April 25, 2025
This week, I was proud to preview part of my Fiscal Year 2026 budget by announcing full FY26 funding for three programs that support our kids, families, and educators:
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$19.5 million for the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP), which supports pre-K seats for 3- and 4-year-olds outside of DCPS and DC public charter schools, ensuring more access and options for families across all eight wards.
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$86 million for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps eligible families pay for the cost of child care and supports access to high-quality education in the District.
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$70 million for the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, which helps child development facilities offer competitive wages and healthcare.
Over the past two decades, DC residents and taxpayers have made big investments in kids, schools, and families, and those investments are working: we have a world-class free pre-K program, enrollment in our public schools is up for the past three years, and the District remains the fastest-improving urban school district. In fact, to that end, I want to remind families that now is the time to enroll for the 2025-26 school year.
We know that when we invest in our kids and families there are many benefits – for our children's learning and development, for our neighborhoods, and for keeping families in DC. While these investments were my first preview of our upcoming budget, in the coming days, I look forward to sharing more about my FY26 priorities. You can expect that I will deliver a budget focused on schools, a clean and safe DC, and a transformational economic growth agenda.
 Join the Department of Public Works and the Department of Energy and Environment for a one-of-a-kind day of exploration, education, and excitement at the District’s annual Truck Touch Day. Nearly 30 vehicles from DC government agencies will allow kids and adults alike to hop in and learn more about the dump trucks, police cruisers, fire engines, and medical units that keep our city moving. See you there!
- When: Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 a.m.
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Where: RFK Stadium Lot 8, 2400 E Capitol Street SE
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Learn more at dpw.dc.gov/trucktouch
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Residents are encouraged to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day tomorrow, Saturday, April 26.
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the District will host drop-off sites across the city, where residents can safely dispose of unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription medications, helping to reduce the risk of misuse and protect the community.
Find drop-off sites in all eight wards here.
If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, DBH urges you to keep naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, on hand. Community members have used naloxone to reverse hundreds of suspected overdoses. Text “LiveLongDC” to 888-811 or visit livelong.dc.gov to receive a free naloxone kit by mail or delivery, or to find local pickup sites.
Catch the top high school talent from the DC region and around the country this weekend as they face off in one of the nation’s premier All-American basketball games. This year’s doubleheader includes the first-ever Girls DMV All-Star Game, followed by the Boys U.S. All-Stars vs. Capital All-Stars. Don’t miss your chance to see these future stars on the court!
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When: Saturday, April 26
- 12:00 p.m.: Inaugural Girls DMV All-Star Game
- 1:30 p.m.: Boys U.S. All-Stars vs. Capital All-Stars
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Where: CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE
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Purchase tickets here
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