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The Problem
DC is in the midst of a serious budget crisis: the recession has put us several hundred million in the hole.

Mayor Adrian Fenty proposed to balance the budget by slashing funding to critical programs that protect low-income DC residents (like disability assistance, civil legal services, and affordable housing). Such cuts would plunge thousands of lives into crisis, deepening and prolonging the recession for the city as a whole. Meanwhile, the Mayor proposed no significant actions to raise the revenue that DC needs to invest in a broad economic recovery. [Learn more here.]

In response, a broad coalition (consisting of about 2,000 concerned DC residents, and 200 businesses and community groups) has come together to urge the City Council to Save Our Safety Net.

So far, our voice has been heard. City Council restored some of the proposed budget cuts, and took some measures to raise revenue.

But the brunt of the budget cuts are still concentrated within safety net programs. The modest tax increases (like a sales tax and a cigarette tax) will raise revenue mostly from the people who can least afford it. And more budget cuts may be just around the corner.

We can still change course.

Sign the Petition
In this time of economic crisis, support for the poor is essential to the health of our entire community.

We need our leaders to take a more balanced approach to balancing the budget. That means fortifying support for our safety net, rather than targeting it first for cuts. And it means raising revenues — while avoiding tax increases that fall on those who can least afford it.

With responsible leadership, we will protect the most vulnerable and invest in our economic future. Save our Safety Net!