Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Testimony topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Advocates urge restoration and modest investment for OAH to protect tenants and benefit recipients
Summary
Multiple advocacy organizations told the committee that cuts to OAH would disproportionately harm low-income residents and urged restorations; Children's Law Center asked for $1.5 million to expand capacity and Legal Aid DC highlighted large increases in open cases among its clients.
Advocacy witnesses told the Committee on Public Works and Operations that the mayor's proposed cuts would disproportionately harm low-income residents and urged the council to restore funding for personnel and technology. Nancy Drain of the DC Access to Justice Commission highlighted risks to basic operations and asked whether FY26 enhancements were spent as intended.
Jen Jenkins of Legal Aid DC said many OAH cases involve clients living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and reported 30,478 open OAH cases as of Oct. 26, 2025, compared with 18,661 in 2022. "OAH needs more, not less funding," Jenkins said. Patrick Cawthorn of the Children's Law Center recommended an additional $1.5 million to hire ALJs and support staff and modernize case management to reduce delays that expose children to hazards like mold and unsafe housing.
Witnesses asked the committee to prioritize filling clerks and legal support staff, maintain language access contracts, and preserve technology upgrades that enable electronic filing and better search functions. Committee members asked OAH leaders to explain how FY26 one-time enhancements were spent; officials said the temporary staffing enhancement was spent and that IT procurements are in progress.
