Politics

Would Washingtonians Lose Under the Republican Tax Bill?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Read this scary article about the potential economic impact of the Trump tax bill in the New York Times yesterday. Nobody ever mentions DC in these articles, but the situation here with local taxes is very similar to New York and California (high SALTs and high housing costs) Do you think you could post so people can comment? Maybe someone will allay my fears!”

It is also an economic dagger aimed at high-tax, high-cost and generally Democratic-leaning areas — most notably New York City and its neighbors.

The bill, if enacted into law, could send home prices tumbling 10 percent or more in parts of the New York area, according to one economic analysis. It could increase the regional tax burden, complicating companies’ efforts to attract skilled workers. It could make it harder for state and local governments to pay for upgrades to the transit system and other infrastructure. And it could force cuts in federal programs that help immigrants, the elderly and other low-income residents afford the region’s high cost of living.

Most significantly, the bil appearedl would eliminate the deduction for state and local income taxes, and would cap the deduction for property taxes at $10,000.


Read the full article here.

D.C. Council Bill: “Section of Wisconsin Ave near Russian Embassy to be renamed Boris Nemtsov Plaza.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., between Davis and Edmunds Streets

“Dear PoPville,

I just learned of the below hearing, which concerns renaming the portion of Wisconsin Ave in front of the Embassy after a Russian politician, Boris Nemtsov, who opposed Putin.The politician was assassinated on a bridge near the Kremlin. The DC Council is having a hearing 12/6/2017, details below. Seems rather unusual.”

WAMU reported:

“The idea was born earlier this year on Capitol Hill, where Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) introduced a bill to commemorate Nemtsov by making sure Russian diplomats coming in and out of the embassy couldn’t easily ignore his name. But after the bill stalled in the Senate, Rubio found a willing partner in Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), who introduced her own bill in late October in the Council. It will get its first hearing next week.

“People are being assassinated simply because they are agitating for democracy,” said Cheh. “That’s wrong, and if this a small way of us saying that’s wrong, I’m happy to do it.”

​Wednesday, 12/6/2017
3:30p
​Room 500
Committee of the Whole Public Hearing The Committee of the Whole will a Public Hearing on the following Legislation:
B22-539, Boris Nemtsov Plaza Designation Act of 2017 (more…)

“Our utmost priority is ensuring the safety of all of our residents, regardless of their immigration status.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Gerry Suchy

From a press release:

“Attorney General Karl A. Racine today released the below statement in response to a letter from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) threatening to cut off funding to the District over its policy concerning inquiries into immigration status. The DOJ grant program in question, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants program, funds important violence-prevention efforts in the District.

A copy of the DOJ letter is attached. DOJ Letter (PDF)

Attorney General Racine’s statement is as follows:

“Our utmost priority is ensuring the safety of all of our residents, regardless of their immigration status. DOJ’s threat to cut off funding for important public safety programs is counterproductive and wrong-headed. Our city is safer when all our residents trust local law enforcement. The District is in compliance with all federal laws. We will review DOJ’s letter and are prepared to defend our residents however necessary.”

Ed. Note: The Washington Post/AP reported: “A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the U.S. government from withholding a major grant that pays for public safety equipment because Philadelphia is a “sanctuary city.”

About that Big Police Presence in Woodley Park this Morning

By Prince Of Petworth

From Reproaction:

“This morning, President Trump became the first sitting president to address the ultra-conservative Values Voter Summit in DC.

But as attendees arrived, women from the abortion rights group Reproaction welcomed guests with a large banner that read: “Abortion: not just for your mistress” – a reference to Rep. Tim Murphy, who last week announced he will resign after details came to light of an affair in which the pro-life congressman urged his mistress to get an abortion.

In addition to the banner, Reproaction has a digital billboard with a similar message that will be driving by during the entire 3-day Summit.”

Let’s All Get Some District Taco for Lunch Today Because 1. It is absolutely Delicious and 2. This f-ing guy

By Prince Of Petworth

District Taco is truly delicious. I am literally drooling after simply typing their name. So, so very good. I know what I’m having for lunch today. I’ll be grabbing a bite in Tenleytown at 4600 Wisconsin Ave, NW (photo above.) But you can find all their locations here. And if the lure of their deliciousness is not enough – do it simply to spite this jackwagon:

We last spoke about District Taco back in early August when they donated a portion of sales to help “purchase school supplies for underprivileged children”.

Again, you can also find them in Dupont at 1919 M Street, NW; Eastern Market at
656 Pennsylvania Ave, SE; Metro Center at 1309 F Street, NW; and Virginia locations here.

“Those of you that know me know that I believe in climate change. I am disappointed that my dead grandparents’ car was pulled into this situation.”

By Prince Of Petworth


via Facebook

Hate flyers continue to plague Ward 4. Now targeting an ANC Rep:

“More flyers posted around our neighborhood this morning. I stand by my conviction to support all immigrants. Those of you that know me know that I believe in climate change. I am disappointed that my dead grandparents’ car was pulled into this situation.”

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