Photo by wallyg

The D.C. Council unanimously passed emergency legislation today to declare all city government employees essential in a largely ceremonial move, since Mayor Vince Gray did the same thing in a letter to the Office of Management and Budget last week.

With no discussion needed, Council Chair Phil Mendelson paused the proceedings to wait for Gray to come into the chamber. Once Gray did, Mendelson reminded those watching the proceedings that the bill was written “to show that the legislative and executive branches are on the same page.” The bill then passed unanimously with no discussion from the other Councilmembers. “This is a very shy bunch at the moment,” Mendelson said.

After the vote, Gray said this is a “seminal moment for our city, that the executive and legislative branch have come together on this hugely important issue.” He said it’s important for people to know that D.C.’s government is separate from the federal government.

Menedelson agreed, later adding “the citizens of the District should not be hostage to this federal impasse. It has nothing to do with District issues.”

Instead of sending a shutdown plan to the Office of Management and Budget last week, Gray sent a letter declaring that “everything the District government does – protecting the health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors – is essential.” This allowed the D.C. government to stay open today, as the federal government shut down.

Today Gray said he spoke with OMB on Monday and was asked for more information about his letter. He said OMB has since placed his plan, which calls for city workers to be paid from the contingency reserve fund, on its website. Gray said he’s also received support from Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), D.C.’s BFF and the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and four Senators.

Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) praised Gray’s actions, as did Councilmembers Vincent Orange (D-At Large), Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7) and Anita Bonds (D-At Large).

“That fact that we as a body were clever enough to utilize our resources, our legal minds, our financial minds and out elected political minds to come to his conclusion says a lot about the District of Columbia,” Orange said. “I think we certainly have seized the moment.”

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to educate the rest of the nation,” Gray agreed.