WASHINGTON, D.C. - Members of the D.C, City Council, Mayor Vincent Gray, and DC Vote will travel to New Hampshire on Thursday (Jan. 12) to give testimony related to the Districts' fight for statehood.
"This is an important initiative for the self-determination movement in the District," said Council Chairman Kwame Brown. "We cannot achieve our goal of statehood without the support of
the states. New Hampshire is a friend to the more than 600,000 residents who live, work, and do business in this great city and we are grateful to them for their show of support."
At-Large Councilmember David Catania is credited with spearheading the excursion, based on relationships he has built over the years in New Hampshire.
"We in the District have spent enough time talking to ourselves about the issue of statehood," said Catania. "We were convinced long ago. For our efforts to be successful, we must expand the conversation about statehood. Our trip to New Hampshire marks the start of that expanded conversation."
At-Large Councilmember Michael Brown has taken the lead in promoting statehood for the Council. He is responsible for launching a new, nationwide initiative last year focused on getting such resolutions passed in state legislatures.
"This is the first step of a renewed campaign to secure supportive leaders in state legislatures across the nation. We encourage all residents to join the fight and sign our petition for democracy at Statehooddc.com," stated Brown.
New Hampshire is the first state on the itinerary. The state is a logical starting point considering its motto ("Live Free or Die") and the parallels to the District's "Taxation Without Representation"' protest theme. The Council visited the New Hampshire legislature previously in 2008.
In addition to giving testimony, D.C. officials will deliver a ceremonial resolution, which was voted upon at today's legislative meeting to demonstrate the city's appreciation to the people of New Hampshire for their support of the fight for D.C. statehood.
