GOVERNANCE

Washington, D.C. already operates with the responsibilities of a state–without our residents enjoying the same rights, and without having full control over our own criminal justice system or the ability to pass our own laws without congressional approval.

D.C. residents pay the highest per-capita federal income taxes in the U.S. In total, D.C. residents pay more in federal income tax than residents of 22 other states, but we have no say over how those federal tax dollars are spent by Congress.

D.C. is no more reliant on federal funding than other existing states. D.C. receives less federal funding than five states, and about the same as three other states. D.C. has a greater gross domestic product than many states and has also balanced its budget every year for at least 20 years. D.C. has a AAA bond rating, a rating higher than 35 states.