@tazramitchell.bsky.social
Pronouns: she/her. Ward 7. Chief Policy & Strategy Officer at DCFPI. All views are my own.
The forecast offers good news: DC isn't facing a budget deficit, as revenue is ticking up compared to June. The report also signals a new urgency--DC must act quickly to pass tax changes to save $658M due to reckless federal tax cuts that will flow into DC's tax code automatically.
Some relief for D.C.: A new revenue estimate from the city's CFO shows that revenue for the fiscal year ending tonight is $208 million higher than expected, and revenue for the 2026 fiscal year will be up $289 million. Plenty of folks expected the estimate to be negative.
October 1, 2025 at 3:38 PM
The forecast offers good news: DC isn't facing a budget deficit, as revenue is ticking up compared to June. The report also signals a new urgency--DC must act quickly to pass tax changes to save $658M due to reckless federal tax cuts that will flow into DC's tax code automatically.
Reposted
Here’s my article on how a government shutdown works.
Shutdowns are complicated, and each shutdown is different. Some things stay open. Some stay open for a bit and eventually close. Some close immediately.
I did my best to explain it all here:
Shutdowns are complicated, and each shutdown is different. Some things stay open. Some stay open for a bit and eventually close. Some close immediately.
I did my best to explain it all here:
What Happens During a Government Shutdown?
Learn how a government shutdown affects you.
www.americanprogress.org
October 1, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Here’s my article on how a government shutdown works.
Shutdowns are complicated, and each shutdown is different. Some things stay open. Some stay open for a bit and eventually close. Some close immediately.
I did my best to explain it all here:
Shutdowns are complicated, and each shutdown is different. Some things stay open. Some stay open for a bit and eventually close. Some close immediately.
I did my best to explain it all here:
DC is battling austerity policies at the national & local levels. As Republicans have us barreling towards a local recession, Mayor Bowser is adding fuel to the fire w/her budget proposal.
See DCFPI's new blog that pulls back the curtain and offers our first take on Bowser's proposal. ⏬⏬⏬
See DCFPI's new blog that pulls back the curtain and offers our first take on Bowser's proposal. ⏬⏬⏬
Mayor Bowser has proposed a FY26 #DCBudget and financial plan that abandons residents with the fewest resources to fend for themselves in the coming storm.
Read the DC Fiscal Policy Institute’s initial analysis of what’s in the mayor’s proposal: loom.ly/QxmLq4Q
Read the DC Fiscal Policy Institute’s initial analysis of what’s in the mayor’s proposal: loom.ly/QxmLq4Q
A First Look at the Mayor’s Budget: An Inequality Agenda
Just as DC is set to enter a local recession and Congress is advancing historic cuts to health coverage and food assistance, Mayor Bowser proposed a fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget and financial plan tha...
loom.ly
May 29, 2025 at 1:53 PM
DC is battling austerity policies at the national & local levels. As Republicans have us barreling towards a local recession, Mayor Bowser is adding fuel to the fire w/her budget proposal.
See DCFPI's new blog that pulls back the curtain and offers our first take on Bowser's proposal. ⏬⏬⏬
See DCFPI's new blog that pulls back the curtain and offers our first take on Bowser's proposal. ⏬⏬⏬
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Today, the House approved a budget bill that included devastating cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicare, programs that tens of thousands of people in DC rely on every day. These plans would create new cuts and barriers that would have sustained effects on the District.
May 22, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Today, the House approved a budget bill that included devastating cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicare, programs that tens of thousands of people in DC rely on every day. These plans would create new cuts and barriers that would have sustained effects on the District.
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Spending local tax dollars in fy26 and beyond on RFK is a bad deal, but like @tazramitchell.bsky.social says to @jakesherman.bsky.social let's not conflate that issue with Congress keeping us from using our own tax dollars this year... x.com/TazraMitchel...
Tazra Mitchell on X: "I appreciate all the attention Punchbowl has brought to Congress's sabotage of DC's budget. However, the tweet below is conflating issues. A DC budget fix remains unresolved regardless of the potential Commanders deal. That's b/c the sabotage is a FY 2025 issue, not FY 2026+." / X
I appreciate all the attention Punchbowl has brought to Congress's sabotage of DC's budget. However, the tweet below is conflating issues. A DC budget fix remains unresolved regardless of the potential Commanders deal. That's b/c the sabotage is a FY 2025 issue, not FY 2026+.
x.com
April 28, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Spending local tax dollars in fy26 and beyond on RFK is a bad deal, but like @tazramitchell.bsky.social says to @jakesherman.bsky.social let's not conflate that issue with Congress keeping us from using our own tax dollars this year... x.com/TazraMitchel...
Thank you to @mayorbowser.bsky.social for using tools to protect DC’s local budget by reducing the Congressional budget cut to $400M from $1.1B. Even w/this progress, today she made clear the drastic measures necessary to make remaining cuts, including furloughs & contract pauses.
April 15, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Thank you to @mayorbowser.bsky.social for using tools to protect DC’s local budget by reducing the Congressional budget cut to $400M from $1.1B. Even w/this progress, today she made clear the drastic measures necessary to make remaining cuts, including furloughs & contract pauses.
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The Mayor’s budget may be delayed, but we do have some insight into her priorities by way of her office’s Guiding Principles. How does a program like the Pay Equity Fund stack up against these principles? Let’s dig in 🧵
April 8, 2025 at 2:28 PM
The Mayor’s budget may be delayed, but we do have some insight into her priorities by way of her office’s Guiding Principles. How does a program like the Pay Equity Fund stack up against these principles? Let’s dig in 🧵
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More than 140,000 residents of the District are at risk of not having enough to eat if the proposals in Congress to make cuts to the nation’s primary food assistance program are not defeated. loom.ly/XbDZL9c
Cuts to Federal Food Assistance Will Hurt Residents Just As DC Enters Recession
More than 140,000 residents of the District of Columbia are at risk of not having enough to eat if the proposals in Congress to make substantial cuts to the nation’s primary food assistance program ar...
loom.ly
April 3, 2025 at 4:50 PM
More than 140,000 residents of the District are at risk of not having enough to eat if the proposals in Congress to make cuts to the nation’s primary food assistance program are not defeated. loom.ly/XbDZL9c
Today’s @Axios DC newsletter includes some misconceptions about taxes in DC. Looking at top tax rates, rather than effective rates, tells only part of the story. @ORAdcgov’s analysis consistently finds that DC residents’ level of tax responsibility is lower than our neighbors.
April 3, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Today’s @Axios DC newsletter includes some misconceptions about taxes in DC. Looking at top tax rates, rather than effective rates, tells only part of the story. @ORAdcgov’s analysis consistently finds that DC residents’ level of tax responsibility is lower than our neighbors.
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Mass federal layoffs mean cuts to crucial public services and major strains on our local budget and economy. A new blog from @centeronbudget.bsky.social's @wesleytharpe.bsky.social dives into the harmful effects of these layoffs 🧵 www.cbpp.org/blog/sweepin...
Sweeping Federal Worker Layoffs Leave States Reeling | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Communities across the country have been reeling in recent weeks as billionaire Elon Musk, the DOGE team he leads, and the Trump Administration broadly continue their campaign of sweeping and...
www.cbpp.org
April 2, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Mass federal layoffs mean cuts to crucial public services and major strains on our local budget and economy. A new blog from @centeronbudget.bsky.social's @wesleytharpe.bsky.social dives into the harmful effects of these layoffs 🧵 www.cbpp.org/blog/sweepin...
Reposted
Further confirming what @tazramitchell.bsky.social wrote in her blog addressing the misunderstandings of the Senate fix to the fed CR that will cut $1b from DC's budget-->CBO score shows $0 cost to fed govt b/c Congress is limiting use of local NOT federal tax dollars www.cbo.gov/publication/...
March 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Further confirming what @tazramitchell.bsky.social wrote in her blog addressing the misunderstandings of the Senate fix to the fed CR that will cut $1b from DC's budget-->CBO score shows $0 cost to fed govt b/c Congress is limiting use of local NOT federal tax dollars www.cbo.gov/publication/...
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Impact explained by Vince Hall @feedingamerica.org
With inflation rising & fundraising down - food banks are at a moment of extraordinary demand that is taxing them 2 the breaking point. Any interruption of food sources will mean serious consequences to our neighbors facing hunger.
wapo.st/41Xz09A
With inflation rising & fundraising down - food banks are at a moment of extraordinary demand that is taxing them 2 the breaking point. Any interruption of food sources will mean serious consequences to our neighbors facing hunger.
wapo.st/41Xz09A
USDA cancels $500M in food deliveries, leaving food banks scrambling
The Trump administration’s latest move, which follows $1 billion in cuts to food aid programs, puts more pressure on groups trying to feed hungry Americans.
wapo.st
March 22, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Impact explained by Vince Hall @feedingamerica.org
With inflation rising & fundraising down - food banks are at a moment of extraordinary demand that is taxing them 2 the breaking point. Any interruption of food sources will mean serious consequences to our neighbors facing hunger.
wapo.st/41Xz09A
With inflation rising & fundraising down - food banks are at a moment of extraordinary demand that is taxing them 2 the breaking point. Any interruption of food sources will mean serious consequences to our neighbors facing hunger.
wapo.st/41Xz09A
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The US Senate has approved a bipartisan bill that would undo the $1 billion cut Congress forced on DC's current budget. The House should act next week to do the same.
Our Chief Policy and Strategy Officer, @tazramitchell.bsky.social, debunks 5 myths about the bill: www.dcfpi.org/all/five-mis...
Our Chief Policy and Strategy Officer, @tazramitchell.bsky.social, debunks 5 myths about the bill: www.dcfpi.org/all/five-mis...
Five Misunderstandings About the Congressional Bill to Protect the District’s Budget
Unless the US House takes action, DC will be forced to cut $1 billion from its current budget, in an attack on residents’ fundamental right to self-govern.
www.dcfpi.org
March 21, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The US Senate has approved a bipartisan bill that would undo the $1 billion cut Congress forced on DC's current budget. The House should act next week to do the same.
Our Chief Policy and Strategy Officer, @tazramitchell.bsky.social, debunks 5 myths about the bill: www.dcfpi.org/all/five-mis...
Our Chief Policy and Strategy Officer, @tazramitchell.bsky.social, debunks 5 myths about the bill: www.dcfpi.org/all/five-mis...
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No sign DOGE significantly cut spending or the deficit in February according to CBO.
Federal outlays grew 7% compared to last year and the deficit grew 5%.
Federal outlays grew 7% compared to last year and the deficit grew 5%.
March 11, 2025 at 1:37 PM
No sign DOGE significantly cut spending or the deficit in February according to CBO.
Federal outlays grew 7% compared to last year and the deficit grew 5%.
Federal outlays grew 7% compared to last year and the deficit grew 5%.
Reposted
It would also restrict DC's ability to set its budget.
bsky.app/profile/mlea...
bsky.app/profile/mlea...
The House may vote as soon as tomorrow on a federal government funding bill that contains a hidden, devastating surprise for the District of Columbia: a requirement that DC drastically slash its budget halfway through the fiscal yr, causing immediate cuts to police, schools, transportation & more.
March 11, 2025 at 4:52 PM
It would also restrict DC's ability to set its budget.
bsky.app/profile/mlea...
bsky.app/profile/mlea...
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The Trump Admin is reportedly promising House Republicans that it will break the law in order to get their votes for the government funding bill.
The Admin is required to spend *at* the levels in the continuing resolution—spending below those amounts is against the law.
The Admin is required to spend *at* the levels in the continuing resolution—spending below those amounts is against the law.
Politico: "Trump and White House officials have been telling GOP holdouts who want more spending cuts that the administration will pursue impoundment...according to two Republicans who were in a recent meeting with the president." www.politico.com/newsletters/...
March 11, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The Trump Admin is reportedly promising House Republicans that it will break the law in order to get their votes for the government funding bill.
The Admin is required to spend *at* the levels in the continuing resolution—spending below those amounts is against the law.
The Admin is required to spend *at* the levels in the continuing resolution—spending below those amounts is against the law.
Reposted
The House Republican government funding bill would give more money to defense while cutting domestic operations.
Many media outlets are incorrectly describing the GOP bill a just a simple extension of current spending levels, but that is dead wrong.
Many media outlets are incorrectly describing the GOP bill a just a simple extension of current spending levels, but that is dead wrong.
CBO score confirms the House CR is NOT clean. Relative to current operating levels, the House Republican funding bill would increase defense and cut non-defense.
The non-defense is worse than it appears because it redirects $1.4 billion towards DHS.
The non-defense is worse than it appears because it redirects $1.4 billion towards DHS.
March 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
The House Republican government funding bill would give more money to defense while cutting domestic operations.
Many media outlets are incorrectly describing the GOP bill a just a simple extension of current spending levels, but that is dead wrong.
Many media outlets are incorrectly describing the GOP bill a just a simple extension of current spending levels, but that is dead wrong.
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Full year CRs are no way to govern. They ignore new realities and needs. But using a CR to hurt 700k residents & thousands more ppl who work in & visit DC by forcing deep cuts late in the year in public safety and schools and health care for no federal fiscal purpose is shameful.
March 10, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Full year CRs are no way to govern. They ignore new realities and needs. But using a CR to hurt 700k residents & thousands more ppl who work in & visit DC by forcing deep cuts late in the year in public safety and schools and health care for no federal fiscal purpose is shameful.
Reposted
The House CR is deeply problematic – but one of the very worst parts of the CR is it would force immediate cuts in the DC budget -- to police, schools, transportation & more.
The House may vote as soon as tomorrow on a federal government funding bill that contains a hidden, devastating surprise for the District of Columbia: a requirement that DC drastically slash its budget halfway through the fiscal yr, causing immediate cuts to police, schools, transportation & more.
March 10, 2025 at 9:32 PM
The House CR is deeply problematic – but one of the very worst parts of the CR is it would force immediate cuts in the DC budget -- to police, schools, transportation & more.
Reposted
Congress should not go back on its word. It should allow DC use its locally generated revenue at the levels Congress approved last year to fund police, schools, and other critical services.
March 10, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Congress should not go back on its word. It should allow DC use its locally generated revenue at the levels Congress approved last year to fund police, schools, and other critical services.
Reposted
The House may vote as soon as tomorrow on a federal government funding bill that contains a hidden, devastating surprise for the District of Columbia: a requirement that DC drastically slash its budget halfway through the fiscal yr, causing immediate cuts to police, schools, transportation & more.
March 10, 2025 at 7:44 PM
The House may vote as soon as tomorrow on a federal government funding bill that contains a hidden, devastating surprise for the District of Columbia: a requirement that DC drastically slash its budget halfway through the fiscal yr, causing immediate cuts to police, schools, transportation & more.
Reposted
My new blog on why imposing a per capita cap on #Medicaid expansion cuts federal expansion funding just like explicit cuts to the expansion matching rate. It similarly shifts more & more costs to states forcing them to drop expansion over time, which is the intent: ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/03/07/i...
March 7, 2025 at 4:03 PM
My new blog on why imposing a per capita cap on #Medicaid expansion cuts federal expansion funding just like explicit cuts to the expansion matching rate. It similarly shifts more & more costs to states forcing them to drop expansion over time, which is the intent: ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/03/07/i...
DC is ranked 1st in the nation for most expensive infant care--at an avg annual cost of $28,356, or $2,363 a month. Cuts to DC programs that bolster the city's early education ecosystem--and affordability within it--would be costly to DC's families, children, small businesses, and economy. #ChooseDC
🚨 Child care for one infant is more expensive than public college tuition in 38 states & DC 🚨
Child care is one of the biggest expenses families face. Check out our updated fact sheets to find out the cost of child care in your state: www.epi.org/child-care-c...
Child care is one of the biggest expenses families face. Check out our updated fact sheets to find out the cost of child care in your state: www.epi.org/child-care-c...
Child care costs in the United States
Learn more To learn more about the high cost of child care, check out these EPI resources: EPI Policy Agenda: Education and Child Care EPI Family Budget Calculator EPI Minimum Wage Tracker...
www.epi.org
March 7, 2025 at 5:02 PM
DC is ranked 1st in the nation for most expensive infant care--at an avg annual cost of $28,356, or $2,363 a month. Cuts to DC programs that bolster the city's early education ecosystem--and affordability within it--would be costly to DC's families, children, small businesses, and economy. #ChooseDC
Covering for Anne Gunderson, I testified before the DC Council's Committee of the Whole to discuss the vital role the Pay Equity Fund plays in the early eduation ecosystem. Her written testimony shows how the PEF & child care subsidy program benefit kids, educators, & the DC economy.
March 7, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Covering for Anne Gunderson, I testified before the DC Council's Committee of the Whole to discuss the vital role the Pay Equity Fund plays in the early eduation ecosystem. Her written testimony shows how the PEF & child care subsidy program benefit kids, educators, & the DC economy.
Reposted
We need @MayorBowser @ChmnMendelson to #ChooseDC for the #DCBudget. That means standing up for affordable housing, schools, jobs, health care, workers, our elders, our culture & community—everything that keeps DC strong. @FairBudgetDC FY26 platform: bit.ly/ChooseDCPlatform
FY26 Budget Platform - Fair Budget Coalition
FY26 Budget Platform A Budget for Our People, By Our People FBC produces Budget Platforms and other accountability and advocacy...
bit.ly
March 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM
We need @MayorBowser @ChmnMendelson to #ChooseDC for the #DCBudget. That means standing up for affordable housing, schools, jobs, health care, workers, our elders, our culture & community—everything that keeps DC strong. @FairBudgetDC FY26 platform: bit.ly/ChooseDCPlatform