DC Employees May Not Longer be "Hatched"

For decades now, federal employees have been restricted from participating in partisan events, including hosting fundraisers for political parties and running for political office as a partisan (Republican or Democrat, generally). Oddly enough, employees of the DC government - including Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners - are covered by the Hatch Act (apologies to anyone who hates Wikipedia). This is generally referred to as being "Hatched"... (not like an egg).

Yesterday, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee reported out a bill, sponsored by Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton, to allow DC government employees to participate in partisan events by removing their coverage by the Hatch Act. Norton noted that since DC was allowed Home Rule in 1974, we should be able to make our own laws and decisions regarding DC government employees participating in partisan events.

This becomes important in issues like running for or participating in the State Democratic Committee and DC Republican and Democratic party activities. ANC Commissioners generally already participate in partisan activities if they choose, but it would just be nice for this to be legal. Hopefully, since the bill was approved in Committee by voice vote, this can be done quickly and in time for any referendum on marriage!