Why does the District of Columbia have such a high poverty rate, low life expectancy for its majority, and huge income gap between the wealthy and the rest of its community?
The process: urban Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), IMF style, in place for over a decade.
What every supporter of DC democracy & equal rights should know about the politics of statehood, 'voting rights,' and where DC's political parties & public officials stand.
• The DC Statehood Green Party demands statehood for DC. Congress and the White House have anti-democratic control over the District, which is why DC is often called America's 'last colony' and 'last plantation.' Until we get statehood, people who live in DC are second-class citizens.
"Inequities are killing people on a "grand scale" reports WHO's Commission" Progressive taxation is one big way to reduce these inequities.
"Progressive taxation - Strengthening domestic revenues for equitable public finance requires stronger progressive taxation. This implies strengthening tax systems and capacities, particularly building institutional capacity in low-income settings… Taxation should focus on direct – such as income or property taxes – over indirect forms – such as trade or sales taxes"
Phelps Vocational High School is a good start, but every high school should have an apprenticeship program that guarantees employment upon graduation and strongly encourages and supports college education. Priority should be on creating Green Collar Jobs in our community, with a focus on urban agriculture, energy conservation and solar energy technologies. The District should partner with non-profits, businesses and unions.
"Auditor's Review of Compliance with the Living Wage Act and First Source Act Requirements Pursuant to the Compliance Unit Establishment Act of 2008"
Committee on Economic Development and Housing and Workforce Development, Kwame R. Brown, Chairperson, Michael A. Brown, Chairperson
Thursday, July 08, 2010 10:00 AM Location: John A. Wilson Building, Room 412
