One of the most controversial aspects of Bowser’s long-term budget proposal would be a tightening of the admissions requirements for Medicaid, which could result in an estimated 25,000 residents being removed. At the same time, Bowser is proposing a package of business-friendly policies designed to spark more real estate development and construction, including tax incentives, streamlined zoning procedures and a pause on some environmental restrictions and requirements.
The 13-member council is currently down one member; Ward 8 representative Trayon White, who faces federal bribery charges, was expelled by his peers in February. His seat will be filled in a July special election. Most of the remaining 12 D.C. Council members were in attendance at Tuesday’s budget unveiling, with some asking pointed questions about Mayor Bowser’s priorities.
”A first read of this proposed budget shows DC is walking away from our commitments to lower utility bills and reduce our largest sources of carbon output and pollution from our buildings,” Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen said in a statement.
Bowser responded that a business-friendly environment was precisely her goal as she seeks to diversify the local economy away from federal jobs while preventing a talent exodus and without raising taxes.
”We’re proud of the work we’ve done and the decisions we’ve made,” she said. ”We have to have a city that grows. We have to have more jobs, more businesses and more people.”
