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Stand Up for Democracy writes to Conference Committee
Stand Up for Democracy in DC Coalition
www.standupfordemocracy.org
(202) 232-2500
November 14, 2001
Chairman Joseph Knollenberg
District of Columbia Appropriations Subcommittee
2349 Rayburn House Office Building
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20015
Dear Chairman Knollenberg:
The Stand Up for Democracy in DC Coalition, a non partisan organization committed to achieving full democracy for the residents of the District of Columbia, urges you and your colleagues to agree to the Senate version of the DC Appropriations Bill.
As voters, taxpayers, and US citizens, we strongly object to this illegitimate process, whereby locally raised revenues are subject to Congressional appropriations, by a legislative body in which District of Columbia residents have no voting representation.
It is now more than six weeks into fiscal year 2002, and yet Congress has failed to fufill its obligations and pass the DC budget. This is both shameful and irresponsible from a body that preaches fiscal prudence to the disenfranchised residents of the nation's capital.
Since Congress has consistently proven itself incapable of serving as its own, unelected DC Council and Mayor, it's time this ongoing injustice be rectified. Congress can and should approve legislation granting the residents and elected officials of the District of Columbia local control over locally-raised taxdollars and full legislative autonomy. This year should be the last year the local DC budget is subjected to the whims of Congress.
In the interim, you and your colleagues need to end the political grandstanding and social engineering that annually accompanies the DC Appropriations process. The Senate version, while far from perfect, at least more closely resembles the will of DC residents in the spending of their own money.
Please be advised, Chairman Knollenberg, that Stand Up for Democracy and our network of supporters across the country, including those in Michigan, will be closely monitoring your actions. Please feel free to contact former US Senator Lauch Faircloth, and former DC Subcommittee chairs Charles Taylor and Ernest Istook, for references.
We demand nothing less than FULL democracy for the residents of the District of Columbia. If you have any questions, please contact us at (202) 232-2500, and visit our website at www.standupfordemocracy.org.
Free DC!
Anise Jenkins
President
Stand Up for Democracy in DC Coalition
