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I was born and raised in and around Washington DC, and have lived here pretty much all of my life, so #DCStatehood is very personal for me. I'm so, so excited to watch the House pass #HR51 tomorrow.
Here are some facts about DC Statehood that I think are important to know:
--DC actually has more residents than some states! Both Wyoming and Vermont have fewer people than DC, and yet they both enjoy the full rights that come with statehood and we do not.
--DC actually has more residents than some states! Both Wyoming and Vermont have fewer people than DC, and yet they both enjoy the full rights that come with statehood and we do not.
--DC wasn't even allowed to vote in presidential elections until 1964. If that seems wild and unfair to you, consider that it's just as wild and unfair that we can't vote for members of congress to this day!
--DC residents agree that we want statehood: in the 2016 election, a referendum supporting statehood passed with more than 85% of the vote. (85%!!!!)
--Becoming a state is NOT just about getting to elect two senators and a representative to Congress!
The federal government can interfere with our local DC budget, our local police and national guard, and even our parks and streets. Statehood would give us that local control.
The federal government can interfere with our local DC budget, our local police and national guard, and even our parks and streets. Statehood would give us that local control.
--Lastly, and most importantly, in the many years I have advocated for #DCStatehood, I've learned that the main reason people in the rest of the country might not support it is that they simply never considered that DC voters are disenfranchised. They haven't thought about it.
So, as the House gets ready to start a process that will hopefully lead to DC becoming the 51st state, my ask to you is that you get in touch with a couple people you know around the country and simply talk to them about how important this issue is for us. Thanks.
