Free the DC BudgetOct. 1 is the first day of the federal government's fiscal year. Because of the District's colonial status, Congress has assumed the right to hold up DC's budget until it is reviewed and passed as part of the federal appropriations process – even though 75 percent of the city's budget is raised from local tax funds, about the same as most states. If the pattern of recent years holds, the federal government will not have approved Washington's budget by its own fiscal deadline.
Because Congress cannot finish its work on time, the enactment of DC's budget is usually delayed well into the fiscal year (this year, by nearly four months), which prevents the District from spending new funds on essentials like health care, education and public safety.
Moreover, as the city's budget moves through the appropriations process, members of Congress can add restrictions that are at odds with the wishes of DC voters. Current riders include a ban on a needle-exchange program to prevent AIDS and a prohibition on implementing an initiative that would let marijuana be used for medical purposes.
It’s time to get Congress out of our local affairs. On Oct. 1, the Budget Autonomy Day (BAD) Coalition will engage in direct action on Capitol Hill to demand that Congress free Washington's budget. Help build this event by attending the next planning meeting on Monday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the Flemming Center, 1426 Ninth St. NW (Metro: Howard University/Shaw). Call the Stand Up for Democracy in DC Coalition at 202/232-2500, ext. 3, to volunteer or for more information.
