From the Desk of Robert White

From the Desk of Robert White March 2017

Since I began my term as an At-Large Councilmember, I have been focusing on bridging the gaps for residents who are being left behind. Much of our economic inequality results from an educational disparity that has plagued our city for decades. I hope to reverse this trend starting with early childhood development, adult education, and special education.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO QUALITY CHILD CARE

The high cost and limited access to quality child care results in children being left behind developmentally before their first day of school and high stress for parents competing for slots. To address this issue, I conducted months of research with the help of my Transition Committee and recently met with over 40 child development providers from across the city to get their feedback. The meeting lasted over two hours as we talked candidly about what needs to be done to expand access to quality child care.

In the District, the average cost of child care is over $1,800 a month, yet the average childcare worker makes only $26,000 per year. Additionally, there are over 22,000 children under the age of three, but only enough spaces at licensed child development centers for one-third of our children.

The high cost and limited access to quality child care results in children being left behind developmentally before their first day of school and high stress for parents competing for slots. To address this issue, I conducted months of research with the help of my Transition Committee and recently met with over 40 child development providers from across the city to get their feedback. The meeting lasted over two hours as we talked candidly about what needs to be done to expand access to quality child care. The issue is incredibly complex, so I've taken their feedback and will release a series of solutions in the coming weeks.

CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Pictured: meeting with presenters during Black History Month | engaging with student advocates from Capitol Hill Montessori school | checking in on students and staff at Savoy Elementary School | interacting with students at Walker-Jones Education Campus for National School Breakfast Week | explaining my legislative priorities to a community group.

A LOOK AT LEGISLATION

Over the past month, I've worked with my Council colleagues on legislation to promote fair elections, speed up the sales of vacant and blighted homes, spur retirement savings for District employees, and ensure that developers build large enough apartments for families.

CO-INTRODUCED

Citizens Fair Election Program Amendment Act of 2017

This bill allows qualified people who don’t have significant monetary resources within their social circles to still run for public office while enhancing the impact of small-dollar donors in elections.

Property Disposition Reform Amendment Act of 2018

This bill allows real estate professionals to help the DC government turn vacant and blighted houses into workforce housing instead of sitting vacant for years.

Retirement Parity Amendment Act of 2017

This bill helps DC government employees save for retirement by creating a program that matches employee retirement contributions.

CO-SPONSORED

Family Unit Amendment Act of 2017

This bill stimulates the building of affordable three and four-bedroom homes in response to the need for family-sized housing.

IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER...

OVERSIGHT OF OUR AGENCIES AND NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET

Every year from early February to late March, the Council conducts hearings to evaluate the performance of the nearly 100 District agencies. Soon we'll receive the Mayor's budget proposal, and then we'll hold hearings to evaluate it and produce a final DC Government budget.

Robert C. White, Jr. Councilmember, At-Large | Council of the District of Columbia

Phone: (202) 724-8174 | Fax: (202) 727-8210 | rwhite@dccouncil.us

Created By

Daniel Wise

Appreciate