FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nils Robbins

Phone:  202.770.8053

E-mail: nils.robbins@nationalDMO.org

May 13, 2020

585 state and local elected officials call on Congress to invest in public services, call for more federal funding to slow the spread and reduce the economic impacts of COVID-19

NATIONAL – More than 585 state legislators, mayors, council members and other local elected leaders from 34 states and the District of Columbia stood together on Tuesday to demand members of Congress protect the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of all families during the COVID-19 pandemic by allocating more funding to states and municipalities in the next coronavirus relief package.

The coalition of elected officials, represented, in part, by Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO), Democratic Treasurers Association, State Innovation Exchange, and Local Progress released a letter today outlining critically needed support for state and local governments across the country, including at least $500 billion in unrestricted funds for those facing declining revenue and an increased demand for vital services. They wrote that they fear the economic disruption caused by this pandemic will hurt the country for years to come.

“Without significant economic assistance from the federal government, however, many currently middle-class working families are at risk of falling into poverty through no fault of their own,” wrote the elected officials.

“As a result, we are demanding immediate action by the federal government to ensure the health, safety, and financial security of working people across our country regardless of how they look, where they’re from or what they do for a living,” the letter continued.

“As the President of DMO – representing more than 40,000 Democratic mayors and city council members across the nation – I have immeasurable appreciation for the men and women who have continued going to work to keep our cities running. DMO stands by them and calls on Congress to respect their labor, not with easy thank-yous, but with additional financial support, workplace protections, and the resources they need,” added DMO President and Detroit City Council Member Scott Benson.

Elected officials are also urging federal lawmakers to lift restrictions limiting the use of the $150 billion in the CARES Act to coronavirus-related expenditures and more funding for the CARES Act education stabilization fund.

The letter also calls for increases in Medicaid resources, unemployment insurance, food assistance, childcare, democracy protections, paid medical leave, and support for workers. Read the full letter here.

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Democratic Municipal Officials is the largest network of elected officials within the Democratic Party. The organization is an association of the Democratic National Committee, and advocates for America’s 40,000 mayors, city council members, and other elected leaders serving our municipalities.

For more information, please call 202-770-8053 or email Nils.Robbins@nationaldmo.org

www.NationalDMO.org

Facebook.com/NationalDMO

Contact: Nils Robbins
Tel: 202-770-8053
Email: Nils.Robbins@NationalDMO.org
For Immediate Release

MAJOR CITIES CALL ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE WATER ACCESS FOR THOSE MOST IN NEED DURING CORONAVIRUS

Elected Democrats from cities across the country have signed on to Democratic Municipal Officials’ resolution calling for federal support of water access to combat COVID-19

Detroit, MI, May 11th, 2020 –

Elected officials from major American cities have joined the Democratic Municipal Officials’ (DMO) campaign calling on the federal government to provide essential water access during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Officials from Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Savannah, and the District of Columbia have signed on to the effort, which asks Congress to establish a fund to ensure that a lack of ability to pay your water bill should not result in a discontinuation of service. This call to action comes at a time when sanitation, especially hand washing, is essential for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The campaign, inspired by DMO President and Detroit Council Member Scott Benson, recognizes the need for continuity of water service as a necessary component of community health. The DMO resolution calls on Congress to fund a national water affordability program, pointing to the existing Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as a successful model. The resolution further calls for federal support to update building units to prevent water loss and make water delivery more efficient.

In any given month, 1 out of every 100 households are unable to pay their water bills. Those most frequently unable to afford water include the elderly, the disabled, and low-income families. The resulting fallout includes everything from compounding late fees to complete water shut off. At a time when Americans are struggling to pay the bills due to layoffs and reduced hours, and public health policy necessitates hand washing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, maintaining steady access to water regardless of temporary inability to pay is essential. And even after the pandemic has abated, temporary inability to pay should not have long term impacts on households’ access to water for drinking and cleaning.

DMO President Scott Benson spearheaded the campaign, basing it off his own water security efforts locally. “This a great opportunity to ensure water security for all of our residents throughout the United States. As city leaders, we want to make sure that Congress includes local services like water, the basic ability for people to wash their hands and clothing, in the bigger picture of coronavirus recovery efforts. Our people are hurting right now, and a family should not have to choose between keeping their water on and paying other bills.”

Council Member Bob Blumenfield introduced the resolution in his own city of Los Angeles. “With California consistently on the verge of the next drought, water security is always top of mind. On a local level I’m proud to have advanced conservation efforts like gray water usage, championed our parks and LA River, and increased funding to improve our urban tree canopy. It’s critical that we galvanize cities large and small to join DMO and Los Angeles in calling on the federal government to create a national water affordability program. Water is a basic human necessity and we need to do everything we can so that the most vulnerable in our community has easy and affordable access.”

“At a time in our lives when many of the essentials are in short supply, water cannot and must not be one of them,” said Philadelphia City Councilmember Derek S. Green. “I’m championing water security for the health, wellbeing and longevity of each and every person in our city, as well as in our country.”

Dozens of local elected officials have signed on in support of the DMO resolution, and others have been inspired to introduce similar legislation in their cities and states. Democratic Municipal Officials will continue advocating for water security not only at the local level, but in their urgent request to Congress to include these provisions in upcoming COVID-19 recovery legislation.

DMO is the Democratic National Committee (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 tens of 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

With COVID-19 precautions rightfully in place, many of the Presidential primaries have been postponed. As new dates primary dates are scheduled and Republican efforts to suppress the vote and being rolled out, there will be many challenges for voters this election season.

Local officials have a unique opportunity to help to get out the vote (GOTV) in 2020. We are asking all our DMOs to take a pledge to:

• Share Vote-by-Mail instructions with your constituency
• Mobilize your base to volunteer (from home) during the primaries
• Share social media posts about GOTV efforts
• Help identify voter suppression tactics and protect the vote

Take the pledge to help DMO get out the vote. 

DMO’s focus will be on June 2 – the new Super Tuesday – when primaries will be held in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Montana, and New Mexico. Even if you don’t live in those states, DMO is encouraging you and your constituents to get out the vote from now until Election Day.

The primaries will help get voters ready for the General Elections in November.  DMOs can help ensure voters know how to vote-by-mail, can volunteer from home, and are prepared if they encounter voter suppression.

Join DMO in helping to get out the vote because as DMOs know best, all politics are local.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nils Robbins

Phone:  202.770.8053

E-mail: Nils.Robbins@NationalDMO.org

DMO Maryland State Chapter leaders Mitchell and Sayles chosen for anti-bigotry leadership council

MARYLAND, April 7, 2020  –

College Park Council Member Denise Mitchell and Gaithersburg Council President Laurie-Anne Sayles have both been chosen to be a part of the Public Leaders for Inclusion Council class of 2020. The program focuses on challenging anti-Muslim bigotry and other forms of hate while building inclusion and social resilience in communities. 

Participating leaders will attend briefings on the religious and cultural landscape of their communities as well as on local incidents of hate and discrimination targeting Muslims.  They will be a part of six-monthly virtual seminars with leading anti-bigotry organizations.  Additionally, they will attend a two-day summit in Washington, DC featuring trainings and workshops with civic organizations at the forefront of building inclusion in public policy.

“To me, confronting the ugly reality of racism, prejudice and ignorance while working to build more inclusive communities is a big part of what it means to be a public servant. I look forward to strengthening my leadership skills as part of the Public Leaders for Inclusion Council,” explained Council Member Mitchell.

“Today’s leaders have the ability to lead by example and use their platforms to model tolerance. When we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us, that’s where the magic happens, and communities can thrive. Through this leadership program, I hope to use my platform to create a safe and inclusive environment for our diverse residents to comfortably discuss cultures that are different from their own.” said Council President Sayles.

Council Member Mitchell also serves as Democratic Municipal Officials, Maryland (DMO MD) State Chapter Chair while Council President Sayles is part of the executive board of DMO MD.

“DMO congratulates Council Members Mitchell and Sayles on being chosen for this leadership program. We are also proud of Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin who served in the 2019 class. Inclusion and diversity are one of the strongest values of the Democratic Party. Our local leaders place a high priority on these values and are using their experiences and talents to create strong cities and towns,” said Ian Baltutis, Mayor of Burlington, North Carolina and DMO Council of State Chapters Chair.

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Democratic Municipal Officials is the largest network of elected officials within the Democratic Party. The organization is an association of the Democratic National Committee, and advocates for America’s 40,000 mayors, city council members, and other elected leaders serving our municipalities.

For more information, please call 202-770-8053 or email Nils.Robbins@NationalDMO.org

www.NationalDMO.org

Facebook.com/NationalDMO

Contact: Nils Robbins
Phone:  202.770.8053
E-mail: Nils.Robbins@NationalDMO.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nation’s Democratic mayors and city council members call on federal government to take immediate action to provide financial support and critical health care equipment to stop the spread of COVID-19 in cities, towns

WASHINGTON, DC, March 25^th, 2020 –

Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) called on the President, the House, and the Senate today to take immediate measures to provide the resources necessary for local elected officials to reduce the spread of the devastating coronavirus. This includes a stimulus package that would provide robust general grant assistance to states and municipalities, as well as critical health care materials such as tests for COVID-19, gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer.

“We are asking all mayors, council members, and other local elected leaders to call their representatives in Congress and the Senate and urge them to provide us with the resources we need to keep our cities and towns running. There are bills in the Senate right now that are being considered, but those will only provide relief at the state level. We need the federal government to provide each state with a grant equal to seven percent of combined state and local government revenue collected last fiscal year, an estimated investment of $175 billion in our nation’s public health,” explained DMO President and Detroit City Council Member Scott Benson.

“The failure of the Trump Administration to lead in this time of crisis is placing a high burden on local officials to keep local government functioning while also protecting constituents and workers. We are aggressively working to respond to the needs of all those who are on the front lines of the pandemic, and keep communities safe, strong and calm,” said Derek Green, DMO Labor Chair and Philadelphia At-Large City Council Member.

“We are driven to ensure that city leaders, who are familiar to and trusted by voters, are heard at the national level,” said Ian Baltutis, DMO Council of State Chapter Chair and Burlington, NC Mayor.

DMOs are calling for these economic needs to be meet immediately:

• Municipal grants such as Community Development Block Grants, Surface Transportation Block Grants, and Social Services Block Grants, and suspension of the 15% cap on CDBGs
• The federal government to urge all governors and mayors to mandate the closure of all restaurants and bars, and immediately guarantee or directly pay for business interruption coverage for retailers, restaurants and other tenants, as well as landlords
• Federal dollars sent immediately and with little red tape to those in need with no means-tested restrictions
• Banks and courts not to process evictions or foreclosures during the crisis, and rent forgiveness for those unable to earn adequate income due to hardships created by the pandemic
• Utilities and telecommunications providers to not suspend service due to non-payment
• Urging state and federal governments to work with us in developing assistance plans that support small businesses
• Direct the FCC to assist local governments by increasing greater access to the internet, easing restrictions, removing data caps, refusing to cancel service due to non-payment, bringing in cells-on-wheels to areas with sub-par coverage, and to amplify telehealth funding and opportunities
• Insurance companies who have been collecting premiums on business interruption claims to pay out to businesses who have been forced to cease operation due to government mandated closures

In order to prevent the further spread of disease, our municipalities need:

• Gloves, masks, soap, and sanitizer for our hospitals and first responders
• Increased testing, which must be free, and accurate information on how to receive it
• Financial aid and strategies for treating our homeless populations
• Access to respirators and immediate training for medical professionals to use them
• Employers to mandate that their employees work from home if at all possible
• All people to be able to seek treatment for COVID-19 without the fear of crippling costs

DMO has called on allies at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic Governors Association (DGA), Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA), Democratic Secretaries of State (DSSA), and National Democratic County Officials (NDCO) to join our demands for immediate action. They have also been working with their network of partners in organized labor and other national partners to spread factual information and provide essential resources during the crisis.

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Democratic Municipal Officials is the largest network of elected officials within the Democratic Party. The organization is an association of the Democratic National Committee, and advocates for America’s 40,000 mayors, city council members, and other elected leaders serving our municipalities.

For more information, please call 202-770-8053 or email Nils.Robbins@nationaldmo.org

www.NationalDMO.org

Facebook.com/NationalDMO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nils Robbins
Tel: 202-770-8053
Email: Nils.Robbins@nationaldmo.org

SLAVIN HONORED AT NATIONAL MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL BREAKFAST

Somerset Mayor given award for exemplary leadership at Democratic Municipal Officials’ National Breakfast meeting

Washington, DC, March 11, 2020 –

Somerset, Maryland Mayor Jeffrey Slavin received the Susan Burgess President’s Award for Exemplary Leadership at Democratic Municipal Officials’ (DMO) National Breakfast meeting this Tuesday. 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 Board Member and past recipient, Northfield, MN Council Member Suzie Nakasian presented the award to Slavin. “One of the most valuable types of leaders is one who doesn’t need the spotlight. Jeffrey is always ready to work behind the scenes to give his effort, expertise, and even financial support to make sure DMO can accomplish our goals. Without him, the organization would not be poised for future success in the way we are today.”

Held during the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC, the DMO National Breakfast is a biannual meeting of Democratic Municipal Officials, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) constituency association for Democratic mayors, council members, and other local elected officials. Slavin was recognized for his enduring service to DMO as a member of its Board of Directors, including guiding the Board through a year-long strategic planning process. Previous recipients of the Susan Burgess President’s Award include Philadelphia Council Member Derek Green, Los Angeles Controller Ron Galperin, and Rome Commissioner Wendy Davis.

Alongside the presentation of the President’s Award to Slavin Tuesday morning were Mayor Van Johnson of Savannah, GA, thanking DMO for helping to elect him through their Blue Star Rising candidate program, and guest speakers Congresswomen Marcia Fudge of Ohio and Robin Kelly of Illinois.

Democratic Municipal Officials 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

Democratic Municipal Officials’ Board of Directors is honored to name former Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner a Blue Star Rising Candidate as she seeks a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission for District 7. This highly selective program is reserved for leaders within our organization who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the values of DMO and are running for wider officer.

The DMO Board of Directors made the decision based on Mayor Lerner‘s dedication to the environment, public transit, and efforts to protect municipal local control. Lerner previously served on the Board as President from 2012 – 2016, during her tenure as Mayor of Pinecrest, Florida. Prior to her time as President of DMO she was named DMO of the Year in 2010. She fought tenaciously for effective environmental policy as Chair of the National League of Cities’ Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. She remains a proud advocate for transportation and common sense action on climate change, both within Pinecrest and the greater Miami-Dade region.

Before running for Mayor, Lerner served as a Representative in Florida’s state legislature. She joined the DMO Board with a storied history of fighting on behalf of children, the environment, and her community. She truly embodies the ideals of DMO, and we are proud to endorse her as she runs for Miami-Dade County Commission District 7. Election Day is August, 18, 2020, but we encourage you to voice your support for Cindy Lerner as soon as possible.

If you would like to learn more about Mayor Lerner’s campaign, please visit cindylerner.com.

DMO BLUE STAR RISING CANDIDATE VAN JOHNSON WINS SAVANNAH MAYORAL RACE

Democratic Municipal Officials Board Member and Blue Star Rising candidate Alderman Van Johnson II wins runoff election for Mayor of Savannah.

Savannah, GA, December 4, 2019 –

Democrats won an important victory last night as they took back the City of Savannah, Georgia after a 2015 Republican takeover of the mayor’s office. Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) Board Member and Blue Star Rising candidate Alderman Van Johnson II won his runoff election for Mayor of Savannah against incumbent Eddie DeLoach. The victory was a landslide 62-38% in favor of Johnson, bringing control of the mayor’s office and city council back to Democrats in a clear statement of values by the people of Savannah.

Johnson, DMO’s National Treasurer and Savannah Alderman elected in 2003, gained Blue Star Rising recognition in May of 2019. This endorsement came after a unanimous vote of the DMO Board of Directors, and gave Johnson the support of the DMO organization along with resources from national level consultants, political organizations, and DMO partners. Last night’s victory was particularly poignant as DMO instituted the Blue Star Candidate program to help Democratic candidates win a mayor’s office or gain the majority of a city council after former Savannah Mayor Edna Branch Jackson lost to DeLoach in 2015.

Along with resources normally out of reach for mayoral candidates, the DMO Blue Star Rising program conferred national recognition from the wider Democratic network. Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Tom Perez hosted a November fundraiser for Johnson alongside the Democratic Party of Georgia (DPG), and the DNC ran a text campaign to help get out the vote. The DPG likewise instituted an election support program consisting of phone contacts, texting, and paid canvassers to get out the vote.

Johnson’s candidacy also garnered state and national endorsements. Democratic candidate for president Cory Booker announced his endorsement for Johnson and used his resources to drive get out the vote efforts in the race. Three 2020 Georgia Senate candidates lent support to the campaign. Candidate for US Senate Sarah Amico canvassed with Johnson on Election Day, and Senate candidates Teresa Tomlinson and Ted Terry, both having served as Georgia mayors themselves, contributed to fundraising efforts. Former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams employed her team Fair Fight to offer significant assistance to the race, including a video endorsement and a series of successful campaign events on Monday.

Democratic Municipal Officials plans to expand on the successes of the Blue Star Candidate program and continue partnering with the Democratic Party and allies to elect more Democrats to local office in 2020 and beyond.

DMO is the DNC Association for municipal elected officials who personally identify as members of the Democratic Party, including those who hold a non-partisan office. 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

Contact: Nils Robbins                                                                                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel: 202-770-8053

Email: Nils.Robbins@nationaldmo.org

GREEN HONORED AT NATIONAL MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL BREAKFAST

Philadelphia At-Large Councilman given award for exemplary leadership at Democratic Municipal Officials’ National Breakfast meeting

San Antonio, TX, November 26, 2019 –

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania At-Large Councilman Derek Green received the Susan Burgess President’s Award for Exemplary Leadership at Democratic Municipal Officials’ (DMO) National Breakfast meeting last Friday. 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 Detroit Council Member Scott Benson presented the award to Green.  “Derek is a champion of Democratic Municipal Officials, and one of our hardest working Board members. His efforts leading the Labor Council have been indispensable in making us better advocates for the working people of America, and the unions that represent them.”

Held during the National League of Cities (NLC) City Summit in San Antonio, the DMO National Breakfast is a biannual meeting of Democratic Municipal Officials, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) constituency association for Democratic mayors, council members, and other local elected officials. Green was recognized not only for his work leading the Labor Council, which connects municipal Democrats to unions and their members at the national and local levels, but also for leading the organization’s Cities, Labor, and Jobs round tables, which educate elected officials on labor issues. Previous recipients of the Susan Burgess President’s Award include Chicago Alderman Joe Moore, Los Angeles Controller Ron Galperin, and Rome Commissioner Wendy Davis.

Spokane Council Member and fellow DMO Board Member Candace Mumm emceed Friday’s breakfast program. Alongside the presentation of the President’s Award to Green were video greetings from presidential candidates including Vice President Joe Biden and Mayor Pete Buttigieg, as well as a keynote address given by Secretary Julián Castro.

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