DC Government Makes Financial Literacy Classes and Tools a Right for Every Public High School Student

DC is making financial literacy a required part of a high school education, a major change aimed at ensuring students graduate with the skills to manage money, credit and financial risk.

The DC State Board of Education (SBOE) voted last night, September 19, 2026, to add a half-credit financial literacy course to the District’s graduation framework, along with a half credit career preparation course. The SBOE’s vote completes the District’s approval process, and DC Public Schools and other local education agencies will be responsible for implementing the requirements.

Research shows that completing a personal finance course in high school can lead to substantial long-term financial benefits, including a $100,000 increase, on average, in lifetime earnings, as well as improved borrowing decisions, reduced debt, and stronger investment outcomes over a lifetime for the student who completed the class.

“This is an important victory for DC young people and their families,” said Ariel Levinson-Waldman, founding director of Tzedek DC. “Every young person should have the opportunity and tools to leave high school with a nuts and bolts understanding of a paycheck, taxes, and the benefit of savings and investing, and how to create a budget, manage credit, recognize financial scams, and work towards informed decisions about their future. Today’s vote makes those practical skills part a right for every DCPS child.”

Tzedek DC and coalition partners have been working on this issue for five years, including developing recommendations to the DC government, which has received an F from the national evaluators in its financial literacy curriculum, compared to an A for Virginia and B in Maryland. Following those recommendations, the DC Office of State Superintendent for Education finalized financial literacy standards in 2024. The standards emphasize practical financial skills such as earning income, saving and investing, budgeting, credit management, and managing financial risk. OSSE then proposed graduation requirements that would include a financial literacy and career preparation class.

Over the course of several hearings in March and April 2026, Tzedek DC staff members, young adult DC residents, alums of Tzedek DC’s Financial Empowerment Program, as well current DC high school seniors and other community members, testified to the DC State Board of Education in support of OSSE’s proposal.

Tzedek DC has seen the impact of financial education firsthand through its Youth Financial Empowerment Program, an eight-week course offered at no cost to District residents that covers budgeting, credit, savings, investing and consumer protections. Eighty-five percent of participants report making changes to their financial habits after completing the program, and 90% say they would recommend it to others.

The proposed half-credit course is a meaningful step towards empowering DC students with the tools to control their financial future. The graduation requirement aligns the District with neighboring states such as Virginia and Maryland and an emerging majority of states in the country, which already include financial literacy education within their high school graduation frameworks.

For more information about Tzedek DC’s Financial Empowerment Program, visit https://www.tzedekdc.org/empowerment.

This August 19, 2026, WUSA story covers this vote, including excerpts from an interview with Tzedek DC's Director.

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 7,000 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members.

Intern Spotlight – Dylan Russell-Roach

Financial education is essential for setting up young adults for success in adulthood; however, access to this education is not equal in DC. Then-DC high school senior Dylan Russell-Roach witnessed this firsthand as part of Tzedek DC’s Spring 2026 intern class, as well as the positive impacts of local financial empowerment programs.

This discrepancy was also a large part of what motivated Dylan to engage in a senior research project at public charter school BASIS Washington DC. Dylan’s research project explored financial literacy disparities in DC by analyzing the impacts of parental influence, financial education in schools, and the availability of other resources.

As an intern, Dylan significantly contributed to Tzedek DC’s Financial Empowerment Program, from attending weekly workshops to analyzing program data. She also helped financial counseling clients access important resources by creating individualized resource guides. She also drafted our June Financial Counseling Newsletter about summer energy costs to share practical information with our community. You can check out this newsletter here: Keeping Cool Without Breaking the Bank: What DC Residents Should Know About Summer Energy Costs.

Dylan also lent her powerful voice and perspective to Tzedek DC’s systemic change work. In April, Dylan testified in front of the State Board of Education, urging the DC government to restore financial literacy as a requirement in the DC Public Schools curriculum. In the testimony, she shared how she sought out financial education opportunities in middle school and high school by taking multiple optional elective courses related to finance and business since BASIS Washington DC did not offer specific financial literacy courses, mandatory or otherwise.

Dylan ended her testimony with a resonant message:

I realized early on how powerful financial knowledge can be after seeing my mom navigate challenges without the proper resources to build financial stability. Every student should be equipped with tools in high school to handle financial situations in the future. This requirement will be a pivotal step to ensuring DC’s future economic well-being.

Dylan testified alongside other Tzedek DC staff and alumni from our Financial Empowerment Program. The State Board of Education will vote on the updated graduation requirements next month on August 19.

Above: Photos of Dylan testifying in front of the State Board of Education in April.

Dylan graduated from BASIS Washington DC at the end of May and was awarded the BASIS Educational Ventures Scholarship, a prestigious college scholarship which recognizes one senior for their outstanding senior project execution and community engagement. Dylan is attending Spelman College in the fall and plans to continue advocating for financial literacy.

We could not be prouder of Dylan and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!

Above: Photos from Dylan’s Senior Project presentation in May, including Dylan with her parents and Tzedek DC staff members.

Keeping Cool Without Breaking the Bank: What DC Residents Should Know About Summer Energy Costs

Why are my bills so high? What does this mean during hot summer weather?

Many DC residents are already seeing unusually high electricity bills this year, even before the hottest months arrive. With summer approaching, rising energy costs and uncertainty about assistance programs are making it harder for households to plan and stay comfortable during the heat. We wanted to share what’s going on, steps you can take now, and where to find help if you need it. 

Why Energy Bills Are Higher

There are several factors that contribute to these higher costs, including rising demand for electricity, seasonal weather patterns, and fluctuation in gas prices used to generate power. Demand is also driven by population growth and the increasing number of electronic devices used in homes. 

Data centers are rapidly expanding across Maryland and Northern Virginia, affecting the DC area as well. Although data centers hold cloud computing and artificial intelligence, they require enormous amounts of electricity. 

In March 2026, the DC Council passed a law that prevents Pepco from deactivating the electricity of residents and businesses for 90 days if they owe $1,000 or less. This legislation recognizes that many residents are struggling to pay bills tied to rate increases and that no one should lose essential services because of sudden, dramatic cost hikes. 

Available Energy Assistance Programs

The Utility Affordability Administration (UAA) is a resource for energy efficiency, utility affordability, and residential services for District residents.

• Provides direct financial assistance through discounts to low-income residents to help offset their utility bills

• Helps improve the overall comfort, energy efficiency, and safety of DC residents’ homes

Receive Assistance with Your Utility Bills (LIHEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government-funded program that assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs.

• Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $200 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit.

While energy costs are rising, there is uncertainty around funding for utility assistance programs:

• The President’s proposed federal budget for FY27 includes eliminating funding for the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

• **While this budget proposal is unlikely to pass as written, it creates uncertainty.

What this means for residents: Energy assistance programs are still available, but funding levels and availability could change, so applying early is important.

Receive Discounts on Your Utility Bills (UDP)

The District of Columbia Utility Discount Program (UDP) helps low-income DC residents lower the cost of essential utility bills, including electricity, gas, and water/sewer.

• The program is run by the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and is designed to make utilities more affordable and prevent service shutoffs.

• UDP often works alongside LIHEAP (the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), so in many cases, a single application determines eligibility for both programs.

Resources beyond LIHEAP:

• Pepco: Assistance Programs (DC) | Pepco - An Exelon Company

• Washington Gas: Energy Assistance Programs - Washington Gas

• DC Water: Financial Assistance | DC Water

Information about the LIHEAP Application

The DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) is currently accepting applications for LIHEAP and the Utility Discount Program (UDP) for FY26.

• If you applied for UDP before November 13, 2025, your application is under review and will be used to process both UDP and LIHEAP.

All residents seeking energy assistance will need to meet income guidelines and provide the following documents when submitting their application:

• A government-issued, unexpired photo identification card for the applicant

• Recent Washington Gas, PEPCO, and DC Water utility bills

• Proof of current income for all household members

• Social security cards for all household members

• Your service disconnection notice or a letter from the utility company that states the service has been disconnected (if applicable)*

To get ahead of the curve, apply for DOEE energy assistance by completing the online application. Refer to doee.dc.gov/liheap to view more information about the process and alternate ways to submit the application.

If you’re missing documents or have questions, applying anyway or reaching out for help is still encouraged.

Where to Get Help with the LIHEAP Application

Emergency Assistance is for when energy service has been disconnected or home heating oil is depleted.

Regular Assistance is for when energy service has not been disconnected.

For help:

• Review the income guidelines to verify income eligibility

• Call 311 or (202) 737-4404 to schedule an appointment at one of DOEE’s Energy Centers

Additional Steps Residents Can Take to Lower Energy Costs

In addition to utility assistance programs, small everyday changes can help residents lower their energy use and reduce monthly bills. The tips below from the U.S. Department of Energy are simple, affordable, and can be implemented—even if a household is currently receiving energy assistance.

• Use fans instead of air conditioning

• Use the bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans while showering or cooking to lower household temperature

• Adjust your thermostat regularly

• Use shades and blinds during the day to keep heat out

• Shut off lights, computers, and other electronic appliances when you’re not using them

More tips from the U.S. Department of Energy are available here.

Home Energy Audits

Home energy audits, also known as home energy assessments, can help you understand how your home is using energy. It shows how much energy your home uses, where it is inefficiently using energy, and which problem areas and fixes can improve energy use and comfort in your home. 

Department of Energy & Environment: DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Energy Audit

DIY Audits can help you identify and correct any energy losses from your home. Below are some tips to perform your own DIY Audit:

• Correcting Air Flow Problems: Identify where air leaks are occurring

• Lighting: Conserve energy by turning off lights or using efficient light bulbs

• Indoor Air Quality: Back-drafting occurs when exhaust fans pull combustion smoke into living areas, making air quality unsuitable

• Insulation: The level of insulation in your ceilings and walls determines the amount of heat loss in your home

Tzedek DC is Here to Help

We know energy costs are a concern for many people during the upcoming summer season. If you’re facing legal or financial hardship due to high energy costs or any other consumer-related issues, our team is here for you. We offer free legal and financial counseling for DC residents.

Reach out now: tzedekdc.org/legal-services-contact-us 

Visit tzedekdc.org or call us at (202) 274-7386. 

Please note: If you are a new client requesting financial or legal assistance via voicemail or online submission, our intake response time may be up to 10 business days.

DC Council Approves Consumer Protection Procedures Act Amendments

New protections passed on June 2 by the DC Council will strengthen bans on abusive practices to ensure bad actors can be held accountable. Through participation in a consumer rights stakeholder group, Tzedek DC helped shape the bill—the Enhancing Consumer Protection Procedures Amendment Act of 2025.

The bill modernizes the Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA) to better reflect how consumer harm occurs in today’s economy. It expands who can be treated as a “merchant,” ensuring that businesses and individuals involved in any part of a transaction, including those offering related services or operating behind the scenes, cannot avoid responsibility.

The bill also strengthens protections by making clear that abusive practices are prohibited, building on existing bans on unfair and deceptive conduct. It closes legal loopholes that have made it harder for residents to challenge harmful practices and clarifies that violations of District law tied to consumer transactions can be enforced under the CPPA.

The Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection will have more authority to pursue companies and organizations that operate using harmful consumer practices, even if the practices are not explicitly listed in the CPPA. In addition, there are increases to the penalties for violations of the CPPA, which had not been adjusted for inflation for 28 years.

“These updates are critical to ensuring that DC’s consumer protection law keeps pace with the realities facing residents,” said A.J. Hong-Huber, Associate Director at Tzedek DC and member of the working group.

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 6,500 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members.

DC Council Approves Medical Debt Reform Bill Backed by Tzedek DC Report

The DC Council on Tuesday approved major medical debt reform legislation shaped by recommendations from Tzedek DC, advancing new protections for District residents facing medical debt and collection actions.

The Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act, introduced by Councilmember Christina Henderson, will, once it takes effect, prohibit medical debt from credit reports, cap interest rates, and require hospitals to screen patients for financial assistance before sending bills to collections. The legislation passed unanimously on final vote and now heads to the Mayor for signature.

Since the bill’s introduction, Tzedek DC has pushed for its passage through public testimony, supporting residents in telling their stories, meetings with Councilmembers, and continued outreach around the impact medical debt is having on District residents.

The bill responds to and implements key recommendations from Tzedek DC’s 2025 report, “More Than a Band-Aid: Systemic Changes to Protect DC Residents from Medical Debt,” which documented how medical debt is affecting residents across the District and outlined policy recommendations now reflected in the legislation.

According to the report, 90,000 or more District residents carry medical debt. Tzedek DC found that many residents delayed care, struggled to secure housing or employment, or faced aggressive collection actions after a medical emergency or illness.

A Racial Equity Impact Assessment released by the DC Council's Office of Racial Equity found the bill is likely to advance racial equity in the District, citing data showing Black and Latine residents are twice as likely as white residents to carry medical debt and to face debt collection actions.

“Today’s vote by the Council is a major step forward for District residents who have been forced to choose between their health and their financial stability,” said Ariel Levinson-Waldman, Tzedek DC’s Founding Director. “Medical debt can follow someone long after they leave the hospital, affecting where they live, whether they can get approved for credit, and even whether they seek care in the future. This bill begins to change that.”

The legislation clarifies how nonprofit hospitals and other covered facilities must offer free or reduced-cost care to eligible patients and create income-based payment plans before pursuing medical debt collections. It also places new restrictions on lawsuits, wage garnishment, and liens on residents’ homes from medical debt.

Maryland and Virginia have enacted similar medical debt protections, and advocates say the District’s legislation would position DC among a growing number of jurisdictions taking action as medical debt continues to rise nationwide.

To read Tzedek DC’s report on how medical debt affects DC residents, click here. Tzedek DC has been working to reform DC’s medical debt system for more than five years, with significant leadership on the issue provided by Jennifer Holloway, Staff Attorney and leader of Tzedek DC’s Medical Debt Project.

About Tzedek DC, Our Medical Debt Work, and the Health Equity Fund

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC is a nonprofit organization. Our mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles, including those arising from medical debt. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower its client base, which is comprised of 90% Black residents, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice, and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 6,500 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members.

A portion of Tzedek DC’s medical debt work is funded by the Health Equity Fund, as administered by the Greater Washington Community Foundation in partnership with the Health Equity Committee. The Health Equity Fund is designated to improve the health outcomes and health equity of residents of the District of Columbia. The historic fund is one of the largest philanthropic funds of any kind focused on community-based nonprofits that serve District residents. Given that 80 percent of DC’s health outcomes are driven by social, economic, and other factors, compared to just 20 percent by clinical care, the Health Equity Fund adopts an economic mobility framework to address the root causes of health inequity and advances a sustainable network of people, organizations, and projects to ensure equitable health outcomes for Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color and other marginalized populations in DC.

We are especially grateful to the Health Equity Fund for the support and shared vision of health equity and racial and economic justice.

Tzedek DC and Coalition Launch Foundations for the Future Program

Today birdSEED Foundation, DC Affordable Law Firm, Tzedek DC, and Yachad announced the launch of Foundations for the Future: Building Homes, Wealth, and Lasting Legacies in DC—a $3.8 million initiative designed to create sustainable pathways to homeownership, financial resilience, and intergenerational wealth for Washingtonians.

“Foundations for the Future is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: housing is one of the most important drivers of health, stability, and generational opportunity,” the organizations shared in a joint statement. “By combining financial empowerment, direct capital, legal advocacy, estate planning, and healthy housing remediation into one coordinated strategy, we are building a model that helps families not only purchase or preserve homes, but protect and pass those assets on to future generations.”

Foundations for the Future targets ALICE residents—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households—hardworking individuals and families who are employed, often in multiple jobs, but remain financially vulnerable and several steps away from long-term economic stability. In the District, ALICE households are disproportionately Black, Latino, and multiracial residents who continue to face systemic barriers to homeownership, wealth accumulation, and asset preservation.

The initiative brings together four organizations with complementary expertise to create what partners describe as a “five-step pathway” toward durable, intergenerational wealth creation:

1. Wealth Advising and Financial Empowerment

Tzedek DC will provide their Financial Empowerment Program, including on budgets, savings, investing, scams/frauds, and home equity loans; 1:1 financial counseling, and legal help for identity theft, debt, credit report, and collection issues to help participants strengthen financial health and prepare for homeownership. The 8-week Financial Empowerment Program focused on budgeting, long-term financial planning, consumer protection, and wealth building. For those unable to attend the full 8-week course, Tzedek DC will also offer single sessions of the investment class and a class about mortgage and HELOC loans. Approved applicants who attend the investment course and are eligible for an investment account will receive $1,500 to seed the investment account, which can eventually become a retirement account.

2. Homebuyer and Heir Support

birdSEED Foundation will provide direct, no-strings grants of up to $30,000 to support 60 home purchases and home preservation efforts in the District of Columbia.

In addition to supporting the purchase of homes by first-time homebuyers, these flexible funds will also be deployed to support heirs seeking to preserve intergenerational DC family homes and become first-time homeowners, providing up to $30,000 per estate to resolve tax liabilities, mortgage arrearages, liens, and other property-related debts that prevent heirs from securing a clear title to inherited homes. Specifically, the funds deployed will enable eligible heirs represented by DC Affordable Law Firm in probate matters to resolve “tangled titles” and secure ownership of inherited DC family homes that would otherwise remain locked in the name of deceased relatives.

3. Estate Planning and Legacy Protection

DC Affordable Law Firm will provide comprehensive free “health and wealth” estate planning services for participating homeowners and heirs served through the program to ensure newly acquired or preserved assets remain protected and transferable across generations.

4. Emergency Savings and Financial Stability

Upon completion of estate planning services, birdSEED will establish $5,000 emergency funds for participating homeowners to help stabilize families during unexpected financial challenges.

5. Healthy Housing and Home Remediation

Yachad will administer a $500,000 remediation fund dedicated to addressing critical, health-related housing conditions identified during inspections and throughout the first several years of ownership. Much of the remediation work will be completed by Black and Brown contractors, further reinvesting resources into local communities and supporting long-term housing stability.

The organizations emphasized that the initiative is intentionally designed as a holistic and highly coordinated intervention—one that addresses the interconnected financial, legal, and structural barriers that often prevent families from achieving lasting economic mobility.

“This has never been done before in this way,” the organizations said. “The innovation is not simply in the individual services, but in the compounded impact of delivering them together for the same cohort of residents. The combination of direct capital, financial counseling, legal representation, estate planning, and housing remediation creates a powerful model for building durable, intergenerational wealth.”

The initiative also seeks to serve as a long-term demonstration project and blueprint for future public and philanthropic investment. The organizations anticipate that the model could help shape future housing and wealth-building programs in the District of Columbia and beyond.

The project will launch with strategic recruitment through the partners’ existing client and community networks, including birdSEED’s prior homebuyer applicants, DC Affordable Law Firm’s probate clients seeking to preserve inherited homes, and participants from financial empowerment, housing counseling, and legal services programs across DC. Foundations for the Future’s first application round launches today, with selection of the first cohort of program participants and the launch of the initiative’s first financial empowerment cohort expected in early Summer 2026.

Over time, the organizations estimate the initiative could generate transformative long-term outcomes for participating families. Based on projected home appreciation and equity growth, the coalition estimates that the 60 homes preserved or purchased through Foundations for the Future could collectively generate approximately $46.6 million in equity gains over the next 20 years for participating homeowners and their heirs.

“Our goal is not simply to help families close on homes,” the organizations said. “Our goal is to ensure families can remain in those homes, stay healthy in those homes, build wealth through those homes, and ultimately pass those homes and assets on to future generations. This is about helping to remedy historic injustices that have perpetuated racial wealth inequities, foster economic mobility for families, and build lasting legacies in DC for DC residents.”

Foundations for the Future is made possible through a grant from the Greater Washington Community Foundation’s Health Equity Fund, which works to improve the health outcomes and health equity of DC residents.

Visit the Foundations for the Future landing page, available at: https://www.birdseed.org/foundationsforthefuture. 

About the Partner Organizations

birdSEED Foundation invests in individuals and families through “no strings attached” direct cash assistance to unlock homeownership opportunities, and thereby help close the racial wealth gap.

DC Affordable Law Firm (DCALF) is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to bridging gaps in civil legal services to expand access to justice for DC residents by removing economic barriers to representation and delivering services that create pathways to safety, stability, and economic security through free direct legal representation, systems-change advocacy, and the deployment of innovative legal service delivery models designed to build a more equitable future. DCALF focuses on serving the District’s ALICE population, a “forgotten middle” often excluded from both traditional legal aid and the private legal market.

Tzedek DC's mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—financial counseling and legal representation; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community education, including our Financial Empowerment Program.

Yachad works to improve housing conditions and community well-being through healthy housing interventions, environmental justice initiatives, and strategic partnerships that promote health equity and housing stability.

Financial Empowerment Program: April Updates

Empowering Stronger Financial Futures across the District

April is National Financial Literacy Month—and at Tzedek DC, we’re celebrating by sharing how our Financial Empowerment Program is helping our neighbors build knowledge, confidence, and lasting financial stability, while also catalyzing systemic change.

Thanks to the generosity of our community partners and supporters, this spring has been filled with meaningful milestones—from program graduations to advocacy at the DC State Board of Education.

Graduation Time: Supporting New Financial Futures

This spring, Tzedek DC proudly celebrated the graduation of two Financial Empowerment Program cohorts, marking the culmination of eight weeks of learning, reflection, and community building. We were honored to welcome Kamal Ben Ali, co-owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl and Vice-Chair of the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation, to speak at the event.

Participants engaged in workshops on:

• Creating sustainable spending plans

• Understanding paychecks and benefits

• Credit reports and investments

• Identifying scams and knowing their rights

One cohort was offered in partnership with So Others Might Eat (SOME), and another was held virtually—ensuring accessibility and flexibility for participants.

Most powerful of all were the reflections from graduates themselves:

““I am informed and empowered. I am no longer alone.” ”

— Adejonwo

“This program has helped me realize that financial literacy starts with me, and improving my daily spending habits can set me up for success in the long run.””

— Shalone

““I really enjoyed the community aspect. It helps to know others are trying to improve their lives as well. I wish it weren’t so difficult for so many people, but solidarity is nice.””

— Rebecca

These voices reflect what community support makes possible: not just information, but empowerment, connection, and hope.

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Building Community Beyond Graduation: Alumni Workshops Launch

Financial empowerment doesn’t end at graduation. We recently launched our first-ever alumni workshops for graduates of the Financial Empowerment Program.

Workshops included:

• Reading Your Tax Return, in partnership with American University’s Tax Clinic

• Healing Money Wounds, an interactive session exploring how financial trauma impacts financial behaviors and introducing tools for financial healing

It was especially meaningful to bring together alumni from the 2023-2025 cohorts, reconnecting participants and strengthening community.

We are thrilled to continue growing this alumni network and expanding opportunities for ongoing learning and connection—an investment in long-term financial stability.

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Advocating for Every DC Student to Have Access to Critical Financial Tools and Basic Skills

While direct services are critical, lasting change also requires policy advocacy.

For generations, all DC public school students received instruction in basic financial literacy and personal finance on items such as budgeting, bank accounts, and loans. That stopped in the wake of the DC Control Board. For over three years, Tzedek DC has been working in coalition to restore financial literacy to the DCPS curriculum. This previously led to the adoption by the DC Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) of a strong set of standards reflecting Tzedek DC’s input. But for now, the teaching of the topic remains optional and it is not consistently offered to DC high school students. The next key step is to help DC to join the majority of states and make the topic a part of the required experience for every graduating senior.

This spring, Tzedek DC testified before the DC State Board of Education in support of making financial literacy a graduation requirement for DC Public Schools.

As Tzedek DC Financial Counselor Melissa Mazard shared:

“This stage of life is a window of opportunity where we can guide learning and provide students with tools to manage their finances effectively and recover when financial challenges arise. I believe that making financial education a graduation requirement is about preparation and empowerment. At its core, it helps students make informed decisions that support their goals, their values, and the lives they want to build.”

The urgency is clear. The American Public Education Foundation’s 2014–2024 report card gave the District of Columbia a failing grade for financial literacy, noting the need for a stand-alone high school personal finance course.

Tzedek DC’s Founding Director-, Ariel Levinson--Waldman, emphasized the stakes:

“Access to financial education can increase an individual’s lifetime earnings; research shows a six-figure benefit, including reduced overall debt, improved borrowing rates, and smarter investment strategies. We are urging DC to follow this from around the country and in our public school curriculum.”

Following this testimony, WTOP News featured remarks from Ariel and 2025 Financial Empowerment Program graduate, Yewoinhareg Kebede, on the proposal to make financial literacy a DC graduation requirement.

Listen to the radio clip and see more photos from the hearing below:

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Thank You for Making This Work Possible

From program graduates gaining confidence in their financial decisions to advocacy that can shape the future for thousands of DC students. Thank you to our donors, partners, and community supporters for making Financial Empowerment possible. Together, we are helping people improve their financial lives today while building a more equitable future.

Get Your Refund: Claim the 2025 DC Homeowner and Renter Property Tax Credit (HRPTC) (Schedule H) Today!

Start the New Year with Extra Cash and Smart Financial Moves

Did you know that if you rented or owned a DC home that you lived in during all of 2025, you may qualify for DC’s Schedule H Tax Credit?

This credit is designed to help homeowners and renters with low to moderate incomes offset the cost of housing. What’s even more exciting is that you can claim up to three years of Schedule H tax credits, which, for some people, could mean thousands of dollars back in their pocket. With tax season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of this valuable benefit—and we’re here to help!

What Is the DC Schedule H Tax Credit?

The DC Schedule H Tax Credit, also called the DC Homeowner and Renter Property Tax Credit (HRPTC), provides up to $1,425 in property tax relief for qualifying residents (the amount varies by tax year). Whether you rent or own your home, this credit is based on the amount of property tax you pay (or help your landlord pay by paying them rent) compared to your income.

Who Qualifies? 

You may qualify for the 2024 Schedule H Tax Credit if you meet the following criteria: 

• You were a DC resident from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. 

• Your residence is not part of a public housing dwelling.

• You rented, owned, lived in a home, apartment, rooming house, or condominium in DC during all of 2025.

• Your 2025 federal adjusted gross income (AGI) was $66,000 or less (or $90,000 or less if you are 70 years of age or older). 

• You did not rent from a landlord whose property was either exempt from real property taxes or who paid a percentage of rental income to DC instead of paying a real estate tax.

• You are not claimed as a Dependent on someone else’s federal, state, or DC income tax return (unless you reached age 65 on or before December 31, 2025).

When is Schedule H Due? 

The 2025 Schedule H form is due by April 15, 2026. However, you have three years from the due date to file and claim the credit. That means that April 15, 2026, is the final deadline to file Schedule H for the 2022 tax year (January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022).

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, Tzedek DC can help you determine your eligibility.

How to Claim the Credit 

To claim the DC Schedule H Tax Credit:

1. Complete the Schedule H form when filing your DC individual income tax return. If you have already submitted your tax return for a previous year without the Schedule H form, you may file an amended return to include Schedule H.

2. If you aren’t required to file an income tax return, you can still file the Schedule H form by itself to claim the credit.

3. Need assistance? We can guide you on where to file your tax forms or connect you to trusted tax preparation resources. 

Financial Tips to Make the Most of Your Tax Refund 

Tax refunds are a great opportunity to build financial stability. Consider these benefits of saving a portion of your refund:

• Emergency Fund: Protect yourself from unexpected expenses.

• Debt Repayment: Reduce your high-interest debt and save on interest payments.

• Future Financial Goals: Start working toward future goals, such as homeownership, education, or retirement.

If you need help creating a savings plan or deciding how to use your refund to achieve your 2026 financial goals, our financial counseling team is here to help! 

Act Now!

Contact us today for free financial counseling and legal guidance.

Don’t leave money on the table! Schedule a financial counseling appointment with us to:

• Determine if you qualify for the DC Schedule H or any other Tax Credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.

• Get guidance on where to file your tax return.

• Learn strategies to save and maximize your refund. 

Your tax refund can be more than just a one-time payment—it can be a stepping stone to financial security. Let us help you make the most of it. Submit a direct inquiry for our services here: Tzedek DC Legal and Financial Counseling Services Inquiry

Visit tzedekdc.org or call us at (202) 274-7386 to learn more.

***While there is currently a dispute between the DC and federal government about certain tax credits and tax brackets for the 2025 tax year, the DC Office of Chief Financial Officers (OCFO) has announced that the filing deadline for 2025 taxes remains April 15, 2026.  If you would like advice on how that dispute may impact your decision of when to file your taxes, please reach out to Tzedek DC for assistance.

Tzedek DC Celebrates the Selection of 2026-2029 Open Horizon Fellow Rockaya Ndoye

Tzedek DC is thrilled to announce the selection and hiring of third-year University of the District of Columbia Law student Rockaya Ndoye as part of the launch of our brand-new Open Horizon Fellowship program. Rockaya will begin her Fellowship in the Fall of 2026.

The program has two parallel goals: first, to expand the pipeline of DC public interest attorneys from historically marginalized communities who are well-prepared to assume future leadership roles; and second, to contribute meaningfully to Tzedek DC’s ongoing direct legal services, policy work, community outreach, and management work.

Rockaya will join Tzedek DC in the Fall of 2026 following her graduation from UDC David A. Clarke School of Law. While in law school, Rockaya was a Student Clinical Attorney and served as a legal intern at the Office of Consumer Protection in the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, the Consumer Federation of America, and the Federal Trade Commission.

The innovative Open Horizon Fellowship at Tzedek DC is intentionally longer than most—three years—giving post-law school Fellows a breadth and depth of experience in direct services, systemic reform, and nonprofit management and leadership. Each year of the fellowship focuses on these three areas, and during the third year, mentoring the next Open Horizon Fellow at Tzedek DC.

“We are grateful for this social impact investment by Open Horizon and are excited to begin this Fellowship,” said Tzedek DC’s Director, Ariel Levinson-Waldman. “Our full team looks forward to working closely with Rockaya to put her on the path towards future leadership.”

“I am excited to join Tzedek DC and to begin my legal career building hands-on experience in consumer protection law and representing individuals in individual debt collection and consumer rights litigation before DC courts, federal agencies, and other tribunals, and also helping make systemic change,” said Rockaya.

About Open Horizon

Open Horizon is a family foundation based in Alexandria, VA, established in 2019. Open Horizon collaborates with nonprofit partners to co-create opportunities that advance racial and social justice through support in Economic Justice, Education Justice, and Health Justice. Serving the Greater Washington DC area, the US South, and beyond, Open Horizon is committed to catalyzing positive change by funding, building capacity, convening communities, and amplifying voices. Through relational and values-driven philanthropy, they invest in transformative leaders and community-rooted strategies for lasting impact.

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 6,500 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members.

AI, Credit, and the Myth of the Shortcut

What you need to know to protect your financial well-being.

Credit affects many important parts of our lives—our housing options, employment opportunities, and overall financial stability. It’s understandable that when people want to improve their credit, they look for tools that promise quick answers or faster results. Recently, many of these tools have been marketed as “AI-powered,” which can make them sound more effective or advanced than they really are.

We’ll walk through what AI can and cannot do when it comes to credit. Our goal is to help you stay informed, protect your personal information, and focus on the trusted habits that truly build strong credit over time.

The Myth of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is showing up more and more in our financial lives. Some tools genuinely help you stay organized or better understand your credit. Others use the word “AI” mainly as a marketing term—sometimes to sell products, and sometimes to collect personal data.

Because of that, it’s important to understand the real limits of AI in the credit world.

Here’s what AI cannot do for your credit:

• Remove accurate negative information from your credit reports

• Override the laws that govern credit scoring

• Raise your credit score instantly

• Replace the consistent habits that build and maintain good credit

• Prevent creditors from reporting missed payments

• Fix errors without you filing a proper dispute

In short: AI cannot perform shortcuts or miracles.

It can support your credit habits, but it cannot do the work for you.

Protect Your Privacy and Data When Exploring AI Tools

Before using any app or platform, review:

• How your data is used or shared

• Whether the company makes unrealistic promises

• If the service is transparent about security

• Whether the platform collects more information than necessary

Your information is valuable—treat it with care.

The Myth of the Shortcut

Credit improvement has never been about quick fixes. While technology can help you stay organized, real credit growth still relies on your actions, not on automated tools.

Some platforms now advertise “AI-powered credit repair” or “instant score boosts.” These claims are not only misleading—some are impossible under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

It’s completely understandable to want a faster path, especially when credit feels overwhelming or stressful. But the truth is: the actions that build credit have stayed the same for decades because they work.

Examples of actions that lead to lasting credit improvement:

• Paying bills on time

• Keeping balances low

• Avoiding unnecessary new debt

• Maintaining a long, positive credit history

• Reviewing credit reports regularly and resolving errors

These steps may not feel exciting, but they are reliable—and they protect you from predatory services that promise results they cannot deliver.

Use AI to Support Real-World Actions

AI can still be a helpful tool—when you use it intentionally.

AI won’t build your credit for you, but it can help you break your credit-building goals into smaller steps, understand financial terms, and create a personalized plan.

Here are example prompts you can use:

1. Pay bills on time

Prompt:

“Help me build a payment system that prevents missed bills—include reminders and due date strategies.”

2. Keep debt balances low

Prompt:

“Explain how credit utilization works and create a 60–90 day plan to lower my balances.”

3. Avoid taking on unnecessary debt

Prompt:

“Help me evaluate when taking on new debt makes sense and when I should avoid it.”

4. Maintain a long, positive credit history

Prompt:

“Walk me through the impact of closing old credit accounts and help me weigh the impact on my credit history of closing those accounts.”

5. Monitor your reports for errors

Prompt:

“Create a detailed checklist for reviewing my credit reports and identifying common errors to dispute.”

AI-Driven Credit Tools: Helpful, But Not a Magic Fix

Tools like Experian Boost or Credit Karma’s Score Simulator can offer insights into how your actions might affect your score. Some users may see small improvements, but these tools:

• Only effect certain credit files (e.g., Experian only)

• Do not change how lenders calculate risk

• Cannot guarantee score increases

• May require sharing access to sensitive personal data

Use these tools to learn, not as a replacement for real credit habits.

What Actually Works: The Tried-and-True Methods Still Win

While AI tools can be helpful companions, the most reliable credit-building strategies are the same ones that have supported consumers for decades.

Credit Education: Understanding how credit works and knowing your rights is the foundation of making the best credit decisions.

myFICO.com: Provides education and access to the scoring models most lenders actually use.

NFCC-Certified Counselors: Trusted, nonprofit professionals offering judgment-free credit and debt guidance rooted in consumer protection.

AnnualCreditReport.com: Your official, free source for reviewing all three major credit reports and catching errors early.

Reliable Credit-Building Strategies:

• Pay bills on time

• Limit debt

• Keep balances low

• Let your credit history grow

• Review your reports regularly

Small, consistent actions drive lasting credit changes.

Final Word

AI can absolutely play a role in supporting your credit journey—but only as a partner. Real credit improvement doesn’t come from shortcuts or technology. It comes from your awareness, your decisions, and your consistency.

And you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Tzedek DC is here to support you with free, judgment-free, trauma-informed guidance so you can build credit with confidence and protect your financial future.

Reach out now: tzedekdc.org/legal-services-contact-us

Visit tzedekdc.org or call us at  (202) 274-7386

Washington Post Features Tzedek DC’s Medical Debt Work as 12/15 Hearing Approaches

The Washington Post recently covered the national and local DC reform debates about the harms of medical debt on credit reports, quoting Staff Attorney Jennifer Holloway and linking to Tzedek DC’s report on DC’s medical debt crisis in advance of the upcoming December 15, 2025, hearing by the DC Council on proposed reforms arising out of the report. 

As Medicaid cuts take effect and the federal government’s harmful policies worsen, the already significant scope of medical debt problems is generating further focus, leading into the Council’s December 15 hearing. 

DC’s medical debt challenges mirror the emerging, large national challenges. Newsweek on November 30 devoted an entire article to medical debt, noting in part that "As part of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill', there will be $1 trillion in cuts made to Medicaid, which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicted will see millions pushed off the program, alongside work requirements for eligibility, unless exempt, which many have warned will push even more Americans off the program, largely because of the administrative burden."

Further, the expiration of enhanced tax credits, which helped low-income Americans purchase plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, is expected to cause healthcare premiums to rise about 20 percent. Millions of people may lose access to health insurance as a result of these changes. 

Stanford University professor Mahoney notes, as quoted in Newsweek, that "My research shows this medical debt will weigh on family budgets and harm their health, reducing credit scores and making families think twice before filling their medications and going back to the doctor for follow-up care." He went on to say, “hospitals should also do their part by providing financial assistance to families that can't pay and forgiving unpayable debt." 

Tzedek DC’s testimony at the DC Council’s upcoming December 15 hearing and our coalition advocacy and support of community members sharing their stories will make the case for reforms to reduce those stresses and burdens on DC families from medical debt.

About Tzedek DC 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 6,000 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members. 

Tzedek DC Expands Development and Communications Team

Tzedek DC is thrilled to announce the growth of our development and communications team! We recently welcomed Jessica Trease as our first-ever Director of Development and Sarah Foster as Development & Communications Associate. Longtime Tzedek DC colleague Caitlyn Hickman has been promoted to Assistant Director of Development. 

Development Director Jessica Trease brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, with a career centered on strengthening nonprofit organizations in the District. Her deep experience includes serving as Development Director and Interim Executive Director at Ayuda, one of Tzedek DC’s partner organizations, and she holds a Master of Social Work and is a Certified Fundraising Executive. 

Assistant Development Director Caitlyn Hickman served singlehandedly as Tzedek DC’s full-time development and communications manager since February 2020, until this expansion. Under her leadership during the past five years, Tzedek DC’s development revenue has more than quadrupled. Prior to joining Tzedek DC, Caitlyn worked in business development and communications for a DC law firm, and she holds a Master of Science in Philosophy. 

Sarah Foster is Tzedek DC’s Development & Communications Associate. Sarah began her fundraising career working in student development and alumni relations at York College of Pennsylvania and expanded her reach to the DC area through a year-long internship at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Sarah holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration. 

Tzedek DC’s Founding Director Ariel Levinson-Waldman said: “In response to community demand, in the nearly nine years since we opened our doors, Tzedek DC has grown to a paid staff of 20, supported by many volunteers. The addition and promotion of these talented development professionals reflect the need to sustain, expand, and adapt our work in response to the increasing needs of our clients and the DC community we serve in these challenging times.”

About Tzedek DC 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 6,000 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members. 

Court Halts Policing in DC by State Militias Following Tzedek DC Advocacy

Yesterday, a federal court ruled that the federal government’s unilateral deployment of the National Guard into the District was unlawful, finding that the President exceeded his lawful authority by using military troops to police the District of Columbia.

The court issued a preliminary injunction halting the National Guard deployment in DC, which will go into effect in twenty days.

In September, Tzedek DC and allied DC civil rights and legal services organizations filed a federal court amicus brief to support the District of Columbia’s lawsuit to stop the use of the National Guard for local law enforcement purposes.

As an organization that serves a significant number of crime victims, Tzedek DC is especially concerned that those making choices about running the District’s local public safety functions are accountable to those who will feel the impact of their decisions most directly.

The court’s ruling makes clear that no President can deploy military troops into DC without legal authority—and reinforces the importance of public accountability, civil rights, and DC autonomy.

Read the ruling here. 

Read the injunction here. 

Read the amicus brief here. 

About Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 6,000 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members.

Tzedek DC’s Advocacy Against Cash Bail Featured in News as Fight Moves to Senate

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a proposed bill to reimpose a cash bail system on DC, a drastic change that would displace and destabilize the current, public safety-focused system that the DC Council adopted more than 30 years ago.  

The bill, which went through the House without a single witness at any hearings, seeks to both reimpose cash bail in DC and create mandatory detention for certain crimes, and, if made law, will lead to a bail system created on wealth rather than using DC’s current bail system, which focuses on public safety and risk of flight factors when making pre-trial release decisions.

Tzedek DC and allies are urging the Senate on a bipartisan basis to reject this proposal. Tzedek DC co-led a coalition of 180 organizations and concerned individuals in the submission of a joint letter earlier this week to the Senate and House detailing why the bill violates Home Rule and would harm DC residents if enacted. DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton submitted the coalition letter to the Congressional Record during yesterday’s floor debate in the House. 

This advocacy followed the release of a new report by Tzedek DC on “Why Imposing Cash Bail Would Fail the People of DC.” The report details how, for 33 years, the District has been a national model for its risk-based detention system. Through a data-based approach, the report illustrates how DC’s current risk-based pretrial detention system has been effective and promoted public safety, how cash bail systems around the country have harmed communities and failed to improve public safety, and how a sudden cash bail mandate would threaten to overwhelm DC’s already dangerous and overcrowded jail and destabilize DC’s courts, all while exacerbating DC’s persistent racial disparities.

The coalition letter and Tzedek DC report have been featured in multiple local and national news outlets this week.

Tzedek DC’s report was referenced and linked in the Washington Post article, “Taking Trump’s lead, House Republicans eye changes to D.C. bail, policing.” The article features a quote from Tzedek DC Direct Ariel Levinson-Waldman, noting that the legislation would “punish poor people who may not pose a public safety risk to the community.” 

An article by The Bail Project featured Tzedek DC Staff Attorney and Returning Citizens Project lead Hannah Milem in their piece on “The Fight Over Freedom in D.C.” Hannah said, “We all want safer, healthier communities. But taking away freedom from people who can’t pay doesn’t make anyone safer—it just makes injustice deeper.” 

Interviews with Ariel were also broadcast on DC News Now and FOX5. DC News Now and FOX5 also released accompanying articles ahead of and after the vote, titled “DC advocates, leaders push back on House effort to reinstate cash bail system” and “House Republicans pass bills aimed at changing cash bail, police policies in DC,” where you can also view the segments.  

Tzedek DC team members stood shoulder to shoulder at a rally in support of the pro-DC advocacy on Capitol Hill and are pictured below standing in support of remarks made by Ward 8 Minister Christian Watkins of the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. Tzedek DC is also grateful that Councilmember Robert White at the rally cited Tzedek DC’s report in his remarks. 

Tzedek DC will continue to advocate against federal action seeking to reimpose cash bail in DC. As the bill moves to the Senate, Tzedek DC and allies will continue to fight for DC policy to be set by DC’s Home Rule Act-elected leaders based on best practices, data, and DC’s public interest, including public safety and economic justice. 

Click here to read the full coalition letter. 

Click here to read the full report. 

About Tzedek DC 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 6,000 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members. 

Coalition of 180 Organizations and Individuals Urges Congress to Reject the DC Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025

A coalition of 180 organizations and concerned individuals is urging Congress to reject H.R. 5214, the “District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025,” warning it would reverse decades of progress, make DC less safe, and harm DC’s home rule.

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the measure on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

The bill, voted out of the House Oversight Committee on September 10, 2025, would reimpose a cash bail system in the District for the first time in more than 30 years. It would force the District to abandon its risk-based pre-trial system and instead require people accused of crimes to pay money or post property to secure release before trial. Under the proposed system, wealthier defendants could buy their freedom while those who cannot afford bail would remain jailed, even if they pose no danger to the community.

In a joint letter sent to congressional leaders—led and organized by Tzedek DC, Council for Court Excellence, and DC Justice Lab—the coalition details how cash bail systems have failed elsewhere. 180 nonprofit organizations and individual advocates signed on to voice their opposition to H.R. 5214. The letter noted that jurisdictions with cash bail have seen worse safety outcomes, higher recidivism rates, and long-term harm to families. The letter emphasizes that:

“This approach [to reimpose cash bail] would displace and worsen DC’s current system, which ...has been effective and focused on public safety. Congress should, on a bipartisan basis, soundly reject the approach of this bill. All of us who have signed this letter care deeply about the safety of our neighborhoods and the well-being of the District of Columbia. We grieve when there is a crime that harms a member of our community or someone visiting our Nation’s Capital. It is because of that care and commitment that we all come together to reject the proposed legislation, as those changes to DC’s local courts’ risk-based assessments will ultimately make our Nation’s Capital less safe.”

DC’s current system was adopted by the DC Council in 1992 under DC’s Home Rule authority and mirrors federal bail law, focusing on whether an individual poses a danger to the community or a flight risk. This approach has kept court appearance rates high and new offenses low, with data showing 98.8% of defendants are not rearrested for violent crimes while awaiting trial.

The coalition’s call aligns with strong opposition to Congressional changes to DC’s pretrial system from DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and the full DC Council, who have stressed that H.R. 5214 would erode the District’s self-governance and dismantle DC’s current risk-based system that has worked effectively for decades. The coalition urges the full Congress on a bipartisan basis to reject H.R. 5214 and keep safety, not wealth, the basis of pre-trial decisions in the Nation's Capital.

Click here to read the full coalition letter.

Click here to read Tzedek DC’s recent report on why imposing cash bail would fail the people of DC.

For media inquiries, please contact media@tzedekdc.org or Vasuki Wilson at vasuki@risepublic.com or (202) 294-2342.

About Tzedek DC

Drawing from the Jewish teachings of “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue,” Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with low incomes dealing with the often devastating consequences of abusive debt collection practices and other consumer related issues. www.tzedekdc.org

About Council for Court Excellence

Council for Court Excellence's (CCE's) mission is to bring people together to conduct research, educate, and advocate to make DC’s unique legal system more just, equitable, and accountable to the community. CCE envisions a DC where individuals, organizations, and government work together to build safe and thriving communities with a trusted legal system that meets the needs of its people, protects their rights, and promotes dignity and justice for all. www.courtexcellence.org

About DC Justice Lab

DC Justice Lab is a team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to the District of Columbia’s criminal legal system. They develop smarter safety solutions that are evidence-driven, community-rooted, and racially just. They aim to fully transform the District’s approach to public safety and make it a national leader in justice reform. www.dcjusticelab.org

New Tzedek DC Report Demonstrates Why Forcing Cash Bail Would Fail DC Residents

A new report by Tzedek DC, “Why Imposing Cash Bail Would Fail the People of DC” details how the District became a role model for its risk-based detention system adopted in 1992. The report shows why a bill to reimpose cash bail in DC—slated to be voted on by the House in the coming days—would both violate home rule principles and harm DC residents, while bringing no added benefit.

“The DC Council is and should be the local legislative body for our community. Federal attempts to reimpose cash bail in DC could lead to more families facing housing and job insecurity, greater rates of recidivism, more trauma for people detained in the already dangerous and overcrowded DC Jail, and less funding for District schools, mental health support facilities, and other critical needs,” said Tzedek DC Founding Director Ariel Levinson-Waldman.

Cash bail means that release after arrest is conditioned on a monetary payment. Individuals must agree to pay a set amount of money—from their own pockets, the pockets of family members, or by working with a for-profit bail bond company—before they can be released to await their trial. Cash bail creates a two-tiered pre-trial system: one where wealthy people can buy their freedom, and another where anyone unable to pay is held in jail before ever being convicted of a crime.

Since 1992, the elected officials of the District of Columbia, having witnessed the harms of cash bail on our community in the decades before that, chose a non-monetary or risk-based bail system focused on public safety.

Dangerous federal actions could dismantle this longstanding and effective DC public safety law by mandating a cash bail system in DC. Two executive orders threaten to impose cash bail in DC and in jurisdictions across the country. House bill HR 5214, voted out of the House Oversight Committee on September 10, 2025, without hearing from a single witness to provide data or develop a record, would create a pretrial detention system predicated in significant part on a person’s wealth rather than potential risks to community safety.

Some in Congress have advocated for cash bail by claiming that people arrested in DC—who have not been convicted of a crime—would benefit from sitting in jail for a few weeks to sober up and “get their mind right.” The evidence shows the opposite: when people are incarcerated pretrial, they witness violence, they lose their jobs, and they lose their housing. These outcomes leave them at a higher risk of reoffending.

The report ends with a call to action for DC residents and all Americans to let their voices be heard in opposition to the federal government mandating the reimposition of cash bail in the District of Columbia. In parallel, Tzedek DC, Council for Court Excellence, and DC Justice Lab are submitting a coalition letter with over 160 DC and national allies to the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Click here to view the full report. 

Click here to read the coalition letter.

About Tzedek DC 

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. Since launching in 2017, Tzedek DC has served over 6,000 households and catalyzed systemic change benefiting hundreds of thousands of DC community members.

Tzedek DC and Allies Urge Court to Protect DC Consumer Rights with Utilities

When utility companies break the law, DC residents should be allowed to seek relief from those illegal practices just as they would from any other company, argued an amicus brief filed on behalf of Tzedek DC and allies in the DC Court of Appeals. 

The DC Council enacted the Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA) in order to grant residents relief from unfair and deceptive trade practices. Although the utility companies PEPCO, Washington Gas, and Verizon DC were exempted from administrative action by the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) as they were otherwise already regulated by the Public Service Commission, they remained subject to suit by DC consumers and public interest organizations according to the plain language of the statute. 

However, a 2009 DC Court of Appeals decision (called Gomez) granted the utilities complete immunity from accountability under the CPPA by preventing entities other than DLCP from suing them for improper practices that would be actionable if committed by any other business. Tzedek DC and its fellow amici support the argument that the 2009 decision should be overruled in favor of the plain language of the statute. 

PEPCO, Washington Gas Light Company, and Verizon DC each have significant market power in essential utilities. As the brief recaps, these utilities have some history of engaging in deceptive and unfair trade practices such as abusive debt collection tactics, improper or unfair utility shut-offs that did not follow required procedures, charging fees to allow customers to make their payments, overcharging for sustainable energy, and deceptively advertising their products as environmentally sustainable.  

These issues are especially important because forty percent of District households with low incomes are financially strained by energy costs, and unaffordable utility bills resulted in nearly 15,000 gas or electricity shutoffs in District households in 2024. These companies’ current immunity from suit exacerbates these already high costs and places residents at severe and immediate risk of harm. 

Tzedek DC, Legal Aid DC, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, and the Washington Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, represented by Tycko & Zavareei LLP and Bailey & Glasser LLP, submitted an amicus brief urging a full en banc review by the DC Court of Appeals to overturn this 2009 decision and return the right to seek relief to public interest organizations and DC consumers. 

About Tzedek DC  

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. 

Tzedek DC and Allies File Amicus Challenging ICE Warrantless Arrests

Tzedek DC filed an amicus brief in support of a class-action lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies and officials for immigration arrests made without warrant or probable cause. Tzedek DC joined DC legal services organizations Legal Aid DC—which also represented amici—as well as African Communities Together, Ayuda, Bread for the City, Children’s Law Center, and DC Affordable Law Firm in filing the brief with the U.S. District Court for DC.

The amicus brief was filed in support plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the Department of Homeland Security’s “arrest first, ask questions later” policy, which has harmed U.S. citizens, residents with lawful status, and undocumented DC community members alike.

“In addition to the harms Plaintiffs describe from being unlawfully arrested or detained, ICE’s policy instills fear in communities that affects their financial, physical, and emotional health,” the brief reads.

Federal law enforcement agencies have illegally profiled residents based on race, language, and occupation, and made widespread arrests, including in places that were previously protected. This practice has made DC residents afraid to go about their daily lives and led many to skip work, school, medical appointments, church services, and court dates for fear of being detained.

The brief further argues that despite the federal government’s stated goal of reducing crime, the spike in warrantless arrests has discouraged DC community members from reporting crime, cooperating with law enforcement, and testifying in court. This chilling effect is especially concerning as it relates to domestic violence situations, in which an abuser can further use immigration status as a tool to control or threaten their partner.

One client, for example, is a survivor of sexual assault and human trafficking that occurred in the U.S. and is a strong candidate for visa programs specifically for crime victims; unfortunately, she is too scared of becoming a target for deportation to cooperate with police or apply for the visa that could grant her legal status.

“ICE’s policy and practice of unlawful arrests also emboldens violent criminals, and people may even target undocumented people because they are less likely to seek police help,” the brief says.

Click here to read the full amici curiae brief. 

About Tzedek DC  

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower our client base, which is comprised of 90% Black people, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. 

What the Government Shutdown Means for DC Residents—And How We Can Support You

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Government shutdowns aren’t just headlines in the media—they affect real lives. From missed paychecks to delayed public services, shutdowns can bring serious disruption—especially for households with lower incomes, federal workers, and service employees in DC.

Here’s how the shutdown could affect you or your loved ones, and where to turn for support—including where to find free or low-cost resources like food, healthcare, and housing, how to access emotional support through a community-led support group, and how to connect with our free legal and financial counseling services at Tzedek DC.

How Could a Shutdown Affect You or Your Loved Ones?

Here are some of the impacts DC residents may feel.

Delayed government services

Includes passport applications, small business loans, food safety inspections, and FEMA disaster work for any disaster that happens during the shutdown.

Disruptions to food & health benefits

• SNAP (food stamps): The USDA confirms that SNAP benefits will stop on November 1 if the shutdown is still in place.

  • Update (as of 10/31/2025): The government of DC has announced that DC will cover the cost of SNAP benefits for the month of November so that SNAP and WIC benefits will continue.

• WIC (Women, Infants & Children): USDA confirms that WIC benefits will stop on November 1 if the shutdown is still in place.

• Medicare & Medicaid will continue, but staffing shortages could delay services. 

Housing delays

Because the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has expired, and because Congress is not passing legislation during the shutdown, the program has not been extended. Therefore, no new policies can be created, and policy renewals are paused, which may delay home closings.  

Disruption in DC’s court system 

• Agencies like the DC Superior Court, Public Defender Service, and the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency will operate in a limited capacity. Jurors are still required to report. For more information, see here: https://www.dccourts.gov/ 

• Thanks to emergency legislation passed by the DC Council, the DC Office of the Secretary has the authority to issue marriage licenses during the shutdown. 

Economic ripple effects in DC

•  Local businesses, especially restaurants and cafés that serve federal workers, will lose foot traffic and income, as they did during the 2018-2019 shutdown.

• Metro will operate as usual but may face funding shortfalls.

• All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will be closed.

• Tipped and hourly workers—especially in hospitality—could be hit hardest. 

Impacts on Federal employment & unemployment

The DC unemployment rate is already higher than the national average. A prolonged shutdown or federal layoffs will widen that gap—affecting long-term stability for our city’s workforce.

Need Help Finding Food, Housing, or Healthcare Right Now?

If you or someone you know is in urgent need of support, we recommend using FindHelp.org—a free national tool that connects people to local services by zip code.

You can use this website for:

• Food pantries and grocery assistance

• Financial assistance

• Free or low-cost medical and dental clinics

• Mental health providers

• Clothing, housing help, and more

Tip: The desktop version of the site is easier to navigate than the mobile version.

We also highly recommend calling or emailing ahead to confirm the resource or service availability, as some listings may be out of date.

Community Resource: Free Support Group for Government Workers

 A free online support group, Together Through the Shutdown, is being offered by The Imago Center of Washington, DC, created to support federal workers and contractors during this difficult time. (This is not a Tzedek DC program.) Facilitated by Latasha (Harrison) McFarland, a licensed clinician at the Imago Center.

Update (as of October 30, 2025):

Due to overwhelming community response, the Thursday night support group, "Together Through the Shutdown," has reached full capacity. However, The Imago Center will be hosting a new 9:00 PM group beginning on November 6, 2025.

Interested residents can email Dr. Latasha Harrison directly at latasha.harrison@imagocenterdc.com to be added to the waiting list or to receive more information about the new session.

(Special thanks to The Imago Center for continuing to hold space for our community during these challenging times.)

Tzedek DC is Still Open—and We’re Here to Help

If you're facing legal or financial hardship because of the shutdown, our team is here for you. We will continue to offer free legal and financial counseling for DC residents.

Reach out now: https://www.tzedekdc.org/legal-services-contact-us

Visit tzedekdc.org or call us at  (202) 274-7386.

Please note: If you are a new client requesting financial or legal assistance via voicemail or online submission, our response time may be up to 10 business days for an intake.

Tzedek DC Sparks Introduction of Systemic Medical Debt Reform Bill in DC Council

On Monday, the Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act of 2025 was introduced by the DC Council. The legislation would prevent and mitigate the burden of unpaid medical bills on District families. 

In introducing the bill, Councilmember Christina Henderson, who chairs the DC Council’s Committee on Health, cited Tzedek DC’s groundbreaking June 2025 medical debt report, "More Than a Band-Aid: Systemic Changes to Protect DC Residents from Medical Debt." The report found that nearly 90,000 District residents have unpaid medical bills. Medical debt causes financial, physical, and mental health harms, including an inability to secure jobs, housing, and other lines of credit. Medical debt also causes patients to delay necessary medical care, leading to worse health outcomes.  

Councilmember Henderson introduced the bill alongside a majority of the Council—Councilmembers Charles Allen, Anita Bonds, Janeese Lewis George, Brianne Nadeau, Zachary Parker, Brooke Pinto, and Robert White—signing on as co-introducers.

The bill includes specific key policy solutions based on Tzedek DC’s report recommendations. If enacted, the bill would strengthen health care facilities’ financial assistance policies and require facilities to offer payment plans, ban medical debt from DC patients’ credit reports, limit medical debt interest rates, and clarify enforcement authority for the DC Office of the Attorney General and DC Department of Health. The bill would also create new protections against harmful debt collection methods such as wage garnishment and home liens based on medical debt. 

“It is imperative that the District take a more upstream approach to preventing and mitigating medical debt,” Councilmember Henderson stated. “This bill is particularly timely given current and upcoming local and federal changes to public health insurance programs.” 

“We applaud this step by the Council and are grateful for the work of Councilmember Henderson and her team. With Medicaid cuts having taken effect and DC’s Alliance health insurance protections being rolled back, DC must act now to shield our residents,” said Ariel Levinson-Waldman, Founding Director of Tzedek DC. “Addressing medical debt head-on can help thousands of families regain financial stability and improve health outcomes, and make the system fairer and smarter.  We urge the Committee on Health to hold a hearing soon, and the full Council to prioritize these reforms.” 

Medical debt deepens racial disparities. In DC, residents of color are twice as likely to hold medical debt as their white neighbors. This exacerbates DC’s already extreme and unacceptable racial wealth gap, where white DC households hold, on average, an estimated 81 times more wealth than Black DC households. 

DC has already helped eliminate some of the medical debt held by 62,000 District residents through a 2024 DC-funded initiative by the Mayor that Tzedek DC was proud to help facilitate. But without systemic reform, this emergency relief will have only been a temporary, partial fix. 

Further details about Tzedek DC’s Medical Debt Report and DC’s 2024 emergency debt relief are available here. 

About Tzedek DC, Our Medical Debt Work, and the Health Equity Fund  

Tzedek DC’s name is drawn from the ancient Jewish teaching “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” or “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Headquartered at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, and with offices also in Ward 8, Tzedek DC is a nonprofit organization. Our mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents with lower incomes facing the often-devastating consequences of debt collection and credit-related obstacles, including those arising from medical debt. This mission is carried out as anti-racism work in response to the massive wealth gaps tracking race in DC and nationwide. Tzedek DC seeks to serve and empower its client base, which is comprised of 90% Black residents, 60% women, and 25% disabled community members. Our strategic approach combines three synergistic activities: (i) free direct services—legal representation and advice, and financial counseling; (ii) working in coalition to make systemic change; and (iii) providing bilingual community legal education on debt collection, identity theft, and credit management. 

A portion of Tzedek DC’s medical debt work is funded by the Health Equity Fund, as administered by the Greater Washington Community Foundation in partnership with the Health Equity Committee. The Health Equity Fund is designated to improve the health outcomes and health equity of residents of the District of Columbia. The historic fund is one of the largest philanthropic funds of any kind focused on community-based nonprofits that serve District residents. Given that 80 percent of DC’s health outcomes are driven by social, economic, and other factors, compared to just 20 percent by clinical care, the Health Equity Fund adopts an economic mobility framework to address the root causes of health inequity and advances a sustainable network of people, organizations, and projects to ensure equitable health outcomes for Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color and other marginalized populations in DC.  

We are especially grateful to the Health Equity Fund for the support and shared vision of health equity and racial and economic justice.