Dear Ward 8 Residents,

We are officially back from summer recess and the Council held its first legislative meeting on Tuesday, September 19th.

We discussed several measures, but I strongly supported the River East at Grandview Condominium Assistance Tax Exemption Emergency Amendment Act of 2023. ([link removed]) This measure seeks to provide a property tax exemption to the Ward 8 homeowners displaced by the faulty construction at the Grandview Condominiums on Talbert Street.

These homeowners evacuated two years ago because of significant structural damage with major cracks in the walls and floors. There needs to be more relief, as many of these homeowners still pay the mortgages to these dilapidated properties, a city-financed project constructed with over 40+ housing violations.

I understand that there is a new Director at the Department of Housing and Community Development and that this situation is being assessed and responded to with new energy.

I continue to work alongside these homeowners, many of whom were first-time buyers to right side this wrong.

Respectfully,
Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
Take a journey through the vibrant flavors of DC’s culinary landscape from September 21 - October 1, during #DineAllNight ([link removed]) !

Check out the participating restaurants here: [link removed] ([link removed])
Who’s ready for #ArtAllNight2023 ([link removed]) ? Mark your calendars and discover the power of the arts at DC Art All Night Sept. 29-30!

With activations in all 8 wards, there is more to explore than ever before. #DCArtAllNight ([link removed])
Take your career to the next level during the Division of State Initiatives’ Empower Your Journey and Career Day.

RSVP:[link removed] ([link removed])
DC Police is currently offering a $25K hiring bonus plus up to $6K in rental assistance. So what are you waiting for? Join us on Saturday 9/23 for a special hiring event and complete multiple steps of the process in just ONE day. Apply today! [link removed] ([link removed])
Need Utility Assistance?

Consumers who are having a problem with their utility services to act sooner rather than later. Don’t wait to apply for financial assistance. With a new fiscal year beginning October 1, consumers receiving aid will need to reapply. Here’s the link ([link removed]) .

If you are behind on your utility bills, or have a complaint against a utility company, don’t hesitate to contact the Office of the People’s Counsel at (202) 727-3071. We stand ready to advocate, educate, and protect!

ADVISORY: The energy assistance centers located at 2100 Martin Luther King Avenue SE & 1207 Taylor Street NW are accepting limited in-person appointments. Applicants must have an appointment to come to the energy assistance centers. To schedule an in-person appointment, please call 311 (202-737-4404). Walk-ins will not be accepted. Applicants may also apply online at ECOS ([link removed]) or by faxing their completed and signed application to 202-671-0802 if you live in Wards 1-6 or 202-673-6725 if you live in Wards 6,7 & 8.


** Services for Income Eligible Residents
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* Receive Help Paying Your Energy Bills (LIHEAP) ([link removed])
* Receive Discounts on Your Utility Bills (UDP) ([link removed])
* Receive Help Paying Your DC Water Bill (LIHWAP) or Discounts on Your DC Water Bill (CRIAC) ([link removed])
* Receive Assistance Replacing Your Partial Lead Service Line (LPRAP) ([link removed])
* Make Your Home More Energy Efficient with the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) ([link removed])
* Reduce Your Electric Bill with Solar for All (SfA) ([link removed])
* Receive Assistance Reducing Lead Paint in Your Home (EERP) ([link removed])


Recess has concluded, and the Council has a full week of hearings ahead.

On Monday, September 18^th, the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety held a public hearing on their measures:
(1) the Accountability and Victim Protection Amendment Act of 2023
(2) the Wheel-Lock Help Incentive Program Act of 2023, and (3) Private Security Camera System Incentive Program Small Business Expansion Amendment Act of 2023.

Much of the hearing was spent discussing the Accountability and Victim Protection Amendment Act of 2023, which makes significant changes to the District’s criminal law. One provision eliminates or extends the length of statutes of limitation (the length of time that a prosecuting body has to bring a case against a defendant) for certain crimes. At the hearing, some witnesses testified in support of removing or extending the statutes of limitations for some crimes, but other witnesses argued that the provision was unfair to defendants due to the unreliability of older evidence.

Other provisions included making misdemeanors (crimes punishable by fine or less than a year in jail) extraditable outside the District, prohibiting persons convicted of stalking from possessing firearms and expanding protections for seniors and sexual abuse victims. The next step for this legislation is to be “marked up” or reviewed and voted on by the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, after which two votes are required by the full Council before becoming official law.

The Wheel-Lock Help Incentive Program Act of 2023 establishes a voucher and rebate program to incentivize the purchase of devices to secure vehicles from theft. Similarly, the Private Security Camera System Incentive Program Small Business Expansion Amendment Act of 2023 establishes a program to reimburse small businesses for security camera systems and glass break sensors.

On Tuesday, September 19^th, the Council held a legislative meeting. Noteworthy measures supported by Councilmember White include, the River East at Grandview Condominium Assistance Tax Exemption Emergency Amendment Act of 2023, which provides a property tax exemption for Ward 8 homeowners displaced by the faulty construction at the Grand View Condominiums on Talbert Street; resolutions confirming new trustees at the District of Columbia; and the Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023, which provides for tuition and other forms of financial assistance to District residents and employees who commit to two years of service after receiving their degrees and certifications.

Today, the Committee on Public Works and Operations held hearings on confirmation resolutions for the Commission on Human Rights and the Black Queer History Commission Establishment Act of 2023, and on Thursday, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment will hold a hearing on the confirmation of a new director for the Department of Energy and the Environment. The Committee on Health will also hold a Thursday hearing on the Social Work License Modernization Amendment Act of 2023.
All children in DC have the incredible opportunity to receive a free book every month starting from birth until they turn five. Let's build a love for reading together! #BooksFromBirth ([link removed]) Learn more: [link removed] ([link removed])
Whitman-Walker Celebrates 50 Years With Max Robinson Expansion on St. Elizabeths East Campus.

September 18, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White celebrated the expansion of the Max Robinson Center and its new location on the St. Elizabeths campus.

For over fifty years, Whitman-Walker has been a part of the foundation of DC's healthcare system and a leader and advocate in LGBTQ care.

For decades, the Max Robinson Center has offered an informed approach to healthcare, serving Ward 8 as a medical facility specializing in HIV and gender-affirming care.

This state-of-the-art clinic vastly expands its healthcare footprint with the ability to reach an additional 10,000 patients per year.
Services available through Max Robinson Center at St. Elizabeths:

• LGBTQ+ Care
• Primary Care & Check-ups
• Mental Health & Support Groups
• Gender Affirming Care
• Legal Services
• Insurance Assistance
• Dental Care
• Substance Use & Recovery Care
• HIV & STI Testing and PrEP & Prevention
• Pharmacy & Prescriptions
• X-ray & Mammography

The center is now open to clients and patients. For more information on the center and the services at Whitman-Walker visit: [link removed] ([link removed][0]=AT0gsg692K5CvQEapwgEaVS3htuZKaLZTkj-p0wSfMiW7RqH1UXImi7KZTpyU8FhgZUYozKw6p-79uXBszX3EAo7VQ8TjuTRFg8N8FmK-0K-iikr2jPRQ-H4eF8lHzsRvnTpENb1GUKC4We4hY7ARB9871vAwD0cqAmpri7EED9wD54lqLa0Gg)

First DMV Middle School and High School Basketball Showcase at Barry Farm Recreation Center.

September 16, 2023

Over the weekend, Councilmember Trayon White joined Jimmie Jenkins, the founder of the DMV Hoopers Only Showcase for his first annual DMV Top 100 Showcase. This basketball showcase is a collective of the best 100 players across the DMV to demonstrate their athletic abilities.

This event was sponsored by @dcs_son ([link removed]) x @themuseumdc ([link removed]) x @insidedagates ([link removed]) @unison_llc ([link removed]) .

For more information find @dmvhoopersonlyshowcase ([link removed]) on Instagram.

The DC Department of Buildings Held An Educational Walkthrough on Blighted Properties.

September 15, 2023

Councilmember Trayon White's Constituent Services Team joined the DC Department of Buildings (DOB - formerly DCRA) for an educational walk to gain insight into city-wide challenges of dealing with blighted and abandoned properties. They learned about the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies and how we can collaborate with other stakeholders to improve our landscape.


** Quick Links
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* Check out the 2020 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2021 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2022 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Visit our website w ([link removed]) ww.trayonwhite8.com ([link removed])
* CM White's Social Media Facebook ([link removed]) | Instagram ([link removed]) | Twitter ([link removed])

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