Mayor Bowser Provides Budget Update, Discusses Additional Investments in Key Priorities

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser outlined amendments to the proposed FY2017 Revised Budget, the FY2018 Budget and Financial Plan, and the FY2018 Budget Support Act, including a proposed $3.8 million investment in DC Public Schools (DCPS) and $3.2 million investment in DC Public Charter Schools (DCPCS), effectively bringing DCPS and DCPCS to a budget that reflects a two percent increase to the Per Student Funding Formula.

“With this budget, I am advancing my commitment to developing inclusive prosperity, fighting for workers, and investing in families,” said Mayor Bowser. “Today, to better meet the needs of our growing city, I am asking that the Council consider adjustments to the proposed budget, particularly those that will ensure we are making the largest investment ever in education for District students.”

The proposed budget includes a $112 million increase in funding for DC’s public schools and an additional $1.3 billion for the continued modernization of schools, representing the largest investment in public education in DC’s history.

Mayor Bowser presented DC Values in Action: A Roadmap to Inclusive Prosperity to the DC Council on April 4, after hosting three community budget engagement forums to get feedback on residents’ budget priorities. The amendments announced today will ensure that the Bowser Administration is better able to meet the needs of DC residents.

Mayor Bowser also clarified how $2.3 million allocated to the Department of Corrections for the Returning Citizens Portal of Entry is intended to be used:

• $1.1 million for case management services, transportation to the portal of entry facility, and continuum of care through referral services;
• $500,000 for enrollment and eligibility services, SNAP employment, and training;
• $350,000 for mental health assessments, referral services, and case management;
• $276,000 for renovations for the portal of entry facility;
• $65,000 for workforce development assistance; and
• $50,000 for driver’s license and identification card services.

The Returning Citizens Portal will serve as a one-stop shop for returning citizens to get connected to holistic supports and resources like housing, employment, and health care.

Other proposed amendments include:

• Reduce the budget for the Department of General Services by $7,266,547, funding that will be carried over into FY 2018 and used for other investments
• Add $100,000 in one-time funds for the ASPIRE program
• Shift $970,544 for the arrest diversion program within the Metropolitan Police Department to the Department of Behavioral Health
• Develop the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and bring three existing programs under one roof: the Community Stabilization Program, the Safer Stronger DC Community Partnerships Program, and portions of the Roving Leaders Program
• Transfer all funding and staff associated with the My School DC program from the Deputy Mayor for Education to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education
• Increase the local funds subsidy for the University of the District of Columbia by $750,000
• Add $187,500 and two FTEs to the budget for the Inspector General