Dear Neighbor,
After an unexpected delay in our budget process following Congress severely cutting and undermining our local funding, the Council anticipates we will receive the mayor’s budget proposal on Tuesday, May 27th when we will begin the public review process.
In the meantime, I have been hard at work focusing on the RFK deal, Ward 2 community projects, and moving forward legislation. I held hearings on my Peace DC plan in the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, the Committee of the Whole voted to advance my bill prohibiting cell phones in schools, and I attended hearings my colleagues held on my bills the HOPE Act to lower barriers to job access for returning citizens and the Justice Involved Youth Act to set our kids in the justice system up for success. I remain committed to prioritizing public safety, economic resilience and growth, and support for young people and seniors in the budget. I will provide an update once Council receives the full budget and we have an updated budget hearing and vote schedule for the summer.
This week, I wrote about the importance and urgency in getting the deal to transform the RFK campus that has sat vacant for three decades passed in my editorial for the Georgetowner, which you can read here.
Yours in service,
Brooke
Legislative Updates
Prohibiting Cell Phones at School
On Tuesday, May 13, the Committee of the Whole for the Council of the District of Columbia voted to advanceCouncilmember Pinto’s bill to prohibit students from using personal cell phones and other wireless communication devices during the full school day. The “Disconnect Act of 2025,” formerly known as the “Heads Up! Distraction-Free Amendment Act of 2025,”is needed to reduce distractions for students in the classroom and enhance their learning experience. Last year, only 34 percent of District students met or exceeded expectations in English language arts and literacy and only 22.8 percent of our students met or exceeded expectations in math.
As we prepare for a full Council vote on June 3rd, Councilmember Pinto is working with colleagues to ensure this legislation goes into effect for the upcoming school year. Our students should not have to wait for the improved outcomes they deserve.
Peace DC Bills
On Wednesday, May 14th, the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor (CEAL) held a hearing to discuss Councilmember Pinto’s Fair Hiring Opportunities for Public Employment (HOPE) Amendment Act of 2025. This measure is part of her Peace DC plan and aims to provide fairness and transparency in the District’s hiring process for formerly incarcerated citizens. The bill expands employment opportunities for returning citizens for jobs in DC government.
Also on Wednesday, May 14th, the Committee on Youth Affairs held a public roundtable to discuss Councilmember Pinto’s Justice-Involved Youth in Community Act of 2025, which is another part of her Peace DC plan. This bill establishes a program to pair a trusted adult with justice-involved youth to provide wrap-around supports and follow-ups.
In the Community
Over the last two weeks, Councilmember Pinto and Team Pinto have met with residents, advocacy groups, and District officials in Ward 2 and across the District, including:
- Holding a Ward 2 public safety walk in Shaw where we heard from residents about the need for more resources for behavioral health issues, holding illegal businesses accountable, and stopping drug transactions in our neighborhoods.
- Attending the Washington Area Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service to honor our public safety workforce and those who have died in in the line of duty serving the public.
- Joining Dupont Circle Village to discuss ways to support our seniors and ensure we are building community, social activation, physical movements, and intellectual stimulation at every age.
- Participating in Bike to Work Day with neighbors to promote reducing our carbon footprint!
- Holding a Ward 1 public safety walk with Councilmember Brianne Nadaeu in Park View where we heard from residents about solutions to make our communities safer including improving community engagement with police officers, supporting our violence interruption teams, and continuing drug free zones.
- Joining the Commanders Meet and Greet with DC Council and the mayor to celebrate the framework for a deal to bring the Commanders back to DC and transform the RFK campus into a mixed-use site with retail, hotels, housing,recreation space, and entertainment for District residents.
- Meeting with Washington Spirit Owner Michele Kang to discuss our efforts to support our local professional women’s sports teams.
- Meeting with Kappa Alpha Psi to discuss efforts to empower young men to thrive!
- Attending the Ball for the Mall to discuss DC preparations for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary next year!
- Speaking at the annual meeting for Georgetown Village to discuss our shared goals of supporting programs and services for older residents to ensure seniors have the resources they need to live safely with health and connection and honor Elizabeth Miller who has been instrumental to the Village’s success.
- Attending the Fire & EMS graduation where firefighters from around the region were there in support for recruit class 410!
- Attending the Dupont Circle Citizens Association’s annual meeting to discuss continuing efforts to foster community and fellowship in the neighborhood.
- Attending the opening of the Honoring Individual Power & Strength (HIPS) new community space on 7th Street NW in Shaw where the community shared what they would like to see the space used for and how HIPS can continue to address challenges with safety, health, and inequality in the neighborhood.
- Attending ANC meetings for ANCs 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2F.
Announcements
Ward 5 Public Safety Walk
Join Councilmember Pinto and Councilmember Zachary Parker for a public safety walk in Ward 5! They want to hear from residents about ways to make our communities safer and to promote sustainable peace.
March in the Pride Parade
Join Councilmember Pinto and our team to march in the World Pride DC parade on Saturday, June 7th! We are thrilled the District is hosting this year’s World Pride celebration and can’t wait to celebrate – with pride – our LGBTQ+ neighbors together.
You can sign up to join us here.
A Night at Nationals Park
Join Councilmember Pinto and neighbors to watch the Washington Nationals face off against the Miami Marlins on Saturday, June 14th at Nats Park!
