Jack Evans Report

Is it just me, or is this summer even hotter than the last? As I mention every year during the dog days of summer, I hope you will take a moment to check in on your elderly or ill neighbors who might need a little assistance. Weather like this can effect even the healthiest of us.

This year, similar to years past, has proven to be entertaining in terms of Washington’s No.1 spectator sport – politics. With a number of primary contests heating up, local news coverage is already keeping track of fundraising achievements and other campaign-related news.

As I write this, I am reading reports of the recent deal between Congress and the President to raise the federal debt ceiling. While this would seem to be a national issue, any change in federal spending patterns always has a dramatic impact on the District since we are not recognized as a state. Much like with the potential federal government shutdown earlier in the year, the threat of a federal government default has placed the District government on high alert and necessitated the preparation of contingency plans in the event of a catastrophe.

Though this latest crisis has been averted, the fall Council session will soon begin and we have many challenges ahead. Certain aspects of our financial health are improving; however, while we were concerned about revisiting the fiscal year 2011 budget last year at this time due to declining revenue projections, I am hopeful now that our Chief Financial Officer will identify further new revenue and give us an opportunity to repeal some more of the Mayor’s proposed tax increases. I believe ultimately we must right-size the District government to match our actual revenues. Failure to do so will cause individuals and businesses to restructure their investments or even leave the District if their tax burdens continually rise.

Make sure to let your at-large Council representatives know where you stand on these issues and have a great summer!