Tzedek DC
@tzedekdc.bsky.social
We combine free legal help, systemic advocacy, and community outreach to empower DC residents facing debt-related crises. Reach us at (202) 274-7386!
Tzedek DC is excited to begin the new year with an opportunity to come together in service! Join us on Sunday, January 18th, from 1:00–2:30 PM at the Tzedek DC Headquarters for a family-friendly afternoon honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy. Read more here: mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/wel...
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Tzedek DC is excited to begin the new year with an opportunity to come together in service! Join us on Sunday, January 18th, from 1:00–2:30 PM at the Tzedek DC Headquarters for a family-friendly afternoon honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy. Read more here: mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/wel...
✨As we close 2025, we invite you to make a difference by supporting Tzedek DC before the year ends. Your gift helps us stand with District residents facing debt‑related crises, expand financial empowerment and knowledge, and advocate for systemic change. www.tzedekdc.org/donate-now
Donate Now — Tzedek DC
www.tzedekdc.org
December 30, 2025 at 6:15 PM
✨As we close 2025, we invite you to make a difference by supporting Tzedek DC before the year ends. Your gift helps us stand with District residents facing debt‑related crises, expand financial empowerment and knowledge, and advocate for systemic change. www.tzedekdc.org/donate-now
We urge the CFPB to protect the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which safeguards against discrimination in lending based on protected characteristics like race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or source of income. www.tzedekdc.org/s/Tzedek-DC-...
www.tzedekdc.org
December 29, 2025 at 9:23 PM
We urge the CFPB to protect the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which safeguards against discrimination in lending based on protected characteristics like race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or source of income. www.tzedekdc.org/s/Tzedek-DC-...
Join us at our UDC headquarters on Sunday, January 18th, from 1:00-2:30 PM for a day of family-friendly learning and volunteer service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy! Read more here: mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/vol...
December 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Join us at our UDC headquarters on Sunday, January 18th, from 1:00-2:30 PM for a day of family-friendly learning and volunteer service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy! Read more here: mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/vol...
The @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social Office protects DC consumers. Tzedek DC and 28 organizations urge Congress to oppose HR 5179 to “reform” the DC Attorney General’s office by eliminating a locally accountable, independently elected AG with a Presidential appointee. nclnet.org/wp-content/u...
nclnet.org
December 23, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The @dcattorneygeneral.bsky.social Office protects DC consumers. Tzedek DC and 28 organizations urge Congress to oppose HR 5179 to “reform” the DC Attorney General’s office by eliminating a locally accountable, independently elected AG with a Presidential appointee. nclnet.org/wp-content/u...
This incredible message from longtime volunteer Senior Advisor Janet Lowenthal highlights how she connected with Tzedek DC and why she has lent her support to us for nearly nine years. We are so grateful to Janet! mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/med...
Hope, Justice, and Community – Join Me (JLo!) in Supporting Tzedek DC
mailchi.mp
December 22, 2025 at 8:42 PM
This incredible message from longtime volunteer Senior Advisor Janet Lowenthal highlights how she connected with Tzedek DC and why she has lent her support to us for nearly nine years. We are so grateful to Janet! mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/med...
A recent report from @harvard.edu shows that the odds of surviving cancer drop drastically when the patient's #CreditScore dips. This harrowing data demonstrates the importance of keeping #MedicalDebt off credit reports, as proposed by the DC Council. news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor....
Odds of surviving cancer drop drastically when credit score dips — Harvard Gazette
Study explores links between financial stress and mortality risk.
news.harvard.edu
December 19, 2025 at 3:02 PM
A recent report from @harvard.edu shows that the odds of surviving cancer drop drastically when the patient's #CreditScore dips. This harrowing data demonstrates the importance of keeping #MedicalDebt off credit reports, as proposed by the DC Council. news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor....
Our client, Berenice, a DC mother of four, was assured that financial assistance would cover the eye procedure her teenage daughter needed to prevent blindness. However, the provider demanded $5,000 upfront for the second surgery—or they would refuse treatment. Read more: mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/med...
Help Us Protect Families Like Berenice’s from the Burden of Medical Debt
mailchi.mp
December 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Our client, Berenice, a DC mother of four, was assured that financial assistance would cover the eye procedure her teenage daughter needed to prevent blindness. However, the provider demanded $5,000 upfront for the second surgery—or they would refuse treatment. Read more: mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/med...
🧵 Thank you so much to the DC residents and our local and national allies who made sure your voices were heard this week in support of DC medical debt reform.
December 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
🧵 Thank you so much to the DC residents and our local and national allies who made sure your voices were heard this week in support of DC medical debt reform.
A poll from @unduemeddebt.bsky.social shows bipartisan support from voters for policies that protect people from #MedicalDebt. We testified earlier this week to the DC Council in support of a proposed law that would do this in the District. unduemedicaldebt.org/bipartisan-s...
Voters Show Strong Bipartisan Support for Policies that Protect People from Medical Debt
Voters Show Strong Bipartisan Support for Policies that Protect People from Medical Debt New Study — October 2025 A new study sponsored by Undue Medical Debt finds that 2024 voters across party ID (R...
unduemedicaldebt.org
December 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A poll from @unduemeddebt.bsky.social shows bipartisan support from voters for policies that protect people from #MedicalDebt. We testified earlier this week to the DC Council in support of a proposed law that would do this in the District. unduemedicaldebt.org/bipartisan-s...
This @npr.org article highlights how advocates for patients and consumers have shifted their work to contain the rising problem of #MedicalDebt to state efforts. Tzedek DC testified on behalf of medical debt reform to the DC Council to this effect yesterday. www.npr.org/2025/09/25/n...
Trump punted on medical debt protection. Now the battle is in the states
Some states are enacting medical debt laws as the Trump administration pulls back federal protections. Elsewhere, industry opposition has derailed legislation.
www.npr.org
December 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This @npr.org article highlights how advocates for patients and consumers have shifted their work to contain the rising problem of #MedicalDebt to state efforts. Tzedek DC testified on behalf of medical debt reform to the DC Council to this effect yesterday. www.npr.org/2025/09/25/n...
Today, Tzedek DC testified in support of the Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act introduced by @chenderson.bsky.social. The bill comes from recommendations made in our report "More Than a Band-Aid" and builds on the District's historic cancellation of $42 million in medical debt last year.
December 15, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Today, Tzedek DC testified in support of the Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act introduced by @chenderson.bsky.social. The bill comes from recommendations made in our report "More Than a Band-Aid" and builds on the District's historic cancellation of $42 million in medical debt last year.
@washingtonpost.com featured this woman who got stuck with a $97,000 bill after shattering her elbow. She noted, “I’ll make payments the rest of my life to pay it all off.” Today, Tzedek DC is testifying in support of #MedicalDebt reform to combat this. www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
She shattered her elbow and ended up with a $97,000 bill
As soon as she fell, Deborah Buttgereit knew she couldn’t avoid going to the hospital. “I could hear the bones moving around in my elbow,” Buttgereit said.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
@washingtonpost.com featured this woman who got stuck with a $97,000 bill after shattering her elbow. She noted, “I’ll make payments the rest of my life to pay it all off.” Today, Tzedek DC is testifying in support of #MedicalDebt reform to combat this. www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
Tzedek DC and 80 orgs urge Congress to empower regulatory experts and agencies to address the potential harms of emerging AI technology. The SANDBOX Act would tilt power toward industry at the expense of consumers, workers, and the environment. sensiblesafeguards.org/outreach/css...
CSS and 80 Groups Oppose the SANDBOX Act (S. 2750)
CSS and 80 Groups Oppose the SANDBOX Act (S. 2750) December 9, 2025 | Download PDF Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member ...
sensiblesafeguards.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Tzedek DC and 80 orgs urge Congress to empower regulatory experts and agencies to address the potential harms of emerging AI technology. The SANDBOX Act would tilt power toward industry at the expense of consumers, workers, and the environment. sensiblesafeguards.org/outreach/css...
Check out the latest issue of our Financial Empowerment newsletter on #AI, #Credit, and the Myth of the Shortcut. Learn what AI CAN and CANNOT do for your credit as well as how to truly build strong credit over time via trusted habits. www.tzedekdc.org/news-1/2025/...
AI, Credit, and the Myth of the Shortcut — Tzedek DC
What you need to know to protect your financial well-being. Credit affects many important parts of our lives—our housing options, employment opportunities, and overall financial stability. It’s unde...
www.tzedekdc.org
December 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Check out the latest issue of our Financial Empowerment newsletter on #AI, #Credit, and the Myth of the Shortcut. Learn what AI CAN and CANNOT do for your credit as well as how to truly build strong credit over time via trusted habits. www.tzedekdc.org/news-1/2025/...
Make sure to let your voice be heard and register to testify in-person in support of the Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act. Registration for in-person testimony ends tomorrow, Dec. 11th at 5 pm: lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hea...
December 10, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Make sure to let your voice be heard and register to testify in-person in support of the Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act. Registration for in-person testimony ends tomorrow, Dec. 11th at 5 pm: lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hea...
Miriam grew up in a working class immigrant family without access to financial education. After joining our Financial Empowerment Program, she feels empowered to achieve her goals. Check out Miriam's story and learn how your gift can offer a financial lifeline. mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/giv...
Your Gift Offers a Financial Lifeline
mailchi.mp
December 9, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Miriam grew up in a working class immigrant family without access to financial education. After joining our Financial Empowerment Program, she feels empowered to achieve her goals. Check out Miriam's story and learn how your gift can offer a financial lifeline. mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/giv...
Tzedek DC was quoted in a @washingtonpost.com article on cash bail in DC. "If we further crowd the jail with people whose only real offense at that point... is that they don’t have the money to pay bail, we’re going to make the jail even more dangerous." www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
GOP bill to overhaul D.C. bail system could balloon jail population
Republicans in Congress want to end cashless bail in D.C. and hold more suspects in jail before trial. Watchdogs say it could push the jail system to the brink.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Tzedek DC was quoted in a @washingtonpost.com article on cash bail in DC. "If we further crowd the jail with people whose only real offense at that point... is that they don’t have the money to pay bail, we’re going to make the jail even more dangerous." www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
Don't miss this feature from @newsweek.com that outlines the rising problem of #MedicalDebt for Americans as health care and insurance costs are slated to rise in 2026 just as millions of Americans lose access to health insurance. www.newsweek.com/the-debt-set...
The debt set to rise for Americans in 2026
Medical debt seems likely to rise for many Americans next year, with health care and insurance cost increases expected nationwide.
www.newsweek.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Don't miss this feature from @newsweek.com that outlines the rising problem of #MedicalDebt for Americans as health care and insurance costs are slated to rise in 2026 just as millions of Americans lose access to health insurance. www.newsweek.com/the-debt-set...
We had a great time yesterday at the Greenleaf Senior Center leading another successful session of our financial freedom bingo! Shouts out to Tzedek DC staff members Maritza Cortez and Hannah Milem and intern David Duong for representing. We look forward to the next one!
December 4, 2025 at 7:14 PM
We had a great time yesterday at the Greenleaf Senior Center leading another successful session of our financial freedom bingo! Shouts out to Tzedek DC staff members Maritza Cortez and Hannah Milem and intern David Duong for representing. We look forward to the next one!
.@washingtonpost.com covered the reform debates about the harms of #MedicalDebt on credit reports, linking to our report on DC’s medical debt crisis in advance of the upcoming December 15 @councilofdc.bsky.social hearing on proposed reforms arising out of the report. www.tzedekdc.org/news-1/2025/...
Washington Post Features Tzedek DC’s Medical Debt Work as 12/15 Hearing Approaches — Tzedek DC
The Washington Post recently covered the national and local DC reform debates about the harms of medical debt on credit reports, quoting Staff Attorney Jennifer Holloway and linking to Tzed...
www.tzedekdc.org
December 3, 2025 at 6:47 PM
.@washingtonpost.com covered the reform debates about the harms of #MedicalDebt on credit reports, linking to our report on DC’s medical debt crisis in advance of the upcoming December 15 @councilofdc.bsky.social hearing on proposed reforms arising out of the report. www.tzedekdc.org/news-1/2025/...
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! The UN's theme this year is fostering disability-inclusive societies—in all aspects of social, economic, cultural, and political life—for advancing social progress. Advancing social development depends on this inclusion.
December 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! The UN's theme this year is fostering disability-inclusive societies—in all aspects of social, economic, cultural, and political life—for advancing social progress. Advancing social development depends on this inclusion.
This #GivingTuesday, help DC residents protect their rights and strengthen their financial stability by supporting Tzedek DC's work. www.tzedekdc.org/donate-now
December 2, 2025 at 6:23 PM
This #GivingTuesday, help DC residents protect their rights and strengthen their financial stability by supporting Tzedek DC's work. www.tzedekdc.org/donate-now
Happy Thanksgiving from Tzedek DC! We are enjoying delicious treats from our favorite bakery, Sunflower Bakery, which provides skilled job training and employment for young adults with learning differences. We're grateful for the chance to support their mission.
November 26, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Happy Thanksgiving from Tzedek DC! We are enjoying delicious treats from our favorite bakery, Sunflower Bakery, which provides skilled job training and employment for young adults with learning differences. We're grateful for the chance to support their mission.
Check out our latest #TzedekationDigest, with updates on the robust work we've done over the past month. This month also features our first-ever Director of Development, Jessica Trease, who joined us at the end of August. mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/tze...
Tzedekation Digest | November 2025
mailchi.mp
November 25, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Check out our latest #TzedekationDigest, with updates on the robust work we've done over the past month. This month also features our first-ever Director of Development, Jessica Trease, who joined us at the end of August. mailchi.mp/tzedekdc/tze...