http://www.dcfordemocracy.org Founded in Spring 2004, DC for Democracy is the District’s largest unaligned progressive group of activists, community leaders and everyday voters working for positive change in our local government and recognition in America’s legislature. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:23:43 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en DC for Democracy is a leading unaligned progressive group of activists, community leaders and everyday voters in the District of Columbia working for positive change in our local & federal government and recognition in America's legislature. We are the Democracy for America (DFA) affiliate in Washington, DC. TO JOIN US, ... http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2006/02/03/welcome-to-dc-for-democracy-pac/ The DC Council debated and voted on an ethics reform bill last Tuesday that included some improvements following the November 30th hearing, but failed to deliver serious and comprehensive ethics reform. We commend the committee for increasing the term of the Ethics Board to six years, which will enhance the Board's ... http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2011/12/08/unfinished-business-on-ethics-reform-12811/ The DC Council is set to cast its first vote today on the ethics reform legislation proposed by Muriel Bowser (Ward 4) and passed by the Government Operations Committee yesterday. It contains some positive changes, including the establishment of a separate Ethics Board. By unifying the administration of ... http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2011/12/06/final-vote-on-ethics-reform-12611/ DC for Democracy has emailed the Mayor and all members of the DC Council urging respectful treatment of the Occupy encampments at McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza. Click HERE to read the letter. http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2011/11/29/respect-occupydc-nov-29-2011/ Expenditures DC Councilmembers are allowed to receive up to $80,000 per year in contributions to their Constituent Services Funds (CSF’s) per year, and may spend up to that amount per year as well for constituent services. Leftover campaign funds may also be contributed without regard to the $80,000 limit. ... http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2011/11/23/council-constituent-services-funds-little-goes-for-actual-needs/ The Mayor and Council Chair are not allowed to have any other employment, but the twelve members of the Council are not so constrained. As a result, they are paid $125,583 per year, a salary that puts them in the top 10% of DC taxpayers, and that is the ... http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2011/11/21/dc4d-proposes-banning-outside-employment-for-councilmembers-1121/ We have all been dismayed by the dark cloud of scandal over the John A. Wilson building. Some may want to believe that this cloud rolled in just this past year with the allegations of nepotism, illegal use of campaign funds, misuse of city vehicles and public grant funds, ... http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2011/11/13/real-ethics-reform-for-the-district-of-columbia/ This Tuesday, the DC Council will likely finalize a budget that falls short of representing the values and priorities of the overwhelming majority of DC residents.  On Saturday, June 11, DC for Democracy launched a last ditch email and phone campaign directed at Council members to try to ensure that ... http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2011/06/12/dc4d-press-release-on-fy2012-budget-issued-61211/ DC for Democracy is known throughout Washington political circles as a group of savvy progressive boots-on-the-ground activists. What most people don't know, however, is that we have a cadre of budget geeks within our midst. We're taking advantage of that expertise and diving headfirst into the murky waters of city ... http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2011/04/25/your-voice-is-needed-in-dcs-budget-debate-april-24-2011/ You are cordially invited to DC for Democracy's annual holiday party, Sunday, December 5, 4-8pm, at the home of our own "hostess with the mostest" Karen Rose. Friends and family welcome. No charge, but contributions to DC for Democracy appreciated. RSVP on DFA or Facebook. http://www.dcfordemocracy.org/2010/11/29/holiday-party-december-5/