Tzedek DC Founding President & Director-Counsel Ariel Levinson-Waldman and Special Assistant to the President Raphy Gendler testified today before the DC Council Committee of the Whole in support of key reforms that would benefit the DC vendor community. If passed, the bills would decriminalize unlicensed street vending and expand opportunities for vendors and create more vibrant communities for all DC residents.

As the testimony states:

We know from vendors’ experience that interactions with police can be dangerous, embarrassing, and disruptive to business. Vendors should not face criminal penalties for going to work and trying to support themselves and their families.

Read the full testimony here.