Gray Wants End to Taxation Without Representation in

July 21, 2010

Washington, DC -- Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray applauded President Obama for signing the financial reform bill today and Congress for finally passing the legislation last week. At the same time, however, Gray asked, "What about us--when will financial reform come to the residents of the District of Columbia in the form of ending taxation without representation?" The Chairman released the following statement in his continuing efforts to raise awareness about the lack of full representation, autonomy, and full Democracy in the District.

"I am pleased the financial overhaul legislation is now law, bringing sweeping consumer protections to all Americans. I note that President Obama's bill signing ceremony took place at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center adjacent to the John A. Wilson Building and reportedly was attended by 400 people, including lawmakers, consumer advocates, financial industry stakeholders, and ordinary Americans. I hope all of them, particularly the President and Members of Congress, took note of the 'Taxation Without Representation Federal Tax Pay-Out Message Board' outside the Wilson Building that now shows the 600,000 residents of the nation's capital have paid almost $2 billion--$113 per second--in federal taxes since January 2010 without a vote in Congress.

"Among others, messages on the board say: 'Mr. President, Demand D.C. Voting Rights and D.C. Statehood Now.' The Council erected the symbolic structure in 2009 just prior to President Obama's Inauguration as a visual tally and running reminder of the District's plight for the countless number of tourists and others who pass our city hall everyday. Unfortunately, we are still fighting for a vote, autonomy and full Democracy, even with a Democratic President and Congress.

"Perhaps, their visit next door for the financial reform bill signing will get them thinking hard about the reform that is needed in the nation's capital to give our residents the same rights as all other taxpaying Americans."

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