The DC Environmental Network Invites All Metro-Based Environmentalists to a BROWN BAG LUNCHEON:

How District Budget Shortfalls Can Hurt the Environment!

featuring:

- Phil Mendelson, At-Large Councilmember, District of Columbia

- Jennifer Budoff, Budget Director, Council of the District of Columbia

- Ed Lazere, Executive Director, DC Fiscal Policy Institute

- Chris Weiss, Executive Director, DC Environmental Network (moderator)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT!

Background:

Much like the rest of the country the District of Columbia expects significant revenue shortfalls in the coming year. Mayor Gray and the D.C. Council will have to figure out how to fill a $400 million dollar budget gap that may impact numerous programs important to the health and well being of District residents. Congress is not making it any easier by proposing to cut more than $80 million in spending on D.C. programs including cuts to funding for public transportation and water and sewer programs. Mayor Gray characterized Congresses action as "devastating" and "another serious blow to the District's precarious financial situation."

Even with an increasingly vocal environmental community during the last two budget cycles green priorities took numerous hits. The fledgeling District Department of the Environment (DDOE) has never been adequately funded, even during better times, and continues to lose ground. Environmental programs to restore area rivers and creeks and programs to promote energy efficiency have yet to get off the ground in a meaningful way. Other agencies with important environmental programs are also feeling the budget shortfall pinch.

Councilmember Phil Mendelson, Jennifer Budoff, Director of the Council Budget Office and Ed Lazere of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute will update network members on the budget pressures the Council and Mayor are dealing with and what some of the possible proposals to fill the over $400 million dollar budget gap are. We will then commence an open discussion to give network participants a chance to give their own budget updates and ask questions of our very experienced panel.

All are welcome.

DATE: Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

TIME: 12:00 NOON to 1:30 PM

PLACE: Global Green USA (offices of Friends of the Earth), 1100 15th Street NW, 11th Floor. Near Farragut North & McPherson Square Metro Stations

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT!

CALL-IN NUMBER: 775-269-3893 When prompted enter 399602

For more information contact Chris Weiss at 202-518-8782.

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