Phil Mendelson announced he would oppose Muriel Bowser's budget cuts to city programs such as the early childhood fund.
The city’s budget has become a major area of contention, following Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee’s demand to divert funds to the city’s emergency fund, forcing Bowser to undertake budget cuts unpopular with progressives. Mendelson explicitly rejected the budget cuts, setting up a
Ted Leonsis, right, owner of the Washington Wizards NBA basketball team and Washington Capitals NHL hockey team, speaks during a news conference with Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, left, and DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, center, at Capitol One Arena in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
“The budget I will present will restore most if not all of the Pay Equity Fund, and do so by rejecting the Chief Financial Officer’s insistence that $217 million needs to be added to the District’s already-robust reserve funds,” he wrote. “The CFO exceeded his authority when he told the Mayor and me that the reserves need to be topped-off now — because the law provides otherwise.”“This was a policy choice he forced on the Mayor,” he said, “and I’ve made clear to him that I will not comply.
Bowser protested Lee’s request, but insisted her hands were tied. In her final outline, which balanced the budget, Bowser proposed $500 million in budget cuts to city programs, including the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, which cost the city $70 million annually.emergency funds, leaving the city unable to pay for it following the cessation of payments. Progressives and teacher advocates demanded Bowser keep the program, but the mayor was opposed to raising taxes.
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