Latest news with #KenyanMcDuffie
Axios
7 days ago
- Business
- Axios
D.C. Council pauses Initiative 82 tipped wage increase
Arguing that restaurants are facing tough times, the D.C. Council paused the next phase of Initiative 82, weeks ahead of a scheduled rise in the tipped minimum wage. Why it matters: Lawmakers voted 8-4 Tuesday to freeze the wage increase while it considers a full repeal of the law — as sought by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the restaurant industry. State of play: The tipped minimum wage will stay at $10 per hour and not rise to $12 on July 1, as was mandated in the ballot initiative. Council members supporting the pause argued that it does not change the fact that servers, bartenders and other tipped workers are still entitled to the District's full minimum wage. If a worker doesn't receive enough in tips, the business has to pitch in the difference. The city's hourly minimum wage for all workers is scheduled to increase from $17.50 to $17.95 on July 1. Between the lines: Initiative 82 has been controversial at City Hall and in the hospitality world. And with restaurants imposing service fees to help cover costs, it's sparked confusion among diners. But there's been plenty of support at the ballot box: 74% of District voters approved it less than three years ago. A predecessor initiative passed in 2018, but the D.C. Council stopped it from taking effect. This time, council members said they are intervening because of inflation squeezing independent restaurants, diners spending less, and uncertain tariffs. Also on lawmakers' minds: Congress is considering removing federal taxes on tips up to $25,000 for people making $160,000 or less. Several council members said they want to see how that proposal shakes out in the months ahead before moving forward. What they're saying: The three-month pause"allows the council to fully consider the data and the impact on our local restaurant industry," said Council member Kenyan McDuffie, urging colleagues to vote in favor. The other side: "Voters have now passed this twice," Council member Brianne Nadeau said. "A pause is not respecting the will of the voters." Zoom out: Bowser is pushing for a complete repeal through her budget proposal, but there may not be enough support on the council. Council members Christina Henderson and Charles Allen voted for the pause, but said they don't support overturning I-82. Catch up fast: Initiative 82 incrementally increases the base pay for tipped workers until it matches the citywide minimum wage by 2027. Labor advocates say I-82 has led to higher wages and fairer practices. Many businesses argue it's been hugely detrimental. Some hospitality workers say they used to make more money off tips before I-82, and that now customers may be less likely to tip generously because of service fees. Washington's restaurant association wants a repeal to set back the tipped minimum wage to around $5.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Should DC be named 'Sports Capital' of the US? New bill seeks designation
Should DC be named 'Sports Capital' of the US? New bill seeks designation PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 26: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates his touchdown run against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) WASHINGTON - A new bill seeks to establish Washington D.C. as the nation's sports capital. D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie convened a public hearing Thursday morning on Bill 26-119, the Official Sports Capital of the United States Designation Act of 2025. Advertisement "As the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., should be recognized as the Official Sports Capital of the United States," said McDuffie. "Sports unite communities, drive tourism, and fuel economic growth. This hearing will bring together leaders working in the District's sports economy to discuss how we can further enhance our city's status as a top-tier sports destination." D.C. United majority owner Jason Levien spoke at the hearing, saying he "believed deeply" in Washington D.C. as the sports capital of the U.S. Think D.C. should be named the sports capital? Vote here. Watch the full hearing:
Fox News
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Expelled DC councilmember teases run for old seat despite federal bribery charge
An expelled D.C. councilmember is teasing a re-election campaign for his old seat as he faces a federal bribery charge. Trayon White, the former Ward 8 councilmember accused last year by federal authorities of agreeing to accept $156,000 in bribes, wrote on Instagram "ReElection campaign starts tomorrow." The D.C. Council voted unanimously to remove White from his position less than two months ago. However, despite being expelled, White remains eligible to run in a special election that will now be held for his vacant seat, according to WUSA 9. White did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. His old seat is currently being represented by the entire council, and nominations for prospective candidates in the July 15 special election close on April 17, WJLA reported. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, a Democrat, said White's expulsion vote was "not easy" and represented a "very challenging situation" for the ward that White represents, but ultimately, he said, it is the right move for the city. "Trust is precious, trust is critical for an elected government, and we must act," Council Chairman Phil Mendelson added. The Justice Department, citing a criminal complaint charging White with bribery, alleged that "beginning in June 2024, White corruptly agreed to accept $156,000 in cash payments in exchange for using his position as a D.C. Councilmember to pressure government employees at [the] Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and [the] D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to extend several D.C. contracts." White, who has pleaded not guilty to those allegations, reportedly faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted. A jury trial in the case is set for January 2026.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DC Council considers ways to build more resilient economy amid uncertainty from federal government
WASHINGTON () — D.C. leaders are preparing for major economic impacts as changes at the federal level take a direct hit at the District's budget. According to city projections, mass reductions to the federal workforce will create a more than $1 billion loss in revenue over the next three years. If Congress passes its current short-term spending bill this week, it'll mean an immediate . 'I'm concerned obviously because a lot of what we're seeing happen on Capitol Hill is happening through no fault of local District officials,' said At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. 'We're talking about a city that is well run, that has been recognized with how well we've operated, and frankly, the proof is in the numbers.' Despite that, McDuffie and other councilmembers are planning for an uncertain future. On Wednesday, McDuffie hosted a public round table to discuss ways to make the economy more resilient. Advocates express concern to lawmakers over proposed $1 billion cuts to DC budget 'We need to diversify our economy,' said Aakash Thakker, chief acquisitions officer for EYA. Thakker testified at the meeting and said D.C.'s economic development office must attract more private sector businesses to bolster the economy. '[We need] a team of well paid, highly qualified professionals with a strategy in place that goes out and recruits the best and brightest companies from around the country,' he said. For Chinyere Hubbard, president of the DC Chamber of Commerce, upskilling and reskilling former members of the federal workforce is also key. 'We should be looking at emerging industries like AI, cyber security, manufacturing. Skills that can weather times like this and reskilling and upskilling some of our current workforce,' she explained. 'These are industries that are growing, and we have a strong tech force right here in this city, so we really should leverage on that.' Others suggested suspending some District policies—at least temporarily—that make it more difficult for developers to do business in D.C. This includes shortening the eviction timeline and rolling back who is eligible for the Tenants Opportunity to Purchase Act program (TOPA). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DC Council expels Trayon White following federal bribery charge
The D.C. Council voted to expel councilmember Trayon White on Tuesday after he was accused last year by federal authorities of agreeing to accept $156,000 in bribes. The legislative body's 12 other members voted unanimously to remove White from his position. Following the vote, White was seen on video ignoring questions from reporters as he walked out of the meeting room. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, a Democrat, said the vote today was "not easy" and represents a "very challenging situation" for the ward that White represents, but ultimately, he said, it is the right move for the city. "Trust is precious, trust is critical for an elected government, and we must act," Council Chairman Phil Mendelson added. Flashback: Trayon White Faces Expulsion Hearing Over Bribery Charge Despite being expelled, White remains eligible to run in a special election that will now be held for his vacant seat, according to Wusa 9. Read On The Fox News App The Justice Department, citing a criminal complaint charging White with bribery, alleged that "beginning in June 2024, White corruptly agreed to accept $156,000 in cash payments in exchange for using his position as a D.C. Councilmember to pressure government employees at [the] Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and [the] D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to extend several D.C. contracts." White, who has pleaded not guilty to those allegations, reportedly faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted. A jury trial in the case is set for January 2026. Dc Plane Crash: Airport Employees Arrested Over Leaked Video Of Midair Collision "Councilmember White betrayed the trust of his staff, the council, the agencies and, above all, the residents of Ward 8," McDuffie said at a hearing last week ahead of the expulsion vote. In December, Mendelson called White's alleged behavior "quintessential corruption." "There is only one remedy: to remove the corruption from our body," he added at the time. "This incident has damaged the public trust necessary for government to function well." In November, White easily won re-election to his seat. "I am humbled. I don't know what's ahead, but I know God is good and his mercy endures forever," White told WJLA earlier this week. Fox News' Anders Hagstrom contributed to this article source: DC Council expels Trayon White following federal bribery charge
