Newsroom

District to Ensure Washingtonians Receive November SNAP and WIC Benefits

Councilmember Frumin's statement in response to Mayor Bowser's update on DC November SNAP and WIC benefits: "The federal government has placed the District and other states in an impossible situation: withholding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding during the government shutdown, while warning that any state action to fill the gap will not be reimbursed. Faced with the choice between spending up to $29 million in local funds or allowing tens of thousands of DC residents to go hungry, including nearly 50,000 children, the District has taken the responsible step of funding SNAP benefits.  While the District is doing the right thing under difficult circumstances, it is profoundly frustrating that local governments are being forced to shoulder a federal responsibility just to keep families fed. I am profoundly frustrated that while the federal government fails to act, local governments are being forced to shoulder a federal responsibility just to keep families fed due to its willful inaction."

READ MORE

Statement on Council Final Vote on RENTAL Act

Today, the Council has taken an important step toward addressing the District’s housing crisis with the passage of the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act. This legislation is the product of significant consultation with many local stakeholders, including tenants, advocates, housing providers, and developers, who engaged in this process with seriousness and good faith.  The bill makes it easier for housing providers to remove tenants who violate their lease by failing to pay rent or engaging in serious criminal conduct. At the same time, it raises important questions about how we balance landlord needs with tenant protections, including special protections for victims of domestic violence. Evictions can have lasting and destabilizing impacts on families and communities, which is why these changes must always be viewed alongside our broader responsibility to preserve tenant rights and ensure long-term housing stability. In this debate, I worked to strengthen the ability of tenants to negotiate with prospective investors as part of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). TOPA is a District law that gives tenants…

READ MORE

Statement on Final Vote on RFK Redevelopment Act

I pushed hard for stronger accountability to make sure the Washington Commanders deliver the housing and mixed-use development promised alongside the new stadium. My amendment to strengthen those protections did not pass. While I would have preferred a deal with tighter requirements and clearer enforcement, I ultimately chose to support the RFK Campus Redevelopment Act because I believe given the broad support on the Council this is a time to come together and press for the best implementation possible. If executed well, the potential benefits for the District are enormous. I look forward to being a partner in that implementation effort.   The RFK site can and should be a place where the District builds something extraordinary: new housing, good jobs, enhanced public access to the Anacostia River, environmental protections, and community benefits that reach residents citywide. This deal, even with its shortcomings, provides the framework to make that vision real.  As my vote indicates, I am committed to seeing this project succeed for the people of DC. The development has the potential to generate billions…

READ MORE

Statement on January 16 Homicide in Ward 3

I am deeply saddened by the violence that occurred overnight in Ward 3. I have been briefed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and appreciate their quick response. According to MPD, an adult male was shot and killed during a domestic dispute inside a residence in the City Ridge development off Wisconsin Avenue just before 2:30 am. The case is now being handled by homicide detectives who are on the scene, and an active investigation is underway. My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 202-727-9099 or text tips to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

READ MORE