The residents of the Washington, DC are not permitted to spend local taxes as they see fit because the budget has to be approved by Congress. Delays often result in a quarter of the year spent under continuing resolutions, hindering new programs and improvements. Budget uncertainties from year to year weigh on DC’s bond rating and create a “use or lose” system, which punishes programs that are under budget. No other city or state is subjected to the same stresses. Unlike statehood, budget autonomy would not require a constitutional amendment.
The Founding Fathers declared their independence from the British Empire because they were tired of being prohibited from conducting their own affairs. It’s time for the Federal government to treat 600,000 Americans more like citizens than subjects.