Well, let me just briefly commend you for that. I just think it is just an extraordinary step, and will do what I can.

One of the issues, Mr. Chairman, is that they only have files for kids that have had a change in their placement.

It's a very limited evaluation of the child.

I urge my colleagues to examine the benefits of this proposal as legislation makes its way through Congress.

I'm going to have to have these numbers to do any of this work.

As a new director, I spend a lot of time in the field talking to the workers.

I call on this Subcommittee to once again eliminate this disincentive.

And you do that all for a budget request of this year $166.5 million.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I look forward to hearing from the city on the status of the District's economy, current Federal funding priorities, and a summary of the fiscal year 2004 local funds budget.

The reason I am pressing for this number is because I am then going to ask you how many social workers you have on staff.

Congress is partnering with the District by enhancing security and emergency preparedness; strengthening schools and education standards; supporting Family Court and child welfare; revitalizing neighborhoods.

Thank you. First of all, let me thank both of you for stepping up to the positions that you have been asked to serve in with such enthusiasm.

The last 2 years have been unprecedented in the amount of discretionary Federal dollars that have gone to the city, as well as an increase in congressional confidence in local leadership.

Considering current spending pressures of approximately $50 million, I would be interested to learn how the city is planning to spend these new funds.

the Federal Government said they would pick up 40 percent of the tab of special needs, and the Federal Government is only picking up 8 percent

I just want to commend you for being open, but I guess caution that we proceed very slowly because of some of the things that I outlined.

I think you mentioned, Senator, we should try to place children with relatives.

Would you have liked that?

I just want to clarify that if I add those two numbers, that is all the children we are talking about.

I just want to thank you for your testimony and acknowledge that these problems are quite severe in the District.

Before this meeting is over, someone has to take responsibility to provide at least to me and to my staff an accurate accounting.

However, long-term outstanding economic pressures on the city and continued service challenges in such areas as public education and child welfare will require a new partnership with the District.

I just wanted to mention that there is some opportunity with this new faith-based initiative that is moving its way through Congress in a very bipartisan way and with the President's commitment to involve the District.

I may be misunderstanding, maybe I heard the testimony wrong, but I'm trying to determine when the car accident occurs, are the children in the car accident brought to you?