Still Life with Robin: Last Minute Rescue (Or So We Hope!)

 by Peggy Robin 

What a nerve-wracking roller coaster we've been on! Just when it looked like our city's operating budget was being thrown over a cliff, and so many of the Senators that we thought were our friends suddenly seemed to be cowering in the Senate cloakroom, afraid to do battle for us, a noble few stepped up and advanced a bill to pull us back from the precipice -- that is, let us keep our firefighters, EMTs, and police officers on the job, prevent the removal of teachers from the classroom mid-year, and ward off deep cuts to essential programs -- kindly allowing us to to use OUR OWN MONEY as we deem necessary for our own well-being.

Of course, as observed by CM Christina Henderson, it's not over yet. The House must come back after their spring break to approve the bill. So there still could be a bumpy ride ahead.

I take this pause in the drama to thank our Council Members and Mayor who sprang into action, mobilizing citizens from all walks of life to rally, lobby, and swarm the halls of Congress to defend our city from this existential threat. I was especially moved by all the schoolchildren (and their parents!) who showed up at the Capitol to make sure the Senators saw the faces of the people who would be hurt by the House bill. 

For those who have been overwhelmed with the speed of the action or confused about what just went down, I recommend this Instagram video fromCouncilmember Henderson, a true leader in DC's defense.  

 

For a good news recap of how the Wile E. Coyote-like run off the cliff was averted, I recommend this news-clip/article from WTOP: https://wtop.com/dc/2025/03/a-major-first-step-local-leaders-react-to-senates-unanimous-approval-of-dc-budget-bill/ 

 

Huge thanks to Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins,Vice Chair Patty Murray, and Senator Chris Van Hollen, who co-drafted it, along with Senators Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kaine, and Mark Warner, who worked hard to get it through the Senate by the end of the day. Whew!

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Still Life with Robin is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Saturdays.