Dear Neighbor,
I began this week with great resolve and a sense of pride as I started my first full term as the Ward 2 Councilmember.
I want to thank the residents of Ward 2 for placing their faith in me to execute a vision that will help our ward and city to grow stronger and more equitable. To watch my oath of office and hear my full remarks, click here.
Unfortunately, our city experienced hateful acts of violence yesterday incited by President Trump to undermine a free and fair election. These insurgents stormed the United States Capitol to halt the certification of the electoral college votes. While they made a forceful attempt, they did not stop democracy at work, and our national election results were later certified. We are working to get to the bottom of the actions of the United States Capitol Police yesterday to investigate how this unlawful entrance, demagoguery, and destruction were able to occur in one of the most heavily armed and protected buildings in the world.
To keep residents safe during this time, Mayor Bowser has extended the public emergency, which began Wednesday, January 7, at 6:00 pm, for 15 days. Please note: a curfew will not be in effect through the public emergency. This extension authorizes the Mayor to utilize public emergency resources and call for a curfew if circumstances require it. Our office will be sure to keep Ward 2 residents updated and informed. Click here to receive immediate updates to your electronic devices or update your contact information through Alerts DC.
As we begin this new Council Period, please know that at the top of my mind is continuing to ensure that individuals, families, and businesses in and around Ward 2 can recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am also enthusiastic to report that I will be serving on four committees this Council Period: Judiciary and Public Safety; Business and Economic Development; Housing and Executive Administration; and Government Operations and Facilities. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can fill out a request for help form by visiting www.brookepintodc.com/help.
Again, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve you as the Ward 2 Councilmember, and I look forward to working on your behalf these next four years.
Yours in Service,
Brooke
This week, the Council held its first legislative meeting of Council Period 24 (January 2021-December 2022) and passed emergency legislation that allows “students who move from the custodianship of the District government to the care of an out-of-state parent to continue to be exempt from payment of non-resident tuition for the year in course and one additional school year” and also approved “a package of administrative reforms meant to streamline access to, and facilitate operation of, the DC Healthcare Alliance.”
One day before the legislative meeting, the members of the Council convened for an organizational meeting to confirm their committee assignments for Council Period 24, during which time the Council voted to confirm Councilmember Pinto’s membership on the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, the Committee on Business and Economic Development, the Committee on Housing and Executive Administration, and the Committee on Government Operations and Facilities.
The members of the Council of the District of Columbia during the first legislatigve meeting of Council Period 24.
Councilmember Pinto will also serve on the Special Committee for COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery. To learn more about Councilmember Pinto’s committee assignments, the issues that the committees will be handling, and the agencies under their purview, visit www.brookepintodc.com/legislation.
Other important updates regarding Council committees are the creation of the Sub-Committee on Re-Districting and the expansion of the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs to include public libraries and other cultural institutions.
Christmas Tree Pick Up: The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be collecting holiday trees and greenery from homes that receive DPW curbside sanitation collection between January 11 and February 5, 2021. All trees collected during that time will be composted; in the spring residents will be able to collect the mulch from the Fort Totten Transfer Station at no cost. Trees will be collected from normal trash points on trash collection days. Those living in apartment buildings or households not serviced by DPW should consult their landlord/property owner for collection procedures. For more information, click here.
Take the Jelleff Community Center Community Survey: Perkins Eastman is conducting a brief survey to understand how the community uses the Jelleff Community Center and what improvements could be made in the future. Surveys can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Jelleff2021. Please note that once you start the survey, you cannot stop and return to it later.
Please don’t forget to share the survey link to others to help maximize participation and stay tuned to Facebook for the latest information.
If you have any questions, concerns or need assistance, please contact Tommie Jones with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, by email at tommie.jones@dc.gov.
The District of Columbia Shared Work Program: The Shared Work Program, administered by the District Department of Employment Services provides benefits to workers whose employers have decided to reduce their hours, or take other actions, rather than laying them off.
To view the Employers Guide to the Shared Work Program, click here. To view the Shared Work application forms, program processes, or FAQs, click here. To make additional inquiries, email shared.work@dc.gov.
Events DC Community Grant Program: Events DC is offering Cycle 2 of the Fiscal Year 2021 Community Grant Program that will provide financial support to non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting youth sports or performing or cultural arts in the District of Columbia. The application deadline is March 1, 2021, and you or a member of your organization can attend one of Events DC’s information sessions via Zoom at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm on the dates listed below.
January 2021
- Thursday, January 12
- Wednesday, January 21
- Tuesday, January 27
February 2021
- Thursday, February 4
- Wednesday, February 10
- Tuesday, February 16
For additional details about who can apply for the Events DC Community Grant Program, to see a list of past recipients, or to register for an Information Session, visit the Events DC website here.
How the Law Impacts Your Small Business: A Business Law Training Series for Small Business Owners: The D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development, the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, and the D.C. Small Business Development Center Network are proud to present the “How the Law Impacts Your Small Business: A Business Law Training Series for Small Business Owners”.
This is an eight-part course for existing small business owners, including sole proprietors, business partnerships, general managers and owners of LLCs. Participants will learn the basics of employment law, risk management, contracts, intellectual property, and accounting from experienced business attorneys and professionals. The course will begin on Wednesday, January 13 at 4:00 pm and will continue for the following 7 consecutive Wednesdays. Please note that that the January 20 session will be held at 10:00 am.
This program will be held virtually. All registrants will receive an email with a link to join the sessions. There is a one-time payment of $35. Please register at: probono.center/smallbizlawcourse.
If you have any questions, please contact Alison Percich, Training and Volunteer Specialist, at probonotraining@dcbar.org.