Author Archive
Celebrate the American Rescue Plan
House Democrats just passed the American Rescue Plan. The bill now moves to President Biden’s desk, a huge victory for his Administration and the American people. This is the much needed COVID response that Americans voted for, and Democrats have fought for.
How you can celebrate
1. Post on social media about what the passage of the American Rescue Plan means for your city. Be sure to tag @NationalDMO and use #AmericanRescuePlan.
2. Send DMO your stories about how the ARP will help your constituents and city. Let President Biden know what this historic bill means to people who desperately need it.
3. Publish an op-ed in your local paper. Make sure your city knows to thank Democrats for the passage of the American Rescue Plan. Even today, many people don’t know all the ways this bill will improve their lives. Advertise our victories so that everyone knows to thank a Democrat!
What’s in the American Rescue Plan?
| Issue Area | Biden’s Proposal |
| Relief Payments | One-time $1,400 check per person with check values phasing out beginning at at $75,000 for a single adult and $150,000 for a married couple; no benefits will be sent to single filers earning more than $80,000 and joint filers earning more than $160,000 |
| Small Business Relief | $15 billion grants
$35 billion loan guarantees which will allow $175 billion in lending Support to restaurants, bars, and other business through Community Credit Corporation |
| Testing and Vaccination | $50 billion testing expansion
$20 billion national vaccination program 100,000 person public health corps Funding for community health centers and tribal health services Investments in COVID-19 treatment and new strain research 100% FAMP for vaccine administration |
| Unemployment Insurance | $300/week unemployment supplement through September 6, 2021 with tax forgiveness on up to $10,000 in benefits. |
| Paid Leave | Emergency paid leave through September 2021 with max benefit of $1,400 per week for workers making up to $73,000/year |
| State and Local Government | $350 billion for state, local, and territorial governments
$20 billion for tribal governments $3 billion for Economic Development Administration $20 billion public transportation |
| Families | Expanded EITC eligibility with increased maximum crest of $1,500 for 1 year
Fully refundable CTC $3,600 per child under 6, $3,000 for children 17 and under $1 billion TANF $40 billion in grants for child care providers |
| Food Security | Extend 15% increase to SNAP benefits through September 2021 and removes state matching requirements
$3 billion for WIC Restaurant partnership via FEMA $1 billion to territories |
| Housing | Extended federal eviction and foreclosure moratorium until September 2021
$25 billion in emergency rental assistance $5 billion in utility assistance $5 billion in emergency assistance for homelessness |
| Healthcare Access | COBRA subsidies that cover 100% of costs
Cap ACA premiums at 8.5% $20 billion for veterans’ health |
| Essential Workers | Calls for employers to provide hazard pay
OSHA funding |
| Mental Health | $4 billion for SAMHSA |
| Domestic Violence and Child Abuse | $800 million to combat increased risk of gender-based violence |
| Global Health | $11 billion for global health and humanitarian response |
| Prisons | Mitigation, vaccination, and safety measures for incarcerated people
Safe re-entry for formerly incarcerated people |
| Cybersecurity | $9 billion to the Technology Modernization Fund
$200 million IT oversight and reform $300 million Technology Transformation Services at GSA $690 million DHS’s CISA |
| Student Loan Relief | Makes all COVID-19 student loan relief tax-free. |
Local governments will receive $130 billion in assistance from the American Rescue Plan. Another $500 million is dedicated to water security grants, an essential aspect of COVID-19 relief that DMO has been calling for in our own water security initiative.
BENSON HONORED AT NATIONAL MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL CELEBRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nils Robbins
Tel: 202-770-8053
Email: Nils.Robbins@nationaldmo.org
BENSON HONORED AT NATIONAL MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL CELEBRATION
Detroit Council Member given award for exemplary leadership at Democratic Municipal Officials’ National meeting
Detroit, MI, March 9, 2021 –
Detroit, MI Council Member Scott Benson received the Susan Burgess President’s Award for Exemplary Leadership last night during the Democratic Municipal Officials’ (DMO) “Oh So Blue” Celebration. Named in honor of the late Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem and DMO President Susan Burgess, the award honors one member of DMO for their outstanding service to the organization.
DMO National President and Philadelphia Councilman Derek Green presented the award to Benson. “This spring, we recognize a DMO whose leadership has made the difference in bringing DMO into the future. He has guided our organization with prudence, keeping an even keel during an incredibly trying few years. He leads by example, setting new goals for the Board of Directors while being the first to fill them himself. He has done an incredible job bringing on new members to our Advisory Board, and successfully concluded a strategic planning process that will make DMO even mightier.”
Benson was joined at the event by several of the previous recipients of the Susan Burgess President’s Award, including Spokane, WA Council Member Candace Mumm, Los Angeles, CA Controller Ron Galperin, and Rome, GA Commissioner Wendy Davis.
Typically held in person during the National League of Cities (NLC) annual Congressional City Conference, this spring the DMO Celebration was held virtually on the Remo interactive platform. Mayors, council members, and other local elected Democrats comprising the membership of DMO gathered for a few hours of conversation, interspersed with short remarks by VIP guests. Kicking off the event was White House Deputy Director of Political Strategy and Outreach Erin Wilson, speaking to local officials about the Biden Administration’s plans for Building Back Better. DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison headlined the event, participating in a conversation on how DMO members can engage in the work of the Party alongside ASDC President Ken Martin, DMO President Derek Green, and new DMO Board Member and Columbia, SC Council Member Tameika Isaac Devine.
Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) is the DNC Association for municipal elected officials who personally identify as members of the Democratic Party. The organization holds three seats on the DNC, and advocates for the thousands of local elected Democrats across the United States.
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For more information, please call 202-770-8053 or email Nils.Robbins@nationaldmo.org
Sample Resolution on Rental Housing Assistance
Fellow DMOs,
In light of the ongoing economic hardships endured by both renters and leasers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DMO has approved the following sample resolution calling upon the federal government to provide aid to those in the renting market. We encourage you to not only pass this resolution in your own municipality, but send it to your federal representatives. DMO will continue to support you in calling upon the federal government to provide direct financial assistance to cities.
Sincerely,
Derek Green
Councilmember, Philadelphia, PA
DMO President
CITY/TOWN OF <INSERT MUNICIPALITY>, <INSERT STATE>
RESOLUTION CALLING UPON PRESIDENT BIDEN AND THE U.S. CONGRESS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE TO THE RENTAL HOUSING COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact all aspects of our daily life; and
WHEREAS, to protect public health and slow transmission of this highly contagious communicable virus, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local departments of public health have issued various orders to close or limit a wide range of businesses and economic activity, causing widespread unemployment; and
WHEREAS, individuals exposed to COVID-19 may be temporarily unable to report to work due to illness caused by COVID-19 or quarantines related to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, individuals directly affected by COVID-19 may experience loss of income and expensive health care and medical coverage making it impossible to fulfill their rent payment obligations; and
WHEREAS, the inability of renters to pay their rent directly impacts the nation’s housing providers who depend on rent payments to make their mortgage and insurance payments, maintain their apartment buildings, pay their utility and refuse removal bills, and meet their property tax obligations that fund our community services; and
WHEREAS, the majority of our nation’s housing rental stock is owned and maintained by small and mid-sized housing providers who lack the reserves to absorb any loss of monthly rental income; and
WHEREAS, since the beginning of the pandemic, many housing providers have worked closely with their residents by creating flexible rent payment plans, waiving fees and connecting residents with social services; and
WHEREAS, state and local governments have created rental assistance programs to assist renters and housing providers make ends meet; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the impact on housing of this public health crisis, the United States Congress has approved $25 billion in direct emergency rental assistance; and
WHEREAS, these efforts do not begin to address the housing crisis facing the nation as ten million renters were projected by Moody’s Analytics to owe over $57 billion in back rent in 2020 alone; and
WHEREAS, specific and targeted federal assistance is needed in the areas of short-term Emergency Response, mid-term Recovery, and long-term planning to Rebuild our nation’s communities; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor, and the City/Town Commission/Council of the City/Town of <Insert Municipality>, <Insert State>, call upon President Joseph R. Biden and the United States Congress to employ the full weight of the federal government to assist the rental housing community by incorporating the following policy priorities:
- Short-Term Emergency Response
- Provide assistance to residents that have been financially impacted by the virus,
- Provide additional allocations to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to fill the assistance gap and respond more effectively to the outstanding need, and
- Promote flexible policies that enable grantees to widely and efficiently distribute rental assistance to all who are in financial need.
- Mid-Term Recovery
- Transition from early pandemic emergency response to a deliberate and sustainable recovery plan that provides resources to impacted businesses and residents, and
- Promote policies that continue to narrowly target and better assist those with enduring and demonstrable financial need, and
- Fully fund existing programs, such as the HUD Section Housing Choice Voucher, to fund long-term housing assistance.
- Long-Term Rebuilding
- Extend the “Build Back Better” initiative to the production of rental housing, with a focus on affordable, workforce and middle market housing, and
- Expand federal infrastructure priorities to drive new investment in rental housing, including affordable, workforce and middle market housing, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to President Joseph R. Biden; the Honorable Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi; the Honorable Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer; and the members of the <Insert State> congressional delegation.
Adopted by vote of the City/Town Commission/Council of the City/Town of <Insert Municipality>, <Insert State>, on the <Insert Date> day of <Insert Month> 2021.
Mayor/Manager/Other
City/Town of <Insert City>, <Insert State>
Biden Administration Calls On Local Officials To Help Pass American Rescue Plan
Dear Democratic Municipal Official,
Time is of the essence and I need your help!
The Biden Administration has reached out directly to Democratic Municipal Officials looking for help in your state with passing the American Rescue Plan. Our cities need direct funding; assistance with vaccine distribution; resources for PPE; stimulus checks and unemployment insurance; and help paying for water and energy costs. We need the American Rescue Plan to pass, and we need it immediately.
The White House is calling for strong statements of support from local leaders in your state, and we need you to put pressure on your federal representatives. Here is what you can do:
- Call your Representative and your Senators and highlight why your community needs this relief. If you have their cellphone number, now is the time to use it!
- Schedule a meeting with your Representative and your Senators. District work week starts February 15th. Call their office today to get on their calendar for that week.
- Get on the news. Whether it be local television news, local radio, or national outlets. Tell the story as to why your city and state need the American Rescue Plan to pass now and emphasize that your federal officers can make that happen.
- Write an op-ed.
- Make it bi-partisan. If there are Republicans on your council or in a neighboring town who will stand with you in support of this legislation, be sure to elevate that – don’t be afraid to share the byline on this.
- Be specific and keep it local. Talk about local issues, jobs, services, and people. Make it undeniable that your community in particular needs this relief.
- Share with DMO. Be sure to load any news clips and letters to this folder, and tag @NationalDMO on social media so that we can share your efforts with the White House.
President Biden and your constituents need you to act now – there is no time to waste.
Sincerely,
Barbara Moore
Executive Director
Democratic Municipal Officials
DMO Welcomes Incoming Chair Jaime Harrison and New DNC Leadership
DMO Welcomes Incoming Chair Jaime Harrison and New DNC Leadership
On behalf of the 40,000 local elected Democrats across the United States, the members of the DMO Board of Directors celebrates the election of Jaime Harrison as Chair of the Democratic Party, as well as the dynamic leadership team joining him at the DNC. We are confident Chairman Harrison will continue the vital work of electing Democrats up and down the ticket and help grow our Party from the grass roots up by furthering the DNC’s investment in local races.
We know this because we know Jaime. He has worked alongside DMO since he was Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party. Our new DNC Chair sees the value in growing the Party from the base, expanding the bench, and implementing progressive policies at the local level. DMO is excited to see Chair Harrison’s history of investment in local growth reflected in the ongoing work of the Democratic National Committee under his leadership.
The election of fellow DMO, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, as Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection likewise brings essential talent and commitment to a Democratic Party eager to build on our recent successes in Georgia. The work of Democrats at the local level has changed the fate of our nation, and we look forward to the Mayor’s work at the DNC leading to future victories.
Several of our leaders made personal statements supporting the new DNC leadership:
“On behalf of Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO), my colleagues and I want to congratulate Jaime Harrison on his new role as Chair of the DNC. We all are ready to move our country forward with the exact same energy and conviction that Jaime brought to his U.S. Senate race on behalf of the people of South Carolina. We are eager to work together to further the historic progress made on various levels this past year and look forward to the future with great optimism.”
Derek Green, DNC Executive Committee
Council Member, Philadelphia, PA
President of DMO
“At this wonderfully optimistic time in America’s history, we salute the shoulders we stand upon and we celebrate the new leadership that will take us forward. Chairman Harrison and his leadership team have the right experience and the right acumen at the right time to lead our beloved Party to turn our country blue. He appreciates the role of Democratic Municipal Officials and I look forward to our continued partnership. I am so glad that my fellow Georgian Mayor Lance Bottoms will be serving alongside him.”
Van Johnson, DNC Member
Mayor, Savannah, GA
Treasurer of DMO
“The diverse and experienced leadership recently elected will move our Party in the right direction and lead our country forward. I am proud that Governor Whitmer is yet again standing up to take on the responsibility of leading Democrats towards victory and fighting for our shared values.”
Scott Benson, Former DNC Executive Committee Member
Council Member, Detroit, MI
President Emeritus and Fundraising Chair of DMO
“I am proud to have Senator Duckworth serving as Vice Chair of the DNC. As a fellow veteran and Illinoisan, I know that she has what it takes to lead our Party to more victories for the working women and men of our state and country. Her unique life experiences will bring an invaluable perspective to our Party.”
Gil Villegas
Alderman, Chicago, IL
Board Member of DMO
Congratulations to Chairman Harrison and his exceptional team! We look forward to working with all of you to turn more cities blue and enact the progressive change Americans voted for.
The DMO Board of Directors
DNC Members
Derek Green, Council Member, Philadelphia, PA
Candace Mumm, Council Member, Spokane, WA
Ron Galperin, Controller, Los Angeles, CA
Van Johnson, Mayor, Savannah, GA
Wendy Davis, Commissioner, Rome, GA
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Barbara Moore, Executive Director of DMO
Vaccine Distribution & Biden’s Priorities
Democratic Municipal Officials Digest
Week of 1/25/2021
DMO Update
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Save the Date – Join DMO on February 8th for a Municipal Monday looking at how state preemption will impact cities in 2021. Register now to submit your question.
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Watch the first Municipal Monday of 2021 – Meeting the Biden-Harris IGA Team and Preparing for the Inauguration
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Have you contributed your annual membership dues for 2021? Check it off your list at NationalDMO.org/donate.
Quick Links
Ideas for Cities
News for Democrats
Midnight Resolutions & City Stimulus
Democratic Municipal Officials Digest
Week of 1/18/2021
DMO Update
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Watch the first Municipal Monday of 2021 – Meeting the Biden-Harris IGA Team and Preparing for the Inauguration
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DMO joins our partners in organized labor requesting state and local aid from Speaker Pelosi & Leader Schumer.
Quick Links
Ideas for Cities
Advisory Board Updates
News for Democrats
DMO Statement on the Ongoing Threat of Political Violence
DMO Statement on the Ongoing Threat of Political Violence
The FBI has now issued warnings of nationwide armed protests opposing next week’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We implore all DMOs to take care and prioritize safety, not only of your cities but also your personal security during this dangerous time.
It is clear that the attack on the nation’s Capitol that took place on 1/6/21 was not an isolated incident, but instead part of a series of consequences of the President’s ongoing rhetoric. Cities across America have endured attacks against houses of worship, peaceful protests, and elected officials, all stoked by the President’s dangerous statements and his emboldening of terrorists, including white supremacists. President Trump will leave office next week, but the violent causes he has lent credence to will remain.
DMO wants to extend our support to the local leaders of Washington, D.C., including DMO Board Member Anita Bonds and the rest of the Council, and echo Mayor Muriel Bowser’s calls for increased federal support during next week’s inauguration. We ask that all local officials stay vigilant about potential threats through the end of January. Please reach out to DMO with any requests you have made to your states or the federal government for local security assistance, so we can work alongside our partners in government to help deliver that support.
Stay alert, and stay safe.
In solidarity,
Derek Green
DMO President
Councilmember At-Large, Philadelphia, PA
Inauguration & 1/6 Attack
Democratic Municipal Officials Digest
Week of 1/11/2021
DMO Update
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DMO is searching for a Director of Data and Digital Engagement. We encourage you to share this job posting with your networks.
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DMO joins our partners in organized labor requesting state and local aid from Speaker Pelosi & Leader Schumer.
Quick Links
Ideas for Cities
Advisory Board Updates
News for Democrats
- Schumer Says $2,000 Checks Will Be Top Priority for Democratic-Controlled Senate – Let your constituents know that Democrats are fighting for them.
Pic of the Week
Man prepared with zip ties photographed in Senate chamber, one of many now in custody.
Pandemic Innovation & Republican Coups
Democratic Municipal Officials Digest
Week of 1/4/2021
DMO Update
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DMO is searching for a Director of Data and Digital Engagement. We encourage you to share this job posting with your networks.
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Join the Presidential Inaugural Committee on January 18th for the MLK Day of Service.
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Has your city signed up to participate in the January 19th COVID Memorial Tribute?
Quick Links
Ideas for Cities
News for Democrats