigate the impact of the Congressional rider. Similarly, in response to state laws passed to obstruct women's access to abortion, we also contribute regularly to Fund Texas Choice, a group that funds travel for women who do not live near an abortion provider, after over a dozen closed in Texas due to the new legislation.
 
No matter the Supreme Court's decision on Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, D.C. will remain a place where women's autonomy over their own reproductive choices will be protected."

###

Grosso Supports New Neighborhood Shelters and Closing of D.C. General

For Immediate Release
February 10, 2016
Contact:
Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Supports New Neighborhood Shelters and Closing of D.C. General
 

WASHINGTON, D.C— Yesterday, February 9, 2016,  Mayor Muriel Bowser and Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Laura Zeilinger announced the plans to close D.C.’s long-standing family homeless shelter, D.C. General, and plans to replace it with 8 small, neighborhood shelters spread across the city.  

Councilmember David Grosso made the following statement in response to this announcement: 

Like many of you I have seen the dysfunction of so many parts of our response to these vulnerable residents. I see the Homeward DC plan as critical to our effort to transform how we handle homelessness. Homeward DC is a carefully crafted five year strategic plan to address our city’s homelessness issue, planned by our government and in extensive consultation with the community. Director Zeilinger's track record over the past year speaks volumes as she has made significant structural changes within DHS and implemented smart policy reforms like year-round access to shelter for families.

The Council stepped up to the plate last year and made an unprecedented investment in homeless services, including the replacement of D.C. General as the main shelter for housing our homeless families. As the transitioning of residents from D.C. General goes forward, we must meticulously track the effort and ensure that these new shelters provide positive and healthy environments and feature extensive wrap around services. To me, these are critical human rights issues--I am glad to see us as a city take the human rights of these most marginalized residents more seriously. I hope that everyone will all be supportive of the Mayor’s approach and see to it that we get these shelters up and running quickly.

###

MEDIA ADVISORY: Reception to Honor the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet

For Immediate Release

February 10, 2016

Contact: Keenan Austin

(202) 724-8105

MEDIA ADVISORY

Reception to Honor the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a previous legislative session on January 5th, Councilmember David Grosso introduced, and the D.C. Council approved, the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet Recognition Resolution of 2016. The DC Wave Swim Team is the District of Columbia’s only nationally competitive public youth swim team. Each year DC Wave holds the Black History Invitational Swim Meet, a three day swimming competition attracting nearly 800 minority competitors, ages 5-18.

Councilmember Grosso would like to extend an invitation to the community to join a reception in honor of the 30th Annual Black History Swim Meet hosted by DC Wave Swim Team from the Takoma Aquatic Center. This event will be held on the 1st floor foyer of the John A. Wilson Building on Wednesday, February 10th from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Councilmember Grosso has also invited the DC Wave Swim Team to join in celebrating this accomplishment.

WHO:     Councilmember David Grosso

                D.C. Wave

                Mayor Muriel Bowser

WHAT:   Reception to Honor the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet

WHEN:   Wednesday, February 10th at 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: 1st Floor Foyer, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C.

WHY:      To honor and recognize the significance of the Black History Invitational Swim Meet, as well as African American swimmers from across the country, in advance of the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet which will take place on February 12-14, 2016 at the Takoma Aquatic Center.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Results Released on the Impact of the Healthy Schools Act of 2010

For Immediate Release

February 9, 2016

Contact: Keenan Austin

(202) 724-8105

MEDIA ADVISORY

Results Released on the Impact of the Healthy Schools Act of 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Healthy Schools Act (HSA), a law enacted to reduce obesity rates among students attending public and public charter schools in the District of Columbia. The HSA sought to combat those trends by increasing student access to healthy meals, providing physical education and health-classes, and requiring physical activity during the school day. On February 9th, researchers from American University will present the findings of a five-year independent study, funded by Kaiser Permanente, on the implementation and effects of the HSA.

WHO:                  Councilmember Mary M. Cheh

                          Councilmember Yvette Alexander

                          Councilmember David Grosso

                          Celeste A. James, Director
                          Kaiser Permanente, Mid-Atlantic States

                          Anastasia Snelling, Ph.D., R.D.,  Professor
                          Dean, American University School of Education
                          Chair, American University Department of Health Studies

                          Sarah Irvine Belson, Ph.D.
                          Associate Professor
                          Executive Director, American University
                          Institute for Innovation in    
                          Education

                           Amanda Delabar
                           Principal,  Tubman Elementary School

WHAT:             Presentation of research findings on the
                           implementation and impact of
                           the Healthy Schools Act

WHEN:             Tuesday, February 9th at 12:00 pm

WHERE:           Mayor's Press Briefing Room - Room G9

                           John A. Wilson Building

                           1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

                       

                               

 

 

Grosso Attends First Workforce Investment Council Meeting of 2016

For Immediate Release
February 1, 2016

Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105

Grosso Attends First Workforce Investment Council Meeting of 2016

Washington, D.C.—Today, D.C. Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) attended the first Workforce Investment Council (“WIC”) meeting of 2016 where the Board welcomed the new Chairman, Andy Shallal and Executive Director, Odie Donald.  The Board primarily focused on adopting the draft of the D.C. Unified State Workforce Development 4-Year Plan, which is necessary for U.S. Departments of Labor compliance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (“WIOA”) that became federal law on July 22, 2014. 

Councilmember Grosso released the following statement on the meeting and his role on the WIC:

  “I am hopeful that now with a new Chair and Executive Director, the Board can continue its important work.  It is critical that while the WIC is keenly focused on the drafting of the 4-year state plan in the months ahead, we must still honor the previous work of the Board to better align the business community, D.C. government agencies, and WIC sanctioned bodies like the American Jobs Center Subcommittee and the Career Pathways Taskforce to produce greater workforce readiness and training. Timelines for the WIC must be made clear to the members of the D.C. Council and that as an oversight body, the Council is encouraged to be heavily engaged during the plans’ passive approval period later this month. 

 As the Chairman on the Committee of Education, I am particularly concerned about the coordination between public charter schools concentrated on adult education and youth reengagement, the DCPS career academies, the DC ReEngagement Center, and UDC’s Community College.  All of those bodies receive public dollars to educate our youth and adults to become career and college ready.  Those providers rely heavily on the WIC, the Department of Employment Services, and other key agencies to expeditiously move available federal and local dollars.  It is imperative to me that the WIC is routinely reviewing agencies who are responsible for allocating those dollars and that the WIC has timely review and vote periods to ensure that providers are not losing out on available funding.  Public education service providers and trainers need to be a major focus of our conversations about the 4-year state plan.”

 ###