Councilmember Silverman Announces Fall Hearings as New Chair of Subcommittee on Workforce

WASHINGTON, DC – At-Large D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Workforce, today announces three hearings focused on opportunities to increase economic equity in the District. In late October, there will be a hearing on a permanent bill to further address wage theft; in early November, the subcommittee will hold a roundtable on fair scheduling; and in late November, there will be a hearing on new legislation to address the pay gap in the District.

“My focus will be on how we increase both economic competitiveness and economic fairness in the District,” said Councilmember Silverman. “I am excited to move our city forward in these critical areas.” In preparation, Silverman is holding one-on-one meetings with business interests, policy advocates, and agency heads, including this week with the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity and the Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Council.

The Subcommittee on Workforce is part of the Committee of the Whole and is responsible for issues including employment services, workforce development, unemployment compensation, and occupational safety and health. Specifically, the subcommittee will oversee the following District government agencies: the Department of Employment Services, the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity, the Disability Compensation Fund, the Apprenticeship Council, the Occupational Safety and Health Board, the Office of Risk Management, the Unemployment Compensation Fund, and the Workforce Investment Council.

The subcommittee’s membership includes Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1), Brandon Todd (Ward 4), Charles Allen (Ward 6), and Robert White (At-Large). The upcoming hearing and roundtable schedule is below:

• Wage Theft Prevention Clarification and Overtime Fairness Amendment Act of 2015 (Bill 21-120) and Wage Theft Prevention Revision Amendment Act of 2016 (Bill 21-711)
  • Wednesday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 412
• Fair Scheduling Issues in the District of Columbia
  • Thursday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. in Room 500
• Fair Wage Amendment Act of 2016 (Bill 21-878)
  • Tuesday, November 29, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 500