Deborah Simmons

SIMMONS: Oh, snap, time to reform food stamps, again

More than 47 million people are enrolled in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a 70 percent increase since Barack Obama became president-elect in 2008. The Senate passed a food stamp measure earlier this year that would trim funding by about $400 million. Published September 22, 2013

SIMMONS: Louisiana school voucher fight: Justice Dept. vs. poor kids

The more we move forward on education reform, the more backward we become. Thanks to President Obama's Justice Department, run by Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., a federal judge in Louisiana is scheduled to hear arguments Friday in a lawsuit that could put a critical education reform genie back in its bottle. Published September 18, 2013

SIMMONS: D.C. officials feed fear during Navy Yard crisis

Sometimes, politicians need to follow an axiom of reputable seamstresses and tailors: Measure twice and cut once. Published September 17, 2013

SIMMONS: Are 24 hours really needed in D.C to rethink the ink?

The D.C. Health Department is pondering regulations that would mandate 24-hour waiting periods before getting a tattoo or body piercing. Why? Published September 11, 2013

SIMMONS: Blacks bring many voices to Congress’ vote on Syria

Next week, the District will again host the annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Weekend, which draws thousands of people from around the globe to network, lobby political Washington, raise money for college scholarships and, without a doubt, party. Published September 8, 2013

SIMMONS: ‘Made in U.S.’ not just a slogan anymore

You needn't be a fan of Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" or a fashionista familiar with QVC designer Susan Graver, who proudly touts her U.S.-manufactured designs, to appreciate that being "Made in America" is making a comeback. Published September 1, 2013

SIMMONS: Bernice King set the tone amid politics’ famous faces

When Bernice King, the youngest of Martin Luther King's four children, spoke at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday as part of the 50th anniversary of her father's "I Have a Dream" speech, her delivery wasn't smooth, but you could feel her passion. Published August 28, 2013

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream: Looking back, marching forward for a new generation

When President Obama addresses the throngs expected to gather Wednesday for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, don't expect an exact echo of the themes or the oratory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s electrifying "I Have a Dream" speech. Published August 27, 2013

SIMMONS: White officer made history with Dr. King

Like most Americans, Ken Collins had no idea of the rising winds of change on Aug. 28, 1963. Published August 25, 2013

SIMMONS: Expectations for 2013 march as great and diverse as 1963

The expectations to honor the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom are as great and diverse as they were in 1963, when a quarter of a million people sandwiched themselves along the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial to prove that we can, should and, indeed, could all get along. Published August 7, 2013

SIMMONS: D.C. schools give blended learning a try in classrooms

Blended learning is a teaching method that has long been used in private schools and college classrooms, but only in recent years has it been trending in public K-12 classrooms. The academic results for young people in public grade schools are still up in the air, but for now that's OK. Published August 4, 2013

SIMMONS: Fast-food jobs a good start, not a career

Fast-food workers need to wake up and smell the greasy truth. Published July 31, 2013

SIMMONS: It’s time for Mayor Gray to make his next big step

Your move, Mr. Mayor. If and when D.C. United departs for another part of town, RFK Stadium will become home to the ghosts of D.C. past and a bleak, silent reminder that big-city mayors who lack vision are bound to be shown the exit signs. Published July 28, 2013

SIMMONS: Persevering with aid from military and a strong faith

Alison Spann is only 21 years old and already she is living a faithful life of honor and courage, and commitment and dogged determination — character traits not readily recognized in many young people. Published July 21, 2013

SIMMONS: The Internet is a potent tool for breeding unification

Imagine the younger generation as latter-day Freedom Riders, the bands of activists who first boarded buses in Washington D.C., to ride throughout to force desegregation. The Internet is their most potent medium. Published July 17, 2013

SIMMONS: Reasons why Mayor Gray needs to veto Wal-Mart bill

This week, the Large Retailer Accountability Act is expected to land on the desk of D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, and he would prove himself to be a savvy and gutsy politician if he vetoes the measure. Published July 14, 2013

DCGOP urges veto of anti-Wal-Mart bill

Calling legislation opposed by Wal-Mart and a handful D.C. lawmakers a job killer, the D.C. Republican Party on Friday urged Mayor Vincent C. Gray, a Democrat, to veto the Large Retailer Accountability Act. Published July 12, 2013

SIMMONS: Ashe showed his courage, Gray needs to find some

Had he not been transfused with HIV-tainted blood in the early 1980s, tennis great Arthur Ashe would have celebrated his 70th birthday on Wednesday, God willing of course. Published July 10, 2013

SIMMONS: D.C. Council’s David Catania is no reformer when it comes to education

Washington, D.C., has a new Michelle A. Rhee, and his name is David A. Catania. As the District's education czar, Mr. Catania appears to be ushering in a slate of reforms that will bolster student achievement and parental engagement, and close the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Published July 7, 2013

SIMMONS: Independence Day right time to pursue more freedom

As chaos breaks out in the largest city in the Arab world, Americans are bracing to celebrate our nation's independence, the 150th anniversary of the very bloody Battle of Gettysburg is being regaled and denizens of the nation's capital are preparing for the 40th anniversary of quasi-freedom. Published July 3, 2013