District officials are mulling a new commission and fund to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Home Rule, which was established for the city in 1973. The proposed commission would “coordinate, plan, and promote events related to the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Home Rule Act [and] administer the Fund,” according to language inserted in the D.C. 2013 budget.
The commission would be composed of five members: one chairperson and two members, appointed by Mayor Vincent Gray; and two members appointed by the Council chairman. The commissioners would serve without a salary and only be compensated for their expenses. However they can “appoint staff as needed who shall be paid from the Fund.”
Responsibilities of the commission include:
- Creating programs and activities;
- Creating and selling Home Rule Act merchandise like books, pamphlets, memorabilia or other material.
- Identifying possible amendments to the Home Rule Act
- Public outreach, including with local organizations, on educating residents about the Home Rule Act
- “Making grants available, subject to the availability of funds in the Fund, through a competitive process, for educational programs to public schools, public charter schools, and other organizations.”
According to the legislation, the fund would be built with federal dollars, “if any,” gifts, grants, donations and any proceeds from the sale of memorabilia. The commission would be required to submit quarterly reports that include donations and expenses from the fund greater that exceed $100.
