I know that many of us are still searching for answers and justice regarding the violent and terrorizing actions instigated by white supremacists in our city last weekend. I assure that you that as elected leaders, we take this very seriously – everything from the assaults on innocent residents to the burning of Black Lives Matters flags taken from historic churches – and will be working to investigate these hate crimes and bring charges against the offenders. Violence and hate will have no place here, and it will not be tolerated in our ward or in our city.

Today, the Council of the District of Columbia convened for the forty-first and final legislative meeting of Council Period 23. This meeting presented the Council’s last opportunity to vote on outstanding legislative measures introduced between January 2019 and December 2020, and saw the passage of significant bills related to criminal justice reform and public safety, fair labor and workers’ support, racial equity, and health and social services.

This week, the District Government shared major announcements regarding our citywide COVID recovery efforts and response, including one-time stimulus payments for residents who are currently receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), the opening of the Restaurant Bridge Fund applications, and the suspension of recreational sports and activities. More information about these changes can be found in the “COVID-19 Updates and Resources” section below.

This newsletter is slightly longer than usual, but there are many legislative and community updates that I want to share with you. I would also like to share a few updates on the District’s COVID response.

Councilmember Pinto spoke with the Georgetown Hoya about her plans to help sustain COVID-recovery, supporting workers and small businesses, and continuing to advance criminal justice reform in the upcoming council period. To read the full article, click here.

The Georgetown Hoya - "Ward 2 Councilmember Pinto (LAW ’17) Discusses Plans for Term, COVID-19 Recovery"

This week, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto introduced the "Minor Consent to Healthcare for HIV and AIDS Regulations Amendment Act of 2020" to increase access to medical care for minors seeking treatment of HIV and AIDS.

In an article published by Metro Weekly this week, Councilmember Pinto discussed her support for the “Bella Evangelista and Tony Hunter Panic Defense Prohibition and Hate Crimes Response Amendment of 2020.”

The holiday season is finally here! It is likely that you may be preparing to travel, welcome visitors into your home, or reconnect with loved ones. You may also be planning to take advantage of an upcoming outdoor seasonal event. Whatever the case may be, I ask that you continue to prioritize public health and safety. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in the District of Columbia is rising, and I am very concerned. Please do not forget to wear your mask, avoid large crowds, stay home if you are not feeling well, and encourage those you know to do the same.

I began this week feeling re-energized with gratitude and optimism, knowing that you have entrusted me with the opportunity to continue serving as your Ward 2 Councilmember in the upcoming term. Today, I want to reassure you that I remain steadfast in my commitment to make Ward 2 an even better place to live, learn, work, and visit. And I ask that you too stay engaged and continue on this journey with me.