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D.C. Budget Autonomy Amendment Will Go On April Ballot

By: Patrick Madden // January 9, 2013
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An effort to end Congressional review of D.C.'s municipal budget will appear on the District's next ballot despite concerns from the city's top attorney about its legality, according to the Associated Press.

The D.C. Board of Elections will allow city residents to vote on a charter amendment that would let the city spend local tax dollars without approval by Congress. The amendment, which will appear on a ballot during a special election set for April 23, is expected to pass easily. Congress would have to pass a disapproval resolution to stop it. 

District leaders have long coveted more control over their budget but have been unable to get a bill through Congress. 

D.C. Attorney General Irvin Nathan earlier this year asked the board to consider rejecting the proposed amendment, saying he's concerned the District may be violating federal law if it passes. 

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