Advocacy Updates: November 2024
Jeremiah Lowery, Director of Policy Advocacy

Since I joined Legal Aid DC this summer, we’ve come up against a flurry of challenging policy issues that jeopardize the stability of DC tenants and homeowners. Legal Aid has been busy meeting with Council, preparing testimony, organizing, and working alongside coalition members. It’s been a packed few months, and I’ve been proud to work with my new colleagues and partners on the policies that are most important to our client community.

With a busy legislative season ahead, here’s a closer look at our recent advocacy priorities, successes, and the legislation we’re keeping an eye on:  

Housing  

Pushing Back on Changes to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

The Council recently passed the Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, an emergency and temporary bill that rolls back critical tenant protections and creates unnecessary hurdles for tenants in need of emergency rental assistance. These changes to ERAP will lead to more tenants being evicted and make the ERAP process more cumbersome for everyone. Although the temporary bill passed, our team at Legal Aid DC and coalition partners were able to push for amendments that restored some protections for vulnerable tenants. The Council has already introduced the permanent version of this problematic bill, and our team is pushing for further changes.  

What’s next: The Council will have its first hearing on the permanent legislation on Nov. 15. You can get involved by sending an email to Council using this template.

Advocating for Those Left Hanging by the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)  

Our team and coalition partners have been working hard to protect homeowners who are on the verge of homelessness after the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) suddenly announced in August it was out of funds. Check out this Washington Post article, featuring a Legal Aid client, to get more details on what has been happening.  

Recently, our team, homeowners and coalition partners met with Councilmember Robert White to share their experiences and to ask the Council to take action. We will continue to advocate for protections for these homeowners who are on the verge of foreclosure and homelessness after the HAF program failed them.

Public Benefits  

Asking for Accountability at DHS

Programs that provide emergency funds, food stamps, and disability assistance are critical to helping District residents in crisis meet their basic needs. However, far too many people are unable to access their benefits because of extensive administrative and technical problems at the Department of Human Services (DHS).  

Legal Aid has been advocating for the Council to establish and fund an ombudsman office at DHS to address these problems and make these vital programs more reliable for the people who need them. 

Worth celebrating:

The Direct Care Worker Amendment Act of 2023 passed and is under Congressional review

The bill eliminates barriers to certified apprenticeship programs, allows those certified in Maryland or Virginial to practice in the District, and establishes a minimum wage for direct support services.

Upcoming Council legislation we're keeping a close eye on:

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