DC Council votes on bill to restore programs, raise taxes [Video]

The vote was nearly unanimous. Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray was absent. Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White voted “No” saying he believes the budget still does not do enough to address the needs of Black and brown families in the District and does not provide enough resources to young people.

Still, Chairman Phil Mendelson said the plan, “puts us back on the path of transforming people’s lives.”

The proposal restores money to environmental and social justice programs, education, housing, and pay equity. But some of that money will come through increased taxes.

Bowser sent the council a four-page letter expressing her opposition to the proposal in part because of those tax hikes. The council version would increase property taxes for homes assessed at over 2.5 million dollars, increases the …