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WASHINGTON, D.C. - After considerable public debate, the D.C. Council approved a $9 billion budget request for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2005. The spending plan, which is now subject to Congressional review, includes tax relief, increased human services and education funding, and a federally mandated $50 million cash reserve.
Councilmember David Catania, Chairman of the Committee on Health, secured approval for the budgets of the Departments of Health and Mental Health, funded at $1.7 billion and $220 million respectively. "This plan addresses many of the needs expressed during more than 45 hours of oversight and budget hearings earlier this year," Catania said. "We've looked deep into the numbers to reallocate nearly $25 million in underutilized funds in order to protect and promote health in the District of Columbia." The Council also endorsed an increase to the D.C. income tax personal exemption and standard deduction, although at a level lower than Catania proposed earlier this year. Legal changes to existing programs and the creation of new programs must be considered a second time, on June 21, 2005. Initiatives spearheaded by Councilmember Catania subject to a second vote include: $1,000,000 to develop training programs for healthcare workers; $500,000 to fund the Healthcare Ombudsman Program to improve access and quality-of-care to District residents; $1 million to provide substance abuse treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS; $500,000 for Food & Friends to expand nutrition support to residents with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses; and $250,000 to increase access to breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer screening and treatment. A comprehensive list may be viewed by following the link to the Committee on Health at www.davidcatania.com. For more information, please contact the Office of Councilmember David Catania by calling 202-724-7772. |
