Posts by Jenny Reed — Guest Contributor
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Deputy Mayor wants to give $7 million to one tech company
Next year will be tough for many DC residents, companies, and agencies. But it could be a good year to be a “high technology commercial real estate database and service provider.” Under a new bill introduced in the DC Council, these businesses, and only these businesses, would get up to $700,000 in annual property tax breaks for 10 years — a $7 million subsidy. Keep reading…
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DC’s employment stable yet unemployment rising
The latest unemployment data for DC tell two conflicting stories. Over the past year, DC has not lost jobs, while most states across the nation are losing thousands. But DC residents are falling into unemployment at a historically high rate. The skills of many DC residents may not be well-matched to the jobs created in the city, with stepped-up workforce training necessary… Keep reading…
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It’s time for transparency in DC’s budget
Last week, Councilmember Mary Cheh held a public roundtable to discuss transparency in the DC government. Her timing couldn’t have been better. Keep reading…
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Expand the sales tax to selected services instead of raising rates
When you buy a brush to groom your dog, you pay DC sales tax. But if you take your dog to get groomed, you pay… Keep reading…
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Mayor Fenty’s proposed cuts fall too heavily on the poor
Mayor Fenty’s proposal for closing DC’s recently-announced budget shortfall includes major budget cuts to programs affecting DC’s low-income residents. These are the very residents that are struggling the most during this economic downturn. Keep reading…
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Living within our means
A $750 million public financing deal for a convention center hotel had scarcely appeared on the table before it was taken off again. One of the driving forces behind the fall of that proposal? DC’s recently enacted debt cap. It’s an early sign that this tool will help keep our leaders fiscally honest, especially when it comes to economic development subsidies. Keep reading…