A&D Fall
Why Statehood? An Essay
S
by Noah McBride
ince the founding of the District of Columbia in 1790, the rights of the residents within the District have changed over time. The twenty-third amendment in 1961, which granted votes in the electoral college, set off a chain reaction in the latter half of the 20th century for DC statehood. It wouldn’t be until 1980 when J. Edward Guinan put statehood on the ballot as an initiative that DC statehood would become a popular topic for running officials in DC. Since then, the debate over statehood has spread around the country, but often in the absence of the voices of Washingtonians, specifically those East of the River. DC statehood is important to the residents because it would truly allow our voices to be heard and for DC residents to have full autonomy over what happens in the city they live in. Currently within the District, Congress, under the District Clause of the Constitution, can exercise its authority over DC local affairs.
Student winners of statehood poetry and essay contests
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This includes reviewing, modifying, imposing, and overturning legislation within the city. Congress also has authority over the District’s budget which is funded by the taxation of DC residents. Ironically, it goes directly against the notion of “Taxation without representation” as DC residents have no say in congressional votes. While other states have access to implement and review legislation without Congressional interference, the District of Columbia is left vulnerable to the political whims of biased Congressmen. When in crisis, the District is unable to fully satisfy the needs of the people who live there due to Congress blocking important legislation. Recently this has included access to needle-exchange programs, affordable abortions, and affordable health care. The largest impediment to furthering the interests of DC residents has been the Republican Party within Congress. Historically, DC has been a Democrat territory. What’s most concerning about this is that DC overperforms compared to some other states and yet the residents are regarded as secondclass citizens by Congress. In 2020 alone, DC grossed a GDP of $132.53 billion, more than seventeen other states, some of which have twice the population. Recently when distributing COVID relief to states, DC, while having the same or higher population as other states, was denied $755 million in emergency funds. DC statehood would allow the District’s government to have complete authority over its budget and increase revenue through in-state fees. The possibilities of having autonomy over our money would allow us to pour back into our communities, especially in those East of the River. The ability to pass legislation without Congressional interference would benefit DC residents for the better, statehood would give us the opportunity to move forward much quicker and strive towards sustainability and equity. Another reason to push for DC statehood is to fix the racial inequality that exists with DC not being a state. DC has been a historically Black city, even with growing gentrification, Black people still hold a majority of the population within DC. While our current government already overrepresents White Americans, giving DC statehood would help fill the gaps of voter representation. Hundreds of thousands of Black citizens in DC pay billions in taxes and are left without a say in the highest form of government to represent their needs and interests. It’s the same Congress that we don’t have representation in that blocks legislature that would be passed to help disadvantaged Black residents. Black residents of DC East of the River are exposed to food deserts, crime, and over-policing. Con-
