JULY 18, 2025
This is the weekly newsletter of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA), which is produced by local members of the chapter’s Publications Working Group. The Weekly Update publishes every Friday at 9am. Ready to fight the Trumpocalypse? Join DSA, fight to win with a real alternative!
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CONTENTS
UP FRONT
DC Council strips I82 repeal from budget following allied pressure campaign, but workers’ war not over yet
MDC DSA to hold special election for Steering vacancies; member statements on upcoming resolutions due TONIGHT
Abolitionists organizing backpack drive — first spread the word, then distribute the backpacks
DC Council strips I82 repeal from budget following allied pressure campaign, but workers’ war not over yet
Mayor Bowser and the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA & RAMW) attempted repeal of Initiative 82 came to a crashing halt on Monday, during the first budget vote from the DC Council. Despite a series of high-wire maneuvers by the NRA’s puppets on the DC Council, a left-liberal bloc on the DC Council stood together to stop their anti-democratic coup.
On release of the full budget last weekend, the right wing of the DC Council attempted to sneak in a complete revision of the way tipped workers are paid. Dubbed a “super-minimum” wage, the budget revision would have reduced workers’ base wages down to $8/hr with the promise of $20/hr after tips. This unusual wage/hr system has only been used in Hawaii, where the chaos caused by this franken-wage system has prompted a bi-partisan push in the state to end this regime entirely. Billed as a compromise — but in fact brokered between right-wing Councilmembers and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) — the “super-minimum” was discerned by the Fair Price Fair Wage Coalition as a sham proposal meant to scare swing votes on the Council (Henderson, R. White) into backing a permanent freeze on I82 implementation. This was revealed during the raucous Council Budget hearing on Monday, where a permanent freeze of tipped workers’ wages at $10/hr was set to be proposed by CM McDuffie. Realizing he didn’t have the votes and in bowing to public uproar, CM McDuffie ended up pulling his permanent freeze proposal.
The effort to pull I82’s repeal from the budget was led by democratic socialist CM Lewis George (Ward 4). Backed by CMs Frumin (Ward 3) and Nadeau (Ward 1), Lewis George and her staff resolved the Council’s left-wing to stay firm — holding swing votes Henderson (at-large) and R. White (at-large) and steeling allies Allen (Ward 6) and Parker (Ward 5) to hold their majority. Service workers also swelled into the meeting to call for an end to the DC Council’s I82 repeal efforts and to resume implementation. Backed by allies of the DC Fair Budget Coalition, the pro-worker insurgence created an uproar in the Council meeting that countered right-wing CMs’ attempts to imply worker and voter support for I82 repeal. Anti-democratic CMs on the Council were left rattled in their defeat.
Without the loud and wide public support provided by the public, the workers’ fight to stop I82 repeal would have failed. While Monday’s Council vote is certainly a victory, the tipped workers’ war is not over yet. The wage freeze is still in effect, and discussions in the Council water down phaseout of the subminimum wage outlined by Initiative 82. Workers are organizing to fight both. Here are immediate steps the public can take to support the workers’ coalition:
- Use this form from DC Jobs With Justice to thank the Councilmembers who voted to defend I82.
- Follow the Defend 82 campaign on defend82.org. Readers with Instagram can follow @fairpricefairwage, @labor_mdcdsa, @DC-ROC and @uniteherelocal25 for rapid updates.
- All tipped workers are encouraged to reach out and join the fight. Respond to this email, email washingtonsocialist@mdcdsa.org, or fill out this survey form to get in touch. Readers with friends and family in the local service industry are encouraged to raise awareness of this fight.
- Familiarize yourself with what the data says on I82’s effects so far — wages and employment are up, despite what NRA/RAMW’s right-wing propaganda outfits are releasing.
- Watch a recording of Monday’s battle on the DC Council website – with I82 portion starting around 1:28:00
The second and final budget vote is set for July 28. Workers organizing with the Fair Price Fair Wage Coalition are continuing their insurgencies in the DC Council and worker organizing efforts. Stay tuned.
MDC DSA to hold special election for Steering vacancies; member statements on upcoming resolutions due TONIGHT
Nominations for the special election to fill vacancies on Metro DC’s Steering Committee are now open. In addition to filling three vacancies, the chapter will also be electing a new Treasurer, as Comrade Michael S will be stepping down effective in September. Members are free to submit as many nominations as they’d like, and candidates are required to secure five nominations in order to stand for election. Nominations will be open until July 30 — members should refer to the #2025-special-election for details and instructions on how to nominate a comrade.
TODAY, July 18, is also the last chance to submit MDC DSA member statements on resolutions to be voted on soon — two electoral endorsement resolutions and one on chapter voting methods (the latter with two amendments). The deadline for submission is 11:59pm. More information on the resolutions, plus how to include your voice in the process, is available in #announcements. A full list of live resolutions can also be found on the chapter’s wiki.
Abolitionists organizing backpack drive — first spread the word, then distribute the backpacks
Metro DC DSA’s Abolition Working Group is hosting its 2nd annual Free Backpack Drive on Saturday, August 9. Comrades will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to ALL students — no questions asked, no barriers. Many families struggle to afford basic school supplies. This fundraiser embodies socialists’ commitment to community care and mutual aid. This is what it looks like to invest in kids, not cops.
Ahead of the event, abolitionists will fan out across DC over the coming weeks to raise awareness of the backpack drive. Wheatpasting begins on Sunday, July 27 and will continue on Sunday, August 3. Comrades will meet at the Eastern Market Metro Station entrance at 701 Pennsylvania Ave SE, do a quick poster tutorial, and then disperse to locations along the Orange and Silver/Blue lines to wheatpaste these posters everywhere. RSVP here.
BRIEFS
Prince George’s County Branch General Body Meeting and candidate forum to be held on Saturday, July 19 at 12pm
This Saturday, Metro DC DSA’s Prince George’s County Branch will be holding their next hybrid general body meeting on Saturday, July 19 from noon to 2:15pm. The agenda includes a Branch Steering Committee candidate forum for the branch’s upcoming Steering election, plus discussion of the election and voting process, as well as updates on matters in the community and planning our 2nd Annual Branch Cookout. For in-person or virtual attendance, sign up here.
Rockville City Council and Mayor to discuss rent stabilization on Monday, July 21; tenants planning large community presence
After over a year of pressure from Rockville tenants and rent stabilization supporters, the Rockville City Council and mayor have finally put rent stabilization on the agenda for their Monday, July 21 meeting. This hearing comes shortly after Council Members Izola Shaw and David Myles announced a rent stabilization ordinance. Join Montgomery County DSA, Rockville Renters United, and Rockville tenants for the hearing and demand rent stabilization. RSVP here.
Socialist singalong and jam session ft. Banned in Bethesda — Saturday, July 19 at 6pm
Join your comrades for a night of singing and jamming to labor, antiwar, and political anthems, featuring friends of the chapter, Banned in Bethesda. Attendees will be taught lyrics and invited to jam on any instruments — join on stage, sing from the audience, or come up to do a solo act. A backline of drums, keyboard, amps, and mics will be provided; bring all other instruments. The catalogue of songs can be found here or in #political-education in the chapter Slack.
Federal Know Your Rights training: Combating Reductions in Force — Saturday, July 19 at 12pm
The Trump Administration is threatening to carry out mass layoffs across the federal government — and the Supreme Court may soon give them a green light. But that doesn’t mean that Trump can just start firing whoever he wants. Federal workers are invited to learn about their rights during a RIF and litigation that aims to stop them. The training will be virtual on Saturday, July 19 from noon to 2pm.
This is part of a continuing series of “Know Your Labor Rights” workshops hosted by experienced labor lawyers and veteran organizers across the metro DC area, launched in alliance between Metro DC DSA’s Labor working group and the People’s Parity Project.
Cheers to the Chairs! Metro DC DSA’s Bodily Autonomy Working Group holding happy hour on Tuesday, July 22 at 5:30pm
Join the Bodily Autonomy Working Group in our Cheers to the Chairs happy hour on Tuesday, July 22 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Meet at the private room at Red Derby where the working group will be celebrating their new co-chairs and section stewards, including the Repro Justice Campaign, Trans & Queer Liberation Campaign, Socialist Feminist Section, and Queer Section. RSVP here.
We Power DC planning anti-PEPCO canvasses on Saturday, July 26 at 11am
Tired of paying hundreds of dollars a month to a billion-dollar company for your electricity? We Power DC is campaigning to create a publicly owned utility that will ensure lower bills, good union jobs, and clean energy for all. Join the group on Saturday, July 26 at 11am to talk to neighbors in Ward 1 about public power. Training and materials will be provided – wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring friends. We will meet at the north end of Malcolm X Park. RSVP here.
Metro DC DSA to hold Electoral Training Intensive — July 26 and 27
Wonder how the socialist Zohran Mamdani achieved his mayoral primary victory in NYC? On July 26 and 27, Metro DC DSA will be holding a two-day electoral training to prepare for local races this fall and into 2026. Mamdani’s win not only showed that democratic socialists can run and win, it inspired hope in those seeking to bring about a socialist future. Come learn why electoral politics is an important part of DSA’s strategy and get trained up for the election cycle this fall — no experience necessary.
Day 1 will focus on local elections coming up and their strategic importance, and will also feature some NYC-DSA comrades who organized Zohran canvasses about how this win fits into DSA’s theory of social change. This is especially for new people and those looking to explore/discuss electoral politics. Day 2 focuses specifically on chapter members who want to help run the door-knocking operations for our endorsed general election campaigns. No existing skills are required, just a commitment to growing our electoral machine. Guest speakers from Mamdani’s campaign will join us to speak about his campaign’s victory over establishment Democrat Andrew Cuomo.
Trayon White Re-Elected to Ward 8 Seat in Close Special Election
In a close special election, Trayon White was re-elected to represent the people of DC’s Ward 8 with 28% of the vote. Trayon was up against Bowser allies Mike Austin (24%) and Sheila Bunn (24%) — both of which split Muriel Bowser’s base in the ward — and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Salim Adofo (22%) — who was backed by labor groups, progressives, and tenants in the ward.
Trayon White was expelled from the DC Council this February after compelling evidence of bribery between himself and city contractors. Governing as a populist, Trayon is noted for his deep base of support in Ward 8 who see him as an avatar against the Bowser-backed gentrification of the city, as local journalist Pete Tucker wrote last year. A positional analysis of Trayon’s backers across DC can be pulled from the Washington Socialist’s 2022 DC Democratic primaries analysis. As reported by a local socialist: “Trayon White’s strength is in a DC that has been left behind by the system, decimated by neoliberalism, and has lost political power since the end of Marion Barry’s Districtwide machine. Trayon White’s voters are alienated from electoral politics in the District, almost entirely working class, and strongly support a radical redistributive economic agenda.”
White is expected to be sworn into office on August 8.
David Schwartzman, Presente! Memorial planned for Saturday, August 2 at 3pm
David, friend and comrade, member of Metro DC DSA, DC Statehood/Green Party, the DC Fair Budget Coalition, and numerous other organizations, passed away at 81 on July 1. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 2 from 3 to 6pm at the Josephine Butler Center (2437 15th St NW). Come celebrate David’s life, share favorite memories, and connect with the community to continue his progressive legacy — as David said, “Be as Radical as Life Itself!”
Carpooling to and from the event is strongly recommended as parking is very limited. There are also nearby transit options. For those who didn’t know David, this obituary from the Washington Post gives a hint of the breadth of his engagement.
INFO ACCESS
Want to fight fascism from the heart of the empire? Join DSA and fight to build socialism! July’s remaining session of “Why You Should Join DSA/New Member Orientation” is a virtual version Wednesday, July 23. An in-person version is scheduled for August 6. Learn about the Metro DC chapter — branches, working groups, campaigns, current activities, and enduring values — anytime right here. Get inside our ideas and our work through our acclaimed “Socialist Night School” — archive is here.
Want to stay current? Weekly Updates, like the one you are reading, are scheduled and emailed on Fridays; current and past Updates are available on our website. Not subscribed? DSA member or not, sign up to get the Update, the go-to source for the DMV Left. The MDC Dispatch is the chapter’s new video news series, published on the first and third Sunday of each month. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and submit your Update or Dispatch suggestions or DMV scandal tips to our tip line. The Washington Socialist, published since the 1970s, offers in-depth analytical/opinion articles on a quarterly schedule; the Summer 2025 issue is available here. Check out the Socialist’s topic-indexed and searchable archive to see what we write — and what you can write. Anyone, MDC DSA member or not, interested in contributing to the Washington Socialist can email submissions or questions to washingtonsocialist@mdcdsa.org.
Members — want to stay updated in our local chapter workspace? MDC DSA members are encouraged to join our all-member Slack for real-time info on working group and campaign events, strategy/tactic exchange, and inspiration. Email slack@mdcdsa.org with your most recent DSA dues receipt to get Slack access.
DSA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Friday, July 18
5 – 7:30pm | Informational Picket at Le Diplomate
Saturday, July 19
12 – 2pm | Federal Workers Rights Training: Combating RIFs
12 – 2:15pm | PG DSA Branch General Body Meeting
1 – 3pm | NoVA Coffee Social Meetup
6 – 9pm | Socialist Singalong and Jam Session
Sunday, July 20
1:30 – 4pm | DC Abolition – Summer Planning Retreat
7 – 8pm | Internationalism Working Group Monthly Meeting
Monday, July 21
6:30pm | Rockville City Council and Mayor Hearing – Rent Stabilization
Tuesday, July 22
5:30pm | Cheers to the Chairs!
9:30 – 10:30pm | Be Prepared, Not Scared: Undocumented Workers Rights Training
Wednesday, July 23
6 – 10pm | Fundraiser Happy Hour for Abolition’s 2nd Annual Free Backpack Distribution
7pm | Repro Justice Campaign Meeting
7 – 8pm | Why You Should Join DSA/New Member Orientation (virtual)
Thursday, July 24
5 – 7:30pm | Informational Picket at Le Diplomate
6pm | Social Housing Organizing Meeting
Friday, July 25
5 – 7:30pm | Informational Picket at Le Diplomate
Saturday, July 26
11am – 1pm | Canvass with We Power DC!
1:30 – 4:30pm | Intro to Electoral Organizing: Training Intensive (Day 1)
Sunday, July 27
11am | EWOC Flyering
1 – 3pm | Wheatpasting for Abolition Backpack Drive 2025
1:30pm | Electoral Team Launch & Training Intensive (Day 2)
Monday, July 28
7pm | Trans/Queer Liberation Campaign biweekly meeting
Tuesday, July 29
9:30 – 10:30pm | Be Prepared, Not Scared: Undocumented Workers Rights Training
Wednesday, July 30
7 – 8:30pm | DSA International Committee Seminar: International Observers Mission for the Philippine Midterm Elections
DMV LEFT BULLETIN
CopWatch Training | Black Lives Matter DC — Saturday, July 19
Join Black Lives Matter DC and partners for an interactive, in-person CopWatch training at noon on Saturday, July 19 at the Black Workers & Wellness Center to sharpen your observation skills and prepare to take action together for community defense. Free food, children’s activities, and ASL interpretation will be provided. Find more info on Instagram.
Pete Seeger: The Power of Song | Reel and Meal — Monday, July 21
The New Deal Café (113 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD 20770) will screen the documentary “Pete Seeger: The Power of Song” on Monday, July 21 at 6:30pm. His protest music supported international disarmament, civil rights, workers’ rights, counterculture, environmental causes, and ending the Vietnam War. He devoted his life to using the power of song as a force for social change. Unable to attend in-person? Please register to watch via Zoom.
Michael Ansara on The Hard Work of Hope | Politics & Prose — Monday, July 21
Michael Ansara will be in conversation with Heather Booth at Politics & Prose Conn Ave on Monday, July 21, 7pm. His newest memoir, The Hard Work of Hope, shows how he learned to become a more effective organizer. Find more information here.
Taking Action: A Starter Guide to Effective Tactics | Rising Organizers — Tuesday, July 22
Join Rising Organizers and Free DC on Tuesday, July 22, 6:15pm, for “Taking Action,” a free hands-on training to develop the events, actions, and activities that make movements work. It will include exercises to practice real time scenarios, time to share stories, and opportunities to connect with others. RSVP here.
Hubert Harrison: Forbidden Genius of Black Radicalism | Various bookstores — July 26, 31, and August 3
Join Brian Kwoba, PhD (Associate Professor of History and Director of the African and African American Studies Program at the University of Memphis) during one of three DMV book talks on his new book Hubert Harrison: Forbidden Genius of Black Radicalism about the life and legacy of a long forgotten Black socialist. Events will be held at: Red Emma’s on July 26, Sankofa Books on July 31, and Busboys and Poets on August 3.
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES are articles and opinion pieces of interest to DMV leftists but not, generally, appearing in local media. They should have links without paywalls. Readers are invited to submit candidates at our tip line.
New labor-backed PAC pledges $50m in battleground House races
A new labor-backed coalition is pledging $50 million to help Democrats take back the House in next year’s midterm elections. Battleground Alliance PAC said it is building a registration and turnout operation in 37 Republican-held districts across the country. Though Democrats only need to flip three seats in the House to win control of the chamber, provided they hold all their seats, the group said it is looking to expand the party’s footprint and position Democrats to ride a potential wave election. POLITICO Playbook adds “Will Trump and Republicans benefit from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? There are warning signs in new CNN polling, which finds that Americans oppose the signature legislation 61% to 39%. Focusing on 37 districts that Dems want to flip, [the PAC is] focusing first and foremost on the megabill. POLITICO
UnitedHealth’s Campaign to Quiet Critics
The company has invoked the murder of an executive last year to complain about coverage in news outlets, on streaming services and on social media. In recent months, UnitedHealth has targeted traditional journalists and news outlets, a prominent investor, a Texas doctor and activists who complained about a UnitedHealth subsidiary. UnitedHealth joins a growing group of companies and wealthy individuals, including President Trump, who are using legal threats and lawsuits to deter or penalize criticism. NYT
Israeli plan for forced transfer of Gaza’s population ‘a blueprint for crimes against humanity’
Israel’s defense minister has laid out plans to force all Palestinians in Gaza into a camp on the ruins of Rafah, in a scheme that legal experts and academics described as a blueprint for crimes against humanity. Israeli forces would control the perimeter of the site and initially “move” 600,000 Palestinians into the area – mostly people currently displaced in the al-Mawasi area. Eventually the entire population of Gaza would be housed there, and Israel aims to implement “the emigration plan, which will happen,” Haaretz quoted Defense Minister Israel Katz saying. The Guardian ALSO ‘Humanitarian city’ would be concentration camp for Palestinians, says former Israeli PM
Surge in U.S. Concern About Immigration Has Abated
“Americans have grown markedly more positive toward immigration over the past year, with the share wanting immigration reduced dropping from 55% in 2024 to 30% today. At the same time, a record-high 79% of U.S. adults say immigration is a good thing for the country; a record-low 17% see it as a bad thing.These shifts reverse a four-year trend of rising concern about immigration that began in 2021 and reflect changes among all major party groups.” Donald Trump is underwater on his handling of the issue: “Thirty-five percent approve of his handling of the issue, including 21% strongly approving, while 62% disapprove, including 45% strongly.” [Update: 41 percent approval (“a new low”) midweek for Trump’s handling of immigration according to the latest Reuters-Ipsos poll – POLITICO] Gallup public opinion report via Portside.
The flame of thought, the magnificence of art, the wonder of discovery, and the audacity of invention all belong to revolutionary periods when humanity, tired of the chains of its restrictions, shatters them, and stops inebriated to breathe the breeze of a vaster and freer horizon.
–Virgilia D’Andrea
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