District Residents Mobilizing Against Possible Cuts

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

After enduring more than $600 million in cuts to vital public services over the course of the recession, District workers, residents and community activists are now urging DC Mayor Vince Gray – who is preparing to unveil his 2012 budget on April 1 – to stop further cuts and consider “raising $150 million in progressive revenue and invest it in DC,” reports Save Our Safety Net. “Right now, DC faces a $322 million gap – which must be addressed by cutting services or generating new revenue,” says the community-based coalition. “The recent cuts have caused uncertainty in the funding that keeps our libraries open, houses the homeless, and serves people with disabilities. There is great concern that programs working families count on will lose funding this year.” Save Our Safety Net’s Elizabeth Falcon says that DC residents and workers are “very concerned that Mayor Gray is preparing to make further cuts to programs DC residents need, rather than raise the money to keep these programs going.” She adds, “We can support our working families and our local economy through progressive revenue and investments in valuable services." Click here now to challenge Mayor Gray to “raise $150 million through new progressive revenue and invest it in DC.” – Alya Solomon, MWC Assistant Political & Legislative Coordinator; photo: community activists – led by Save Our Safety Net – demonstrated on the steps of the Wilson Building to protest former DC Mayor Adrian Fenty’s attacks on public services in April, 2010; photo courtesy Save Our Safety Net