Norton Introduces DC Omnibus Authorization Bill to Expand District's Revenue & Operational Autonomy

Norton Introduces D.C. Omnibus Authorization Bill to Expand District's Revenue and Operational Autonomy

December 3, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced the District of Columbia Omnibus Authorization Act of 2009, containing revenue-building and governing provisions that are essential for the growth of the District. The most important provisions this year will bring new revenue to the District through tax-exempt bonds and new lottery sales, will improve judicial efficiency, and will spur private and public development of unused land in the city. Norton said she intends to move the bill as soon as she "can get a hearing because many of the provisions will help get the city through the "Great Recession," as the District is struggling to adapt to a structurally different economic climate." The bill's provisions will allow the city to more quickly fill city council seats, provide more sources of revenue, including expansion of the District's lottery system and tax exemption on city bonds, give greater flexibility in spending, and will allow the city to finish developing the Southwest Waterfront, near the baseball stadium.

This is the third year that Norton has introduced an omnibus authorization bill to enact legislation sought by the District. The bill is necessary because it involves provisions of D.C. law, which can be changed by Congress. However, Norton insists on approval by both the D.C. Council and the mayor. Norton, with then-Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA) designed the omnibus authorization bill to improve efficiency in handling District of Columbia local charter matters, which are of little interest or concern to Congress, but must come to Congress because they are restricted by the city charter and cannot become D.C. law until approved by Congress.

Among the many provisions are: the transfer of full ownership and clearing title on the Southwest Waterfront, relieving the District of lease-only restrictions to allow the city to build at the site and to narrow the channel to half its current size; elimination of restrictions on the sale and advertising of lottery tickets inside the "federal enclave;" exemption of District-issued bonds from federal, state, and local taxes; permission for the District to spend unanticipated local revenue collections that come in after the District has submitted its budget; authorization to reduce the timing of special elections for ward council members from 114 days to 70 days; authority and flexibility for District of Columbia Courts to operate in the event of catastrophe; authority to increase the salary of the District's Chief Financial Officer, based on the salaries of CFOs in positions competitive with the District's; and small land transfers at Marie H. Reed Community Learning Center, the old Meyer Elementary School site, the Shaw Junior High recreational fields, and the Southwest Library site to allow the District to develop play fields, encourage new development, and improve quality of life in the District.