D.C. Families Rally Against Proposed $1 Billion Budget Cuts

WASHINGTON — As a potential government shutdown looms, more than 100 D.C. parents, teachers, and advocates gathered at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. They voiced their opposition to a spending bill that threatens to slash over $1 billion from the District’s budget.

The protest, dubbed Recess at the Capitol, saw attendees urging senators to reject the bill, which would force the District to revert to fiscal year 2024 budget levels, drastically impacting education and other crucial services.

“Nobody wants a shutdown. Everybody wants the government working for the people. We’re saying that includes the 700,000 people that live, work, and go to school in Washington, D.C. It includes us,” said one participant. This demonstrable turnout aimed to raise awareness about the fiscal implications for public education amid ongoing budget discussions in Congress.

Parents coordinated efforts largely through PTAs and group chats, mobilizing to visit senators’ offices and lobby staff. “While lawmakers debate our future, we’ll show them exactly who they’re impacting,” said community organizers.

A D.C. teacher lamented the potential loss of essential services under the budget cuts, emphasizing that depriving children of social workers and free lunch is detrimental. “We could lose a lot of services that keep our kids healthy, and when our kids are healthy, they can learn,” he stated.

Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, acknowledged the issue, stating, “I do not support this restriction on the District of Columbia’s ability to use its own funding,” but indicated she still plans to back the bill.

The funding bill under consideration in Congress could destabilize D.C. Public Schools as families fear significant layoffs and service reductions. The budget has already been approved for fiscal year 2025, and this new proposal has caused confusion and concern amongst the community.

Several parents, like Caitlin Rogger, voiced their frustrations regarding Congress’ oversight, stating that D.C. lacks a voting congressional representative in these discussions. “I’ve asked my family and friends who live in states with voting senators to please advocate on our behalf,” Rogger added.

Erica Floyd, a high school student, urged action by noting her educators’ dedication to their students. “Their perseverance, dedication, and support for students and their education inspired me to do my part and advocate for my peers’ education and my own,” she said.

This rally not only highlighted the budget cuts but also served to reinforce the need for parental activism within political discussions affecting their children’s future. Parents are appealing to Republicans and moderate Democrats to reconsider the charges against D.C. funding.

As deliberations unfold in Congress, many families hope lawmakers will heed their call. The deadline for a resolution to avert a government shutdown looms Friday night, creating urgency in the advocacy efforts.

“There’s no way to cut that kind of money… without affecting police or teachers and some of the basic government services that allow us to keep our city clean, safe and beautiful,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser remarked in a recent press interview. She emphasized the potential chaos that these cuts could inflict if Congress proceeds with the current spending bill format.