Neighbors,

We’re taking our office to the community for a series of “Workday in the Ward” events this summer, each held monthly in a different neighborhood. Our next Workday in the Ward will be held at Cleveland Park’s Dolan Coffee on July 26 from 8 am to 5 pm. Join us to share your thoughts, meet our agency partners, and show support for small business in Cleveland Park. My team and I will be available to connect with you, address your questions, and link you to critical community resources.

We’ll be joined by representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Buildings, Metropolitan Police Department, Cleveland Park Main Street, District Department of Transportation, and Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services. I will be present at points throughout the day, including for Coffee with the Councilmember from 8 to 10 am.

This edition of my newsletter includes information about how I am working to address DC’s acute shortage of nurses and act urgently to improve public safety. My newsletter is biweekly, so follow me @CMFrumin on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more frequent updates.

Best,

Matt Frumin

Councilmember for Ward 3

I introduced on July 14 the District of Columbia Nurse Licensure Compact Authorization Act of 2023 to make DC a more attractive destination for nurses nationally while maintaining local control over the quality of care.  This legislation, which would enter the District into the national Nurse Licensure Compact, was co-introduced by Committee on Health Chair Christina Henderson, Committee on Hospitals and Health Equity Chair Vince Gray, and Councilmembers Zachary Parker, Brooke Pinto, Robert White, and Kenyan McDuffie.

DC, like much of the country, faces an acute shortage of nurses. According to the District of Columbia Nurses Association, more than 95% of nurses in DC believe inadequate staffing was a “major issue” at their facility. From students to seniors, this nurse shortage impacts the health of our residents and overburdens nurses currently employed here. By joining every neighboring state in entering the compact, DC can begin to rebuild its nursing workforce, reduce strain on health care providers, and better support nurses and patients.

I look forward to a hearing on this bill after the Council reconvenes on September 15. Addressing strain on health care workers and providers is a crucial priority, and I will continue to support legislative solutions that foster safe, healthy neighborhoods across the District. To learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact Authorization Act of 2023, click here.

On July 11, the Council passed the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2023, which Mayor Bowser signed into law on July 20. This legislation, which I supported alongside 11 of my colleagues, addresses gaps in the District’s criminal justice system ahead of an anticipated spike in crime during the summer. While I wish the Council could have passed this legislation through a more deliberative process, expeditious action was necessary before our traditional legislative recess. I am pleased with the work done by the Council in coordination with Mayor Bowser’s administration and the Office of the Attorney General. I am committed to robust engagement with experts and community leaders as the Council takes up a permanent version of the bill in the fall.

During debate, I suggested one change to the draft bill to tailor adult pre-trial detention to the most serious offenses, mirroring the changes made by the Council on juvenile pre-trial detention. The result would have been stronger than the Mayor’s proposal but more circumscribed and targeted than what passed. 

Public safety is a critical priority for me and our city. My intention is to contribute constructive solutions that ensure the safety of our residents while also addressing the structural issues that ultimately lay at the root of our public safety challenges. The Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act is one step toward achieving this goal, but more work lies ahead. Mayor Bowser nominated Pamela A. Smith as the Chief of Police at the Metropolitan Police Department on July 17. Acting Chief Smith has a 25-year career in law enforcement, previously serving as Chief of Police for the United States Park Police in Washington, DC and MPD’s first Chief Equity Officer. If confirmed, Acting Chief Smith would become the first Black woman named permanent chief of MPD. I am committed to working with Acting Chief Smith to improve public safety across the entire District and continuing my strong relationship with MPD leadership under her tenure. I look forward to meeting with her directly to discuss her public safety strategy and approach to policing in the coming months.

Ward Days at the National Building Museum

On August 3, the National Building Museum will host its “Ward Day,” with complimentary admission for Ward 3 residents to the museum and its new Look Here! Summer installation. Visitors can explore the new exhibit, participate in hands-on crafts, enjoy storytime, and meet community partners. I will be present from 10 am – 12 pm.

Resident’s proof of address is required for complimentary admission. For more information, click here.

DC Youth Meals Program

This summer, youth 18 and younger can access no-cost meals at more than 100 sites across the city through the DCPS Summer Food Service Program that began on July 3. Free breakfast and lunch are available to all District minors with no application or ID required. For more information and to find a nearby site, text Food to 304-304 or click here.

There are three DC Youth Meals Program distribution sites in Ward 3, located at Hearst Elementary School, Jackson Reed High School, and Janney Elementary School.

Medicaid Renewal Meeting

On Saturday, July 29 at 11 am, the Department of Health Care Finance Medicaid Renewal Team will host a virtual forum on renewing DC Medicaid health insurance, focused on sharing information specifically for Medicaid beneficiaries. Learn more and register here.

MacArthur High School PTO Meeting

MacArthur High School will hold its first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting on July 26 at George Washington University’s Foggy Bottom Campus. This is an opportunity for parents to learn more about how to support the school and its educators as it begins its inaugural year.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

(202) 724-8062