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Councilmember Elissa Silverman, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Workforce, announces a public hearing before the Subcommittee on Bill 21-120, the “Wage Theft Prevention Clarification and Overtime Fairness Amendment Act of 2015” and Bill 21-711, the “Wage Theft Prevention Revision Amendment Act of 2016.” The hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building.

You can see the formal hearing notice here.

WASHINGTON, DC – At-Large D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman today released the following statement after the D.C. Council’s vote to table the Hours and Scheduling Stability Act of 2015 at their Committee of the Whole meeting:

“At this morning’s Council breakfast, I asked my colleagues to vote against a motion to table the Fair Scheduling bill. Instead, I requested that the legislation, the Hours and Scheduling Stability Act of 2015, be recommitted to the newly created Subcommittee on Workforce, which I will chair. I told my colleagues that I would use the next three months to convene meetings with them to understand and work through their issues with the current bill. Unfortunately, a majority of the Council voted to table the bill, which effectively kills it this session.

I remain committed to working on my colleagues’ concerns, so I will start to convene working groups on this bill this week, which will include businesses and labor advocates. I will also invite my colleagues to join the discussion.

Yesterday, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to support a similar bill, which does three things: gives workers their schedules two weeks in advance; allows part-time workers first chance at additional hours; and compensates workers for being on-call for a schedule change.

The Seattle City Council spent seven months on working groups to get to a unanimous vote. I will begin our process this week in order to reintroduce a stronger bill next session. I look forward to working with all interested parties.”

Dear Resident,

Kids are back in school; outdoor pools had doggy swims (except for East Potomac Park, which remains open until Oct. 16); and now comes the true finale of a D.C. summer: The D.C. Council ends its legislative recess and resumes official business on Friday.

I’ve spent this summer recess meeting residents, discussing policy ideas with my team and District agency leadership, and taking some time to rest and reset before making the final push on legislative goals to meet before this Council session concludes at the end of December. I want to share a few updates on where I’ve been this summer and what legislation I’ll be working hard to pass this fall.

There’s also a preview of a few events I look forward to supporting in the coming weeks, so keep reading!

At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman today released the following statement in response to a letter on July 26 from Events DC announcing an increase of $10 million to the total cost of the Wizards practice facility, raising the project budget to $65 million:

"I am extremely disappointed to learn that the cost of the Wizards practice facility has risen to $65 million, requiring an additional $10 million in District taxpayer dollars before construction has even begun. Even more concerning to me is that we will be spending more money for fewer seats, which means fewer fans, fewer jobs, and less benefit for Ward 8. Ward 8 has waited too long for economic investment, and we want to make sure every dollar we spend brings the highest return.

Dear Resident,

The 2016 summer recess for Council Period 21 officially starts tomorrow. Though there won’t be any new legislation being introduced or hearings being held, I’ll be working with my staff over the next two months to think about new opportunities to support residents through the policy-making process. I’ll be sending out one newsletter a month during the summer recess, but I hope you will continue to keep me updated on what is happening in your neighborhood and share opportunities to connect with you.

What a day to celebrate the life of Jerry N. Clark here at the Council of the District of Columbia, a government he worked so hard to persuade and influence in the pursuit of equality for all. The righteous pursuit of statehood for D.C. and the path to make it a reality is one of the centerpieces of today’s agenda, and that is a tribute to Jerry in itself.

Statehood was just one of the many human rights that others saw as lofty or unattainable, and Jerry saw as a necessity to truly fulfilling the American dream. He never relented in the pursuit of justice, and what I truly admire about Jerry is he did not do it in a haughty or arrogant way. He was an advocate and a gentleman, a leader who helped others find their voice and magnify it. He was a mensch, a person of integrity and honor.

Today, the Council of the District of Columbia held the final legislative meeting of the session. A committee mark-up of the Universal Paid Leave Act, co-introduced and co-written by Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) last October, was postponed until the Council reconvenes after the legislative recess. Councilmember Silverman released the following statement following today’s meeting:

“Last week, Chairman Mendelson decided to postpone a vote on the paid family and medical leave legislation. The Universal Paid Leave Act is a complex bill with a lot of moving parts, and I’m glad to take the time to get it right. I’m especially invested in making sure we pass the best bill possible to help support District employers and make our city a more attractive place to do business. I thank Chairman Mendelson, Councilmember Grosso, and all of the District residents and businesses that have testified in support of the bill.  My staff and I will be working over the summer on the legislation, and I look forward to passing a comprehensive bill in the fall.”

Dear Resident,

The Council’s last legislative meeting before the summer is quickly approaching!

In case you missed our last legislative discussion, I’ll highlight some decisions to look out for at the final legislative meeting on July 12th. But first, I wanted to share some exciting office news that happened this month!

As some may have heard, the Silverman office now has two new baby additions. Congratulations to Ari Weisbard and his wife, Rebecca, who welcomed baby Misha home, alongside Kitty Richards and her husband, Don, who welcomed baby Liam home. The latest from both camps is that everyone “is healthy and happy to have access to paid leave, like all should.”

If that wasn’t exciting enough, we also welcomed two new staff additions this week! I’m delighted to introduce Michele Blackwell as our new Chief of Staff and Ameir Jeffries as our Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) intern. They look forward to meeting you around the Wilson Building or at an upcoming community event. There’s more below on community activities (read: July 4th parades), so keep reading!

Dear Resident,

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces at the 41^st Capital Pride Parade last Saturday. Before such a tragic day in Orlando, I’m thankful to have had such a celebratory day showing the LGBTQ community how much they are valued and appreciated in the District. My thoughts and prayers are with all affected by the shooting, particularly the family and friends of the victims and those still in critical condition.

As the city of Orlando, and our country, recovers from such a saddening act of violence, I hope you will continue to support the LGBTQ communities around you and remember that love cannot be killed or swept aside.

Many thanks to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and his staff for welcoming Team Silverman to walk with them in the Pride Parade. You can see more pictures from a fantastic day together here.

Dear Resident,

Tomorrow is the District’s Primary Election Day! Polls are open between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. across the city. Here are a few final reminders to help make your vote count:

• You can find the polling location closest to you here. As long as you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you will be able to vote.
• At least one voting precinct in Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 4, Ward 6, Ward 7, and Ward 8 has been relocated for this year’s primary election. Please make sure to double check your polling location and consider checking the precinct map for your ward.
• A sample ballot and link to confirm your voter registration can be found on the Board of Elections website here.
• Any questions or concerns about assistance with voting or accessibility at your polling location can be directed to the Board of Elections at (202) 727-2525. Every location will offer accessible devices and the option of curbside voting for senior citizens and voters with disabilities.

Thousands of District residents have already cast their ballots during early voting. If you haven’t already and are eligible, make sure to exercise your 15th Amendment right during polling hours tomorrow!

Thanks so much.

Elissa.