We ve had to fight plans for an unneeded freeway bridge and private prison in Ward 8. Multimillion dollar surpluses have come from hefty budget cuts in the social services network for children, seniors, and the poor. The DC Statehood Green Party has introduced a progressive proposal to fight economic inequality and to fund vital programs. Right now, many property owners pay lower taxes on buildings and properties that are vacant, boarded up, and crumbling. If they improve their property, they get taxed at higher rates.
Neglected property draws trash, rats, and crime, and destroys our neighborhoods.
We need a split-rate property tax plan, penalizing owners who neglect, and rewarding owners who improve. We ll never have control over our own taxes and budget until we remove Congress's veto power over all DC legislation. VOTE for Statehood Green candidates.