By Southwester Staff
After a frenetic lobbying effort to preserve DC’s ability to spend its own locally generated revenue, Southwest residents, particularly federal employees and contractors, continued to feel the impact of earth-shifting changes from the federal government.
Hours before a possible government shutdown, the U.S. Senate passed stand-alone legislation to protect DC’s 2025 budget by a unanimous vote, although approval from the U.S. House and the signature of President Trump were still pending as of press time. Without approval, DC would be forced to reduce its budget by up to $1 billion, funds which are generated by local, not federal, tax dollars.
After the Senate vote, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen wrote to constituents, “I want to thank the Ward 6 families, young people, and advocates who have been calling and showing up on the Hill, walking the halls, and sounding the alarm about the serious consequences of this senseless action. You are incredibly inspiring, and I’m so proud to call you my neighbors.”
“We will need to be ready to continue the fight, and we will also need to continue to organize strategically to educate Congress members and Americans across the country about the District’s lack of autonomy and statehood and the very real impacts of that vulnerability on taxpaying Americans,” Allen continued.
Councilmembers and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also provided dedicated resources for federal employees and government contractors impacted by layoffs or reductions in force. Critical information regarding health care, unemployment benefits and more is available at a central online hub, fedsupport.dc.gov.
Local organizations are also chipping in. DC Central Kitchen announced that affected federal employees and contracts are eligible for a 50% discount at all of their cafes, including the location on Buzzard Point. In addition to the free museums and galleries in the neighborhood, those seeking out the healing power of art can visit theaterwashington.org for discounts to regional performances at locations including Arena Stage. DC walking tour companies are offering free tours for all federal employees, regardless of status, during Public Service Recognition Week, which includes DC Design Tour’s May 10 guided walk titled Evolution of Southwest.
Key contact information for resources and information includes:
Unemployment Insurance in the District: 202-724-7000
Student Loan Support: 202-727-8000, DCLoanHelp@dc.gov
Health care and Insurance Coverage: DCHealthLink.com
