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[quote=Anonymous]There's a lot of very non-serious suggestions here, but I'll try my best at a serious one:

At the national level:

- DC Statehood, established representatives, abolish federal takeover of police services by President, make the same as other states

- I want to see funding immediately pulled away from foreign involvement in conflict (including all foreign aid to Israel) and re-earmarked for investment locally in veterans services. It's an embarrassment that a country as wealthy as the United States has so many homeless vets. I'd like to see a renewed/updated GI bill focusing on the modern realities of veterans issues and providing free healthcare (mental and physical), low-cost housing/VA loans and continued job skills training and placement assistance for all veterans. Use the tariff money if needed.

- Stop the horrible transfer of generational wealth crippling the younger generations through the so-called 'big, beautiful bill'. Re-institute a lower cap on the 'death tax'; there's no reason the wealthy should be allowed to transfer so much money tax-free. Re-evaluate all tax loopholes and claw back unpaid taxes; if more IRS agents need to be hired to catch up, so be it.

- Immediate cap on tuition for all public colleges and universities at less than $10k/year, and be scaled for income - it should not cost 6 figures to get an undergraduate degree at a public college. Along with this, institute a maximum cap on all federal student loans to align with reduced tuition policy. The horrible practice of interest capitalization should end; and interest rates should reflect the standard market rates for other loans, not to exceed 7%. The bankrupty code should be re-amended to allow for discharge of student deb in bankruptcy, similar to all other consumer debt and with similar requirements and processes.

Locally:

- Eliminate corruption at the ANC level (easier said than done)

- Eliminate layers of bureacracy and negative incentive for homeowners who wish to invest in renovating/beautify their homes with their own money

- Lots more investment in public education from PK-12; offer higher DCPS teacher salaries, but also implement a no-tolerance policy for bad or underqualified teachers. Remove layers of admin at central office, ensure money is going to classrooms, not bureaucrats (a problem everywhere, not just in DC). Continue investment in school modernization.

- School curriculum should focus heavily on civics, nutrition, physical education and social studies - don't assume the parents will teach these things. Introduce community service activities for Middle-High School as part of the curriculum; cleaning up trash, removing graffiti, volunteering at soup kitchens, etc. Kids need to learn the skills of how to live in society and care about their community.

- Investment in free and low cost after school and summer youth programming aimed at teens in low to middle income families to reduce vagrancy. Mandatory summer school for academically struggling kids.

- Zero tolerance policy for repeat juvenile offenders especially when it comes to violent crime.

- Zero tolerance policy for so-called victimless or property crimes (broken window theory)

- Increased funding specifically for mental health and drug rehab facilities that can treat indigent citizens who are currently inhumanely left to live in encampments. Involuntary commitment to provide these services to severely mentally ill individuals who are a danger to themselves and others.

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