Dear Neighbor,
I hope that all who celebrated had a wonderful Passover and Easter week. While religious and family celebrations continue to look different this year for many of us, I know our resilient spirit is strong.
About a week ago, I sent my Fiscal Year 2022 budget priorities letter to Mayor Bowser. In that letter, I requested that she include funding for major projects and initiatives that will benefit Ward 2 and the broader DC community, including increased supports for the DCPS community, violence prevention, our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and small business relief.
To read my full budget letter and find more information on the Council’s budget oversight schedule and participation instructions, see the “Legislative Updates” section below. In this newsletter, you will also find updates on legislation that I have introduced to protect tenants from rent increases after the public health emergency has ended and allow more Ward 2 businesses to qualify for District government grant funding.
As always, my office is here to assist you and looks forward to engaging with various residents, advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure that our government is working for everyone.
In this newsletter you will find:
- COVID-19 updates;
- Community updates;
- My Fiscal Year 2022 budget priorities; and
- Updates on my legislation to support tenants experiencing hardships and provide grant funding for small and local businesses in Ward 2.
Yours in Service,
Brooke
COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Last week, the District of Columbia was slated to receive 39,690 doses of vaccine – 17,990 doses for vaccinate.dc.gov; 11,390 doses for hospitals and health centers; and 10,310 doses for special initiatives and partnerships.
Essential workers in Phase 1C Tier 2 are now eligible for the vaccine. This population includes individuals working in non-public transit transportation services (i.e., for-hire and ride-share vehicles); individuals working in logistics/delivery/courier services; and essential employees working in media and mass communications. All essential workers must be working in person in Washington, DC.
At this time, a new partnership with CVS Pharmacies will allow the District to more efficiently vaccinate teachers and school staff, childcare workers, health care workers, and DC residents 65 and older. Eligible individuals will still pre-register through vaccinate.dc.gov, but will be directed to schedule their appointment directly through the CVS website.
Check our website frequently for the latest COVID-19 updates in the District. You can click here: www.brookepintodc.com/covid19.
Team Pinto continues to prioritize COVID recovery for residents and small businesses and make efforts to help achieve racial and social equality and full representation for District residents on Capitol Hill.
Last week, Councilmember Pinto:
- Attended the D.C. Statehood Rally in Ward 2 on the morning of the U.S. House of Representative’s historic hearing on H.R. 51;
- Spoke with the DC Young Democrats about what it means to be a young woman in today’s political arena;
- Met with leaders from the Historic Black Greek organizations (the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) to discuss the importance of allyship and the concerns of African American communities in the District of Columbia; and
- Engaged several Ward 2 businesses and restaurant owners during a meeting with the Alliance for a More Affordable DC about the District’s COVID recovery efforts.
In legislative news, Councilmember Pinto sent her Fiscal Year 2022 budget priorities letter to Mayor Bowser to request funding for several projects in Ward 2 and introduced legislation that would increase access to grant funding for Ward 2’s small business community. Councilmember Pinto also filed emergency legislation to protect tenants experiencing hardship due to COVID-19 from rent increases after the public health emergency ends.
Councilmember Pinto’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Priorities Letter
On Thursday, March 25, Councilmember Pinto sent her Fiscal Year 2022 budget priorities letter to Mayor Bowser to request funding for projects and initiatives that will improve the quality of life for Ward 2 residents and the broader DC community. Among the Councilmember’s budget asks is funding for increased staffing levels and mental and behavioral health support in DCPS schools; modernizations at Jellef, Volta Park, Francis Stevens, and Thompson Elementary; a new Shaw Middle School; the Dupont Deckover; and K Street Transit Way.
Councilmember Pinto also requested funds for violence interruption, supports for senior citizens and the LGBTQ community, public housing repairs, and supported the Way Home Campaign’s $100 million ask for Permanent Supportive Vouchers for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
To read our full budget letter, visit our website at: www.brookepintodc.com/newsroom/budgetletter2021.
For information on the Council’s budget oversight schedule and to learn how you can participate, visit: https://www.brookepintodc.com/legislation/oversight.
An Update on Protections for Tenants Who Have Experienced Hardship from Rent Increases
Councilmember Pinto has filed the “COVID-19 Rental Housing Emergency Amendment Act of 2021.” This legislation will extend the moratorium on rent increases for tenants who have experienced hardship due to COVID-19 for one year after the end of the public health emergency. This bill also strikes a necessary balance allowing for rent increases on vacant units. This action would incentivize housing providers to make available housing units that are off the market and help keep residents housed after the crisis.
Councilmember Pinto spoke with WDVM News about why the passage of this emergency legislation is so critical. You can watch the short news clip here.
The Council will vote on this legislation tomorrow, Tuesday, April 6, during its legislative meeting. To view the live stream of the meeting or the full agenda, click here.
Let’s Bring Great Streets (Grant Funding) to Ward 2
Councilmember Pinto introduced the “Great Streets Amendment Act of 2021” to make the Department of Small and Local Business’s Great Streets Program inclusive of Ward 2 businesses.
More specifically, this legislation would:
- Expand the Connecticut Avenue corridor in Ward 3, south along Connecticut Avenue through Dupont Circle, to the Golden Triangle/Downtown corridor
- Expand the 14th and U Street corridor to include the Logan Circle Main Street on 14th Street between T Street and L Street
- Expand the Wisconsin Avenue corridor from Ward 3 through Georgetown to Water Street
- Expand the 7th Street/Georgia Avenue corridor to include Chinatown
Councilmember Pinto aims to support the many women-and-minority-owned and other small and local businesses in Ward 2 and help provide opportunities for our local workforce as the tourism, hospitality, dining/retail, and other industries continue to recover.
Announcements
SAVE THE DATE: Community Meeting on Ellington Field
Please join the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of General Services (DGS) for our first community meeting to discuss the upcoming Duke Ellington field renovations. Your attendance and feedback are greatly appreciated!
To learn more, click here to visit the project website.
What: Ellington Field Renovation - Virtual Meeting
When: Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 6, 6:30-8pm
Where to Join: https://dukeellingtonfield.splashthat.com/
Scholarships Available for DCSAA Student Athletes
United Bank is funding 15 $1,000 scholarships for District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) student-athletes! The application deadline is April 24th at 4 pm, and materials can be emailed to Ms. Evelyn Lightfoot at evelynlightfoot1@dc.gov.
For more information, please visit: https://www.dcsaasports.org/scholarship.
It’s the time of year again for the AARP Community Challenge Grant!
This is the annual grant offered through AARP to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, government entities, and other organizations.
Grant applications are due by April 14, 2021 at 8:00 pm ET through aarp.org/communitychallenge.
Have any questions? Click here to check out the AARP FAQ sheet which addresses commonly asked questions.
Interested in Joining the DC Bicycle Advisory Council?
Are you an avid Ward 2 biker interested in influencing DC bicycling policies? Apply today to be an appointed volunteer on DC’s Bicycle Advisory Council, http://www.bikedcbike.org/, the advisory body that “evaluates legislation & transportation infrastructure, providing analysis & technical expertise to the legislative & executive branches in DC. To apply, please email bromanowski@dccouncil.us with your contact information and a brief statement of interest
DPR Summer Camp Registration Now Open!
DC residents can now register for the Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR) 2021 Summer Camps.
DPR is excited to welcome back campers and offer core Camps including Discovery, Little Explorers, Sports Camps, Aqua Day Camps, and Therapeutic Recreation - all in accordance with DC Health's safety guidelines.
For information about registration dates, camp activities, safety protocols, or sign up, visit: https://dprsummercamps2021.splashthat.com/.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is Underway!
The Cherry Blossom Festival has kicked off and will be going on until April 11th! Their new innovative format will honor the traditions of the Festival, while prioritizing the health and safety of participants amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Designed to incorporate both virtual and personal experiences, the Festival programs can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors to the Washington, DC area and fans from afar.
Find out how you can safely participate this year on their website here.
The District of Columbia has extended the deadline to file and pay all income tax returns until May 17, 2021. This extension applies to all D-20, D-30, D-40, Standalone Schedule H, D-41, D-40B, and D-65 tax filers, and includes combined return filers. This extension is automatic and does not require taxpayers to apply.
Taxpayers may continue to request an extension to file their income, partnership and franchise tax returns to October 15, 2021 or November 15, 2021 for combined return filers. All such extension requests must be made by filing the applicable extension form with OTR by May 17, 2021 and making all required payments for tax year 2020 by May 17, 2021.
The deadlines to file Forms D-20ES, D-30ES, D-40ES and D-41ES and to make estimated tax payments remains unchanged. The first quarter payments are due April 15, 2021.
For additional information, please contact OTR’s Customer Service Center (202) 727-4TAX (4829).
Be sure to stay connected with us on social media (@MyTaxDC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
Tax Day for Individuals Extended to May 17
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service has announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days.
To see the press release from the Internal Revenue Service, please click here.