{{Short description|American politician (born 1970)}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = David Grosso | image = File:David Grosso MadisonDC Video.png | office = Member of the Council of the District of Columbia<br>at-large | term_start = January 2, 2013 | term_end = January 2, 2021 | predecessor = Michael Brown | successor = Christina Henderson | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|9|18}} | birth_place = Washington, D.C., U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | party = Independent | spouse = Serra Sippel<ref name=about>{{cite web |title=About David Grosso |work=David Grosso, DC Council At Large |access-date=September 19, 2015 |url=http://www.davidgrosso.org/about}}</ref> | education = Earlham College (BA)<br>Georgetown University (JD) }} '''David Grosso''' (born September 18, 1970) is an American attorney and politician. He is a former at-large member of the Council of the District of Columbia who lives in Brookland.<ref>{{cite news |title= Patterson, Lightfood Endorse Grosso |first= Tim |last= Craig |date= September 20, 2012 |newspaper= The Washington Post |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-wire/post/patterson-lightfoot-endorse-grosso/2012/09/20/cd8c9304-0363-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_blog.html }}</ref> A native Washingtonian, he graduated from Earlham College and Georgetown University Law Center. Grosso is a member of the D.C. Bar. Following the completion of his second term on the D.C. Council, he joined the law firm Arent Fox as a lobbyist.<ref>{{cite news |title=Outgoing D.C. Council member David Grosso will work as a lobbyist for Arent Fox|first=Julie |last= Zauzmer|date=December 2, 2020 |newspaper= The Washington Post |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/grosso-arent-fox/2020/12/02/23d2b9e8-34b9-11eb-b59c-adb7153d10c2_story.html }}</ref>
==Early life== Grosso was born in Washington, D.C.<ref name=formerlaw>{{cite news |title= Former Law Student Runs for DC Council |first= Tyler |last= Sanborn |work= The Hoya |publisher= Georgetown University |date= September 20, 2011 |url= http://www.thehoya.com/former-law-student-runs-for-dc-council/ }}</ref> During his childhood, he lived on a farm in Northern Virginia.<ref name= learning>{{cite news |title= Learning To Be a Leader From My Mom |work= Huffington Post |date= May 8, 2012 |first= David |last= Grosso |url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-grosso/learning-to-be-a-leader-from-my-mom_b_1497069.html }}</ref> As a teenager, he lived on Rock Creek Church Road in Petworth.<ref name= learning/>
Grosso graduated from Earlham College with a degree in philosophy.<ref name= about/> He received a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2001.<ref name=formerlaw/> Before attending college, Grosso volunteered helping refugees from El Salvador living in Honduras. He also spent a year as a full-time volunteer building a transitional housing program for homeless women in San Antonio, Texas, where he met his wife, Serra Sippel, also a native Washingtonian and president of the Center for Health and Gender Equity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://srhrforall.org/|title=Change – Sexual & reproductive health & rights for all.}}</ref>
Grosso worked for D.C. Councilmember Sharon Ambrose working as a clerk for the District's Economic Development Committee.<ref>{{cite news |title= Stadium Lease Deal Leaves Questions; Baseball Officials Await Key Details |first1=David |last1=Nakamura |first2=Thomas |last2=Heath |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= February 6, 2006 |page= A01 |id={{ProQuest|409959419}} }}</ref><ref name=qa/> He worked as Chief Counsel to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton<ref name= about/> and was a vice president of public policy for health insurance carrier CareFirst for several years.<ref name= debate/>
==Council of the District of Columbia==
===2012 campaign=== In 2012, Grosso and six other individuals declared their candidacy for two seats as at-large member of the Council of the District of Columbia.<ref name= issues>{{cite news |title= D.C. Council At-large Candidates on the Issues |first= Tim |last= Craig |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 3, 2012 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-at-large-candidates-on-the-issues/2012/11/03/4194718a-2381-11e2-8448-81b1ce7d6978_story.html }}</ref> Grosso ran as an independent candidate. In accordance with the District's Home Rule Act, one of the seats up for election that year was reserved for an individual who is not affiliated with the Democratic Party.<ref name= issues/>
During a debate among the four candidates for the at-large council seat, Grosso supported expanding the types of illnesses that qualify for medical marijuana.<ref name= debate>{{cite news |title= D.C. Council Candidates Debate at Catholic University |work= WTOP |date= October 21, 2012 |url= http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=3086603&pid=0&page=2 }}</ref> Grosso said he supported the five-cent tax on disposable bags, and he said he does not support school vouchers.<ref name= debate/> Grosso also said he would vote to censure Councilmember Jim Graham for violations of Metro's code of ethics.<ref name= debate/> In addition, Grosso said he was in favor of speeding cameras, saying that they were important because they slow drivers and save lives.<ref>{{cite news |title= Forum for D.C. Council Challengers Turns Contentious |first= Tim |last= Craig |date= September 28, 2012 |newspaper= The Washington Post |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-wire/post/forum-for-dc-council-challengers-turns-contentious/2012/09/28/1a0258e4-098c-11e2-afff-d6c7f20a83bf_blog.html }}</ref> Grosso supports giving tax incentives for private employers to move to the District.<ref name= qa>{{cite news |title= A Q&A with David Grosso on Housing and Development |first= Aaron |last= Wiener |date= October 19, 2012 |work= Washington City Paper |url= http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/10/19/a-qa-with-david-grosso-on-housing-and-development/ }}</ref>
The ''Washington Post'' editorial board endorsed Grosso for at-large councilmember, citing Grosso's experience with the economic development committee and knowledge of city government.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/david-grosso-leon-swain-for-dc-council/2012/10/18/7ef4c6ce-124c-11e2-ba83-a7a396e6b2a7_story.html David Grosso, Leon Swain for D.C. Council], ''Washington Post'' (October 18, 2012).</ref><ref name="Austermuhle">Martin Austermuhle, [http://dcist.com/2012/10/grosso_swain_land_post_endorsements.php Grosso, Swain Land Post Endorsements in At-Large Race], ''DCist'' (October 19, 2012).</ref> Council member Tommy Wells and former Council member William Lightfoot endorsed Grosso's candidacy.<ref>Wright, James. "Orange, Grosso Win At-Large D.C. Council Seats". ''Washington Informer''. November 8, 2012. p. 21.</ref> Grosso also earned the endorsements of the Current Newspapers,<ref name="Austermuhle"/> the D.C. chapter of the Sierra Club,<ref>[http://dc.sierraclub.org/content/elections Elections] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103150445/http://dc.sierraclub.org/content/elections |date=2016-11-03 }}, Sierra Club Washington D.C. Chapter.</ref> and Greater Greater Washington.<ref>[http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/16589/endorsements-for-dc-citywide-races-and-ballot-questions/ Endorsements for DC citywide races and ballot questions],''Greater Greater Washington'' (October 26, 2012).</ref>
Grosso won one of two at-large seats on the council with twenty percent of the vote.<ref name=2012g>{{cite web |title= Declaration of Winner and Certification of Election Results: General Election Held November 6, 2012, for the Office of At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia |date= November 29, 2012 |work= District of Columbia Board of Elections |page= 4 |url=http://www.voteresults.org/Results2012/Nov2012.DC.BOE.CertifiedResults.pdf }}</ref>
===Council Period 20 (2013–2014)=== Grosso was sworn into office as an at-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia on January 2, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Debonis|first1=Mike|title=Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony.|publisher=The Washington Post.|date=January 2, 2013}}</ref> During Council Period 20 (his first two years in office), Grosso served on the following committees: Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs; Education; Finance and Revenue; Health; and Transportation and the Environment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Legislation Information Management System |url=https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/PR20-0002?FromSearchResults=true |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=lims.dccouncil.gov |language=en}}</ref> During this council period, Grosso was the original author of 33 bills and resolutions—19 of which were approved by the D.C. Council.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Legislation Information Management System |url=https://lims.dccouncil.gov/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=lims.dccouncil.gov |language=en}}</ref>
Grosso named education reform as a top priority.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ethics, Education Top David Grosso's Council Agenda |url=https://wamu.org/story/12/11/09/ethics_education_top_david_grossos_council_agenda/ |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=WAMU |language=en}}</ref> In 2013, as a member of the council's Committee on Education, Grosso sponsored a measure on school suspensions and expulsions that was added to the Attendance Accountability Amendment Act of 2013.<ref>David Grosso (February 12, 2013). Councilmember David Grosso Addresses School Expulsions and Suspensions in Attendance Bill. http://susiecambria.blogspot.com/2013/02/cm-grosso-on-school-attendance.html{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}.</ref> The provision required the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to develop an annual report with findings and recommendations for schools to reduce or eliminate the use of out of school suspensions and expulsions, except for extreme cases.<ref>Sarah Anne Hughes (January 6, 2014). Report On Suspensions And Expulsions In D.C. Reveals Disturbing Trends, Need For More Data. DCist. {{cite web |url=http://dcist.com/2014/06/report_students_who_are_black_in_fo.php |title=Report on Suspensions and Expulsions in D.C. Reveals Disturbing Trends, Need for More Data: DCist |access-date=2015-06-14 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112204506/http://dcist.com/2014/06/report_students_who_are_black_in_fo.php |archive-date=2015-11-12 }}</ref> Grosso also supported the Committee on Education in reinstituting the Office of the Ombudsman within the State Board of Education,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Emma |date=2013-11-05 |title=D.C. Council tentatively approves bill intended to end social promotion |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-council-tentatively-approves-bill-intended-to-end-social-promotion/2013/11/05/9eb01982-4649-11e3-bf0c-cebf37c6f484_story.html |access-date=2023-04-24 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> investments in public libraries for extended hours, professional development, library renovations,<ref>David Grosso (May 22, 2013). Grosso Reports FY 2014 Budget Requests Success. http://conta.cc/Z0jBAx</ref> enhancements to the community schools grant program, requirement for DCPS to report on their restorative justice pilot program, expansion of the school based mental health program, and funding for teen health educators who provide sexual and reproductive health education to their peers.<ref>David Grosso (May 28, 2014). Grosso Reports FY2015 Budget Victories. http://conta.cc/1Mj2jVc</ref>
In April 2013, Grosso voted against the Telemedicine Reimbursement Act, a bill to require health insurers in the city to pay for health care services provided remotely via interactive audio and video (telemedicine), an increasingly common method of health care delivery. Fellow Councilmember Mary Cheh criticized Grosso's vote, characterizing it as a favor to health insurance companies.<ref>{{cite news|last=DeBonis|first=Mike|title=Mary Cheh criticizes colleague's vote on Twitter|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/mike-debonis/wp/2013/04/08/mary-cheh-criticizes-colleagues-vote-on-twitter-2/|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=14 May 2013}}</ref>
On his first year on the council, Grosso introduced the Expedited Partner Therapy Act of 2013 in an effort to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections. It allows health care providers to provide treatment for the partner of a patient that has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection without an examination of the partner at a health care facility. The bill was passed by the council and became law in May 2014.<ref name="NeelySTIs">Jonathan Neeley (February 24, 2014). D.C. Legalizes Expedited Partner Therapy To Combat High Rate Of Sexually Transmitted Infections. DCist. {{cite web |url=http://dcist.com/2014/02/dc_legalizes_expedited_partner_ther.php |title=D.C. Legalizes Expedited Partner Therapy to Combat High Rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections: DCist |access-date=2015-06-14 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917200315/http://dcist.com/2014/02/dc_legalizes_expedited_partner_ther.php |archive-date=2015-09-17 }}</ref>
Grosso also introduced a nonbinding resolution calling upon the Washington Redskins NFL team to change its name, stating that the current name is "racist and derogatory" (see Washington Redskins name controversy). The Council approved the resolution unanimously.<ref name="ESPNRedtails">{{Cite web |date=2013-05-01 |title=D.C. pol pitches name change to 'Redtails' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9230556/dc-pol-suggests-redtails-name-change-washington-redskins |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |date=2013-11-05 |title=D.C. Council calls on Redskins to ditch 'racist and derogatory' name |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-calls-on-washington-redskins-to-ditch-racist-and-derogatory-name/2013/11/05/17cbbd66-4646-11e3-bf0c-cebf37c6f484_story.html |access-date=2023-04-24 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Grosso suggested that the team adopt the name "Redtails" in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen.<ref name="ESPNRedtails"/>
In 2013, Grosso introduced the Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act as a result of reports produced by the Washington Lawyers’ Committee<ref>Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (July 2013). Racial Disparities in Arrests in the District of Columbia 2009-2011. http://www.washlaw.org/pdf/wlc_report_racial_disparities.pdf</ref> and the American Civil Liberties Union<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-06-04 |title=Billions of Dollars Wasted on Racially Biased Arrests - Behind The DC Numbers {{!}} ACLU of DC |url=https://www.acludc.org/en/billions-dollars-wasted-racially-biased-arrests-behind-dc-numbers |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=www.acludc.org |language=en}}</ref> indicating that 91% of all marijuana arrests in D.C. were of African Americans, although research shows that the use of marijuana is roughly equal between both African Americans and Whites.<ref>Matt Cohen (November 15, 2013). Will The Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Solve D.C.'s Race And Gender Disparity Problem? DCist. {{cite web |url=http://dcist.com/2013/11/will_the_marijuana_decriminalizatio.php |title=Will the Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Solve D.C.'s Race and Gender Disparity Problem?: DCist |access-date=2015-06-19 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302094641/http://dcist.com/2013/11/will_the_marijuana_decriminalizatio.php |archive-date=2015-03-02 }}</ref> Although no members joined Grosso to co-sponsor this bill,<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Legislation Information Management System |url=https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B20-0466?FromSearchResults=true |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=lims.dccouncil.gov |language=en}}</ref> eventually the Council passed a law to decriminalize possession of marijuana,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mejia |first=Paula |date=2014-07-19 |title=D.C. Decriminalizes Marijuana, But Congress May Halt Future Legalization Efforts |url=https://www.newsweek.com/dc-decriminalizes-marijuana-congress-may-halt-future-legalization-efforts-259973 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref> and the residents of D.C. voted overwhelmingly to legalize possessing and growing the plant.<ref name="huffingtonpost.com">{{Cite web |date=2014-11-05 |title=Weed Is Now Legal In The Nation's Capital |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/washington-dc-legal-marijuana_n_5947520 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref> Although Grosso reintroduced the bill in 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenging Congressional Ban, D.C. Legislator Introduces Pot Legalization Bill |url=https://wamu.org/story/15/01/07/challenging_congressional_ban_dc_legislator_introduces_pot_legalization_bill/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=WAMU |language=en}}</ref> a Congressional rider on the D.C. budget was interpreted to prohibit the holding of a hearing<ref>Aaron Davis (February 9, 2015). D.C. Council backs down on marijuana hearing after attorney general warning. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-warned-not-to-move-forward-on-marijuana-legalization/2015/02/09/2c1593aa-b067-11e4-827f-93f454140e2b_story.html</ref> on the legislation—this time co-introduced by three other members, and three Committees were prepared to act on the bill, showing the progress made on the issue.<ref name="huffingtonpost.com"/>
A companion bill to the Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act was the Record Sealing for Non-Violent Marijuana Possession Act of 2013,<ref>RECORD SEALING FOR NON-VIOLENT MARIJUANA POSSESSION ACT OF 2013. http://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B20-0467?FromSearchResults=true</ref> a bill to seal the arrest and conviction records for non-violent marijuana charges. Grosso's intent for this legislation was to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and higher education.<ref name="wamu.org">{{Cite web |title=D.C. Moves Towards Sealing Records Of Residents Arrested For Pot Offenses |url=https://wamu.org/story/14/10/07/dc_council_backs_bill_sealing_records_of_residents_arrested_for_non_violent_pot_offenses/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=WAMU |language=en}}</ref> The Council passed the bill and it became law in March 2015.<ref>Matt Cohen (October 28, 2014). Bill to Seal Records of Non-Violent Marijuana Offenses Passed By Council. DCist. {{cite web |url=http://dcist.com/2014/10/all_the_bills_the_dc_council_passed.php |title=Bill to Seal Records of Non-Violent Marijuana Offenses Passed by Council: DCist |access-date=2015-06-19 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810023407/http://dcist.com/2014/10/all_the_bills_the_dc_council_passed.php |archive-date=2015-08-10 }}</ref>
Finally, the Anti-Shackling of Incarcerated Pregnant Women Act of 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Legislation Information Management System |url=https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B20-0468?FromSearchResults=true |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=lims.dccouncil.gov |language=en}}</ref> prohibits the shackling of incarcerated women in D.C. adult and youth detention facilities.<ref>Victoria Law (October 4, 2013). We Need to Stop Shackling Pregnant Women in Prison—Now. Bitch Media. http://bitchmagazine.org/post/stop-shackling-pregnant-women-in-prison</ref> The bill also applies to women in post-partum recovery. The Council passed this bill and it is set to become law in July 2015.<ref name="wamu.org"/> As a result of his work on this bill, Councilmember Grosso sought to stop the practice of shackling youth during their appearances in juvenile court.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alexander |first=Keith L. |date=2014-08-24 |title=D.C. defense attorneys want juveniles released from shackles in court |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/dc-defense-attorneys-want-juveniles-released-from-shackles-in-court/2014/08/24/18547cec-28b2-11e4-86ca-6f03cbd15c1a_story.html |access-date=2023-04-24 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Opinion {{!}} District juveniles will no longer be routinely shackled in court |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/district-juveniles-will-no-longer-be-routinely-shackled-in-court/2015/04/05/b7fb68b0-da40-11e4-8103-fa84725dbf9d_story.html |access-date=2023-04-24 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
Grosso proposed amendments to the District of Columbia Human Rights Act of 1977 to ensure that individuals are protected from discrimination by an employer or employment based on an individual's or dependent's reproductive health decision making.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2014-12-18 |title=D.C. Council Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Reproductive Health Choices |url=https://rewirenewsgroup.com/2014/12/18/d-c-council-prohibits-employment-discrimination-based-reproductive-health-choices/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Rewire News Group |language=en-US}}</ref> The Council approved the legislation in December 2014 with support from the Executive and it passed into law in May 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grosso's Bill to Protect Workers from Discrimination Goes into Effect Today |url=http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2015/5/2/grossos-bill-to-protect-workers-from-discrimination-goes-into-effect-today |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=David Grosso, Chairperson, Education Committee |date=2 May 2015 |language=en-US}}</ref> Grosso also successfully sought the repeal of Prostitution Free Zones Amendment Act of 2014, which repealed the law allowing the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia to declare a specific location as a "prostitution-free zone" for 20 days.<ref>Network of Sex Work Projects (October 16, 2014). Prostitution Free Zones Repealed in the District of Columbia. {{cite web |url=http://www.nswp.org/news-story/prostitution-free-zones-repealed-the-district-columbia |title=Prostitution Free Zones Repealed in the District of Columbia | Global Network of Sex Work Projects |access-date=2015-06-22 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623030445/http://www.nswp.org/news-story/prostitution-free-zones-repealed-the-district-columbia |archive-date=2015-06-23 }}</ref> Grosso argued that the designation of zones were fueled by bias.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grosso |first=David |date=2014-04-03 |title=Opinion {{!}} Time to repeal 'prostitution free zones' {{!}} Washington Blade |url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/04/03/time-repeal-prostitution-free-zones/,%20https://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/04/03/time-repeal-prostitution-free-zones/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=www.washingtonblade.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Grosso also introduced the D.C. Urban Farming and Food Security Act of 2014 to establish an urban farming land leasing initiative and a real property tax abatement for small-scale urban farming.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chen |first=Karen |date=2014-09-19 |title=DC considers bill to encourage urban farming on vacant lots |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-considers-bill-to-encourage-urban-farming-on-vacant-lots/2014/09/19/1a51ad0c-3de9-11e4-9587-5dafd96295f0_story.html |access-date=2023-04-24 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> The bill was approved by the Council in December 2014 and became law in April 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2015-02-03 |title=PHOTOS: Three Part Harmony Farm |url=https://sojo.net/magazine/march-2015/photos-three-part-harmony-farm |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Sojourners |language=EN}}</ref>
Grosso also introduced the Fair Leave Act of 2014, to provide D.C. government employees up to six weeks of paid leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child, or the care of a family member who has a serious medical condition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Fair Leave Act of 2014 |url=http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2014/3/21/the-fair-leave-act-of-2014 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=David Grosso, Chairperson, Education Committee |date=21 March 2014 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Paid Family Leave: Eight Weeks for District Government Employees |url=http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2014/9/9/paid-family-leave-eight-weeks-for-district-government-employees |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=David Grosso, Chairperson, Education Committee |date=9 September 2014 |language=en-US}}</ref> On October 1, 2014, the eight weeks of paid family leave policy went into effect for all D.C. Government employees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=D.C. Government Workers Get Eight Weeks Of Paid Family Leave |url=https://wamu.org/story/14/09/30/dc_government_workers_get_eight_weeks_paid_family_leave/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=WAMU |language=en}}</ref>
In 2014, Grosso introduced an elections reform package consisting of instant-runoff voting (IRV, also called ranked-choice voting), open primaries, and a "clean hands" provision.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grosso's Elections Reform Package to Boost Voter Turnout |url=http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2014/3/4/grossos-elections-reform-package-to-boost-voter-turnout |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=David Grosso, Chairperson, Education Committee |date=4 March 2014 |language=en-US}}</ref> Under IRV, voters rank candidates in order of preference. The candidate with the fewest votes is then eliminated, with those votes being re-apportioned to the remaining candidates. In support of the bill, Grosso said that IRV would result in higher voter turnout, promote positive and more widespread campaigning, and ensure that the elected candidate has true majority support. The Instant Runoff Voting Amendment Act<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Legislation Information Management System |url=https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B21-0002?FromSearchResults=true |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=lims.dccouncil.gov |language=en}}</ref> was endorsed by the ''Washington Post'' editorial board.<ref>Editorial Board (May 14, 2015). Instant-runoff voting makes sense for Washington. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/instant-runoff-voting-makes-sense-for-washington/2015/05/14/81d2aa9a-f5e4-11e4-b2f3-af5479e6bbdd_story.html</ref> The Open Primary Elections Amendment Act of 2014<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC Legislation Information Management System |url=https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B20-0717?FromSearchResults=true |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=lims.dccouncil.gov |language=en}}</ref> would allow registered voters to change their party affiliation up until Election Day in order to vote in a primary. Lastly, the Clean Hands Elections Reform Amendment Act of 2014<ref>Clean Hands Elections Reform Amendment Act of 2014 http://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B20-0718?FromSearchResults=true</ref> requires all candidates for elected office to obtain a “clean hands” certification, confirming that neither the candidate nor any of the candidate's previous campaigns or political committees owes any outstanding taxes, fines or fees to the District. This legislation had a hearing in September 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grosso Announces Hearing on 'Clean Hands' Bill |url=http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2014/9/18/grosso-announces-hearing-on-clean-hands-bill |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=David Grosso, Chairperson, Education Committee |date=18 September 2014 |language=en-US}}</ref> Grosso also introduced the Local Resident Voting Rights Act, a bill to grant voting rights for municipal elections to legal permanent non-citizen D.C. residents.<ref>Andrew Lapin (January 21, 2015). Grosso Re-Introduces Bill To Allow Local Voting Privileges For Legal Non-Citizens. DCist. {{cite web |url=http://dcist.com/2015/01/grosso_tries_to_pass_local_voting_p.php |title=Grosso Re-Introduces Bill to Allow Local Voting Privileges for Legal Non-Citizens: DCist |access-date=2015-06-16 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223190437/http://dcist.com/2015/01/grosso_tries_to_pass_local_voting_p.php |archive-date=2015-02-23 }}</ref> Grosso's proposal to implement public financing of elections campaigns, Public Financing of Political Campaigns Amendment Act of 2013,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grosso |first=David |date=2013-07-05 |title=Opinion {{!}} Cleaning up D.C. politics |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-dc-needs-public-campaign-financing/2013/07/05/40718c46-e4c6-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html |access-date=2023-04-24 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> was discussed along with a number of other elections reform bills during hearings in March 2013,<ref>Adam Smith (July 12, 2015). DC City Councilmembers Hold Roundtable Discussion on Policies to Empower Small Donors. Public Campaign. {{cite web |url=http://publicampaign.org/blog/2013/07/12/dc-city-councilmembers-hold-roundtable-discussion-policies-empower-small-donors |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-06-16 |url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617040556/http://publicampaign.org/blog/2013/07/12/dc-city-councilmembers-hold-roundtable-discussion-policies-empower-small-donors |archive-date=2015-06-17 }}</ref> but was not moved out of Committee. Grosso also supports public financing of D.C. elections.<ref>David Grosso (June 5, 2015). What do you think? How could DC be a leader in reforming campaign finance? What would it take? Twitter. https://twitter.com/cmdgrosso/status/606161718084009984</ref>
In 2014, Grosso formed Arts Action DC, a coalition of D.C. residents in the creative economy sector, in an effort to advocate for funding, support, and growth of the arts.<ref>Matt Cohen (November 18, 2014). With New Coalition, David Grosso Wants To Strengthen D.C.'s Creative Arts Community. DCist. {{cite web |url=http://dcist.com/2014/11/arts_action_dc.php |title=With New Coalition, David Grosso Wants to Strengthen D.C.'s Creative Arts Community: DCist |access-date=2015-06-14 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525024829/http://dcist.com/2014/11/arts_action_dc.php |archive-date=2015-05-25 }}</ref>
===Council Period 21 (2015–2016)=== Grosso was appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Education for the Council Period 21.<ref>Michael Alison Chandler (December 22, 2014). Grosso wants to focus on mental health issues in schools as new education chair. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/grosso-wants-to-focus-on-mental-health-issues-in-schools-as-new-education-chair/2014/12/22/9cb6a68c-87c0-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html.</ref> Grosso is the second chair to have jurisdiction over education after the Committee became stand-alone (outside of the Committee of the Whole).<ref>Aaron Davis (December 19, 2014). D.C. Council reorganizes to address affordable housing and homeless problems. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-reorganizes-to-address-affordable-housing-and-homeless-problems/2014/12/19/ff861b50-87b4-11e4-a702-fa31ff4ae98e_story.html.</ref> His bill to prohibit suspensions and expulsions for pre-kindergarten students in D.C. Public Schools and the public charter schools<ref>{{Cite web |title=D.C. Council Moves To Ban Suspension Of Pre-K Students |url=https://wamu.org/story/15/02/04/dc_council_moves_to_ban_suspension_of_pre_k_students/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=WAMU |language=en}}</ref> was the first permanent legislation passed by the new Council.<ref>Council of the District of Columbia (April 14, 2015). Single Tight Vote Provides Contrast with Otherwise Consensus-Driven Meeting. http://dccouncil.us/news/entry/single-tight-vote-provides-contrast-with-otherwise-consensus-driven-meeting {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617020332/http://dccouncil.us/news/entry/single-tight-vote-provides-contrast-with-otherwise-consensus-driven-meeting |date=2015-06-17 }}</ref> Grosso said that his education priorities were age-appropriate school discipline, attendance and truancy, mental health services, improving literacy, ending the school to prison pipeline, promoting quality early childhood education, and expanding community and family engagement.<ref name="davidgrosso.org">David Grosso (January 19, 2015). Grosso Announces Committee on Education Priorities. http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2015/1/13/grosso-announces-committee-on-education-priorities</ref>
During the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget vote, the Committee on Education approved a $2.4 billion budget that supported modernization of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (the central library of the District of Columbia Public Library), and created a new, objective approach to determining capital funding for D.C. Public Schools.<ref>David Grosso (May 14, 2015). Grosso’s FY16 Budget Unanimously Passed by Committee on Education. http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2015/5/14/grossos-fy16-budget-unanimously-passed-by-committee-on-education.</ref> The budget allocated $1.6 million for a new literacy intervention program, targeted at 3rd grade reading and writing success, and restored $760,000 in funding to the University of the District of Columbia.<ref name="David Grosso 2015">David Grosso (May 14, 2015). Grosso’s FY16 Budget Unanimously Passed by Committee on Education. http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2015/5/14/grossos-fy16-budget-unanimously-passed-by-committee-on-education</ref> The budget allocated almost $700,000 to DCPS to make up for funding losses at schools such as Wilson and Ballou High Schools, and $450,000 to restore funding for SAT and ACT test preparation courses for D.C. high school students.<ref name="David Grosso 2015"/> The Budget Support Act broadened the scope of the Bullying Prevention Taskforce and extended its term until August 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2015/5/14/grossos-fy16-budget-unanimously-passed-by-committee-on-education|title=Grosso's FY16 Budget Unanimously Passed by Committee on Education|website=David Grosso, Chairperson, Education Committee|date=14 May 2015 }}</ref>
===Council Period 22 (2017–2018)=== Grosso was sworn into office for the new four-year council term at noon on January 2, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=New members sworn into 2017 DC Council|work=WUSA-9|date=January 2, 2017|access-date=January 2, 2017|url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/new-members-sworn-into-2017-dc-council/381248487}}</ref> Following the departure of school chancellor Antwan Wilson, Grosso announced that he would investigate the controversial preferential student placement that lead to his resignation.<ref name=hearing/> Grosso said he was willing to require Mayor Bowser to testify under oath about the practice and whether she was aware it was taking place. Three days later, following a visit from counsel to Mayor Bowser, Mark Tuohey, Grosso changed his mind and said that he would not hold a hearing, stating that the committee's efforts were better focused elsewhere.<ref name=hearing>{{cite news |last=Jamison |first=Peter |date=March 8, 2018 |title=A D.C. lawmaker took on Mayor Muriel Bowser. Three days later, he backed down. |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/a-dc-lawmaker-took-on-mayor-muriel-bowser-three-days-later-he-backed-down/2018/03/08/042b3dfe-22ec-11e8-badd-7c9f29a55815_story.html|newspaper= The washington Post|location=Washington DC |access-date=March 9, 2018 }}</ref>
In October 2018, Grosso voted to repeal Initiative 77, a referendum passed by the majority of DC voters months earlier that would phase out a tipped minimum wage.<ref name=repeal>{{cite news |last=Nirappil |first=Fenit |date= October 5, 2018 |title='Poisoning democracy': in a city without representation in Congress, repeal of ballot measure angers residents |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/poisoning-democracy-in-a-city-without-representation-in-congress-repeal-of-ballot-measure-angers-residents/2018/10/04/165c329e-c751-11e8-b2b5-79270f9cce17_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |location= Washington, DC|access-date=October 5, 2018 }}</ref> Initially, Grosso declined to say how he would vote before supporting the repeal.<ref name=initial>{{cite news |last=Nirappil |first=Fenit |date= September 17, 2018 |title=Initiative 77 to raise tipped wage in D.C. seems doomed at council hearing |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/initiative-77-to-raise-tipped-wage-in-dc-seems-doomed-at-council-hearing/2018/09/17/03feff5a-ba86-11e8-9812-a389be6690af_story.html?noredirect=on |newspaper=The Washington Post |location= Washington, DC|access-date=September 17, 2018 }}</ref> A report by Public Citizen revealed that Grosso had accepted more than $10,000 in payments from restaurant-related interests opposed to Initiative 77.<ref name=publiccitizen>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=September 13, 2018 |title=The Ballot Box vs. Campaign Cash D.C. Restaurants Flood Campaign Coffers to Overturn Ballot Initiative That Raised Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers |url=https://www.citizen.org/sites/default/files/the_ballot_box_vs._campaign_cash.pdf |work=public citizen |access-date=September 13, 2018 }}</ref>
In July 2019, Grosso was the first member of the DC Council to call for Jack Evans' resignation following revelations about his outside employment.<ref name=grosso>{{cite news |last=Hansen|first=Drew |date= 8 July 2019|title=Grosso calls on Evans to resign from D.C. Council |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2019/07/08/grosso-calls-on-evans-to-resign-from-d-c-council.html |work=WBJ |location=Washington DC |access-date=8 July 2019 }}</ref> In November 2019 he announced that he would not run for reelection, citing a need to live out his belief that Councilmembers should not serve more than two terms and that he wanted to encourage a new generation of progressive activists.<ref name=dcist>{{cite news |last=Kurzius |first=Rachel |date=5 November 2019 |title=At-Large Councilmember David Grosso Isn't Running For Reelection |url=https://dcist.com/story/19/11/05/at-large-councilmember-david-grosso-isnt-running-for-reelection/ |work=DCist |location=Washington DC |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106051839/https://dcist.com/story/19/11/05/at-large-councilmember-david-grosso-isnt-running-for-reelection/ |archive-date=6 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Personal life== David and Serra live in the Brookland neighborhood of Ward 5 with their dogs Frida and Diego.<ref name= about/> He is a registered medical marijuana patient.<ref name=wamu>{{cite news |title=With Offerings Of Free Pot, Marijuana Advocates Push D.C. To Confront Congress Over Sales Ban|first1=Martin |last1=Austermuhle |work=WAMU |date= March 28, 2017 |url= https://wamu.org/story/18/03/27/offerings-free-pot-marijuana-advocates-push-d-c-confront-congress-sales-ban/}}</ref>
Following the arrest of New Jersey priest Scott Asalone on charges of sexually abusing a teenager in Loudoun County, Virginia in 1985,<ref name=grassopresses>{{Cite web |url=https://wtop.com/local/2020/03/former-priest-in-northern-virginia-charged-with-sexual-abuse/ |title=Former priest in Northern Virginia charged with sexual abuse | WTOP |access-date=2020-03-21 |archive-date=2020-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321205049/https://wtop.com/local/2020/03/former-priest-in-northern-virginia-charged-with-sexual-abuse/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Grosso publicly came forward as the one who was sexually abused by Asalone and issued a statement claiming that "The minor he assaulted was me.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.davidgrosso.org/grosso-analysis/2020/3/16/statement-of-councilmember-grosso-on-indictment-of-former-virginia-clergyman|title=Statement of Councilmember Grosso on indictment of former Virginia clergyman|website=David Grosso, Chairperson, Education Committee|date=16 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name=grassopresses />
==Election results== Official results from the District of Columbia Board of Elections:<ref name=2012g/> {| class="wikitable" |- ! !! Name !! Party !! Votes !! Percentage |- style="vertical-align:bottom;" | {{party shading/Democratic}} | | '''Vincent Orange (incumbent)''' | Democratic | 144,595 | 38% |- | {{party shading/Independent}} | | '''David Grosso''' | Independent | 78,123 | 20% |- | {{party shading/Independent}} | | Michael A. Brown (incumbent) | Independent | 57,762 | 15% |- | {{party shading/Republican}} | | Mary Brooks Beatty | Republican | 27,847 | 7% |- | {{party shading/Independent}} | | A.J. Cooper | Independent | 25,012 | 6% |- | {{party shading/Independent}} | | Leon J. Swain Jr. | Independent | 24,588 | 6% |- | {{party shading/Green}} | | Ann C. Wilcox | Statehood-Green | 22,802 | 6% |- | {{party shading/Independent}} | | Write-In | | 2,402 | 1% |}
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== * {{URL|http://dccouncil.us/council/david-grosso|Council web site}} * {{URL|davidgrosso.org|Campaign web site}}
{{s-start}} {{s-par|us-dc}} {{s-bef|before=Michael Brown}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the Council of the District of Columbia<br>at-large|years=2013–2021}} {{s-aft|after=Christina Henderson}} {{s-end}}
{{Current Council of the District of Columbia}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Grosso, David}} Category:1970 births Category:21st-century Washington, D.C., politicians Category:Earlham College alumni Category:Georgetown University Law Center alumni Category:Living people Category:Members of the Council of the District of Columbia Category:Washington, D.C., independents