FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Education Reform Now-DC
Contact: Ramin Taheri, State Director
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mayor Muriel Bowser today released revised revenue estimates for the District of Columbia Budget and Financial Plan. As a result of the economic downturn precipitated by COVID-19, DC now expects that it will receive approximately $722 million less in FY20 than originally projected. In addition, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer is forecasting a decrease of nearly $774 million in revenue for FY21 compared to the previous estimate.
Education Reform Now-DC (ERN-DC) State Director Ramin Taheri released the following statement in response to the new estimates:
“This is a challenging time for everyone in the District, and this projected loss of revenue will have a negative impact on all facets of our daily lives. The effects will be especially pronounced for our children and families. Students are experiencing unprecedented learning loss and, in many cases, are disconnected from vital supports. The consequences will disproportionately affect the children already facing the greatest challenges. Now more than ever, District students need our elected leaders to stand by their commitments to increase per-pupil funding by four percent, increase funding for students considered “at-risk,” expand mental health supports, and make full use of all resources—including vacant and underutilized public school buildings—to ensure our children return to high-quality learning environments when schools reopen. Without strong investments now, today’s health crisis will be tomorrow’s education crisis.”
About Education Reform Now-DC
Education Reform Now-DC, a 501(c)(3) policy and advocacy organization, works to ensure that all students obtain a high-quality education, particularly students from low-income backgrounds and students of color.