Dem. Governors Assoc. Uplifts D.C. Mayor Bowser to their Ranks, Recognizing Need for D.C. Statehood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5th, 2021
CONTACT:
press@51for51.org
Dem. Governors Assoc. Uplifts D.C. Mayor Bowser to their Ranks, Recognizing Need for D.C. Statehood
Senators Manchin, King, and Shaheen are all former members of the DGA who now have a historic opportunity to pass D.C. statehood
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Democratic Governors Association announced that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will join their membership, adding to the growing momentum for D.C. statehood and marking the first time a representative from Washington, D.C., has joined this powerful group. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mayor Bowser spoke on CNN about this unprecedented elevation.
Stasha Rhodes, Campaign Manager of 51 for 51, issued the following statement in response:
“Mayor Bowser’s historic induction to the Democratic Governors Association proves what 700,000 D.C. residents already know: D.C. deserves statehood and a full-fledged governor. Our mayor already shoulders the weighty responsibility of a governor to protect her 700,000 constituents, but lacks the full authority of the governor’s office.
Mayor Bowser could not unilaterally call in the National Guard when white supremacists invaded the Capitol; she does not have full control over COVID vaccine distribution within the District and; she does not have the final say over local laws — Congress does. Her induction into the DGA is an important signal that the Democratic party is fully committed to D.C. statehood — now, Congress needs to act and pass D.C. statehood with 51 votes, thereby enfranchising the 700,000 mostly Black and Brown residents of Washington with a vote in Congress. Former Governors in Congress should understand the importance of representation more than anyone.”
This announcement comes on the heels of the House passing D.C. statehood for the second time in history last month.
To speak with a representative of 51 for 51, please contact press@51for51.org
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51 for 51 is a coalition of D.C.-based and national groups committed to equal representation for the over 700,000 D.C. residents who remain locked out of our democracy. The coalition of 20 progressive groups believe American citizens living in the District deserve a voice in Congress and control over their own local laws. Already, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Senators Warren, Markey, Gillibrand and Hickenlooper have endorsed 51 for 51’s proposed path to statehood.
Additional Information
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