Dear Neighbors,

I remember when my mom finally let me keep my health insurance card, vaccine record, and Social Security card, as opposed to just borrowing them to fill out paperwork. It felt like a rite of passage. Ifyou know anything about mommas, black mommas in particular, they hold on to important documents as though they are their own. I mean, I didn’t get to keep my birth certificate until well after I graduated from college and even then, there was a conversation about keeping the documents safe.

Verification of who you are in this society has become even more important in the last decade. Challenges to identity. Challenges to citizenship. Challenges to your ability to hold on to access to certain programs. I’ve been thinking about these last few weeks going through the process to re-enroll my kids in public schools and settle things for summer camp – I’m the keeper of their documents now. This also came to me earlier this week chairing the Committee on Health budget hearings for DC Health and the Health Benefit Exchange Authority (HBX). DC Health houses the Vital Records Division for the District and HBX is an access point for various health insurance programs.

Many of you may be aware that Healthy DC, a new health insurance plan option for DC residents no longer eligible for Medicaid, started at the beginning of this year. Nearly 16,000 DC residents were automatically transferred from DC Medicaid to the Healthy DC Plan. However, federal rules require additional documentation verification for things like income and citizenship within 90 days of acquiring this new insurance coverage. We learned at Wednesday’s Committee on Health budget oversight hearing with the Health Benefit Exchange Authority (HBX) that over 4,000 DC residents are in danger of losing their insurance coverage due to failure to submit the required documentation.

Neighbors, we need your help! I don’t want anyone to lose their health insurance coverage simply because they didn’t respond to the government’s request for documents.

If you or anyone you may know that is enrolled in Healthy DC have received a piece of mail or an e-mail (notices are sent multiple ways) from the Health Benefit Exchange or Healthy DC Plan, please open it and respond  to ensure you maintain your health insurance coverage. You can check the status of your coverage and submit outstanding verification documents online here or send the requested documents through U.S. mail at the address below. Be sure to write your account number on your submission.

DC Health Link
Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 91560
Washington, DC 20090

You can also deliver the documents in person to any Economic Security Administration Office. Share the word.

As we head into the weekend, I’d like to wish all the mothers and those who have mothered a Happy Mother’s Day. I want to express deep appreciation for all of our educators. I’d also like to celebrate all the graduates from our DC colleges and universities that are celebrating commencement exercises the next couple of weeks. One day soon, your moms will be handing your important documents over to you as well!  

The rest of this newsletter is filled with legislative updates and information on constituent services.  

In Service,

Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large  
ChristinaHendersonDC.com

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On Monday, April 27, the Committee on Health held a budget oversight hearing for public witnesses on the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and the Department of Health Care Finance. Nearly 70 people showed up to testify, with many showing strong support for continuing Medicaid and Alliance programs. Some other issues raised included: implementation of federal work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid, outreach for substance use treatment, and concerns about proposed cuts to Direct Medical Education, which affects the District’s teaching hospitals and resident’s salaries.

On Tuesday, April 28, the Committee on Health held a budget oversight hearing on  DC Health with over 60 public witnesses. Again, the issues raised varied –we discussed programs like Healthy Steps, the animal care and control contract, rodent control and several healthy food access programs including medically tailored meals, Produce Plus, and farmers markets. The Committee also held a public roundtable on the nomination of Brianna Jones to the Board of Nursing.

On Monday, May 4, the Committee on Health held a budget oversight hearing on DC Health, with Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of DC Health, testifying on behalf of the agency. Over 50 percent of funding for DC Health is from federal grants, so this past year has been particularly challenging for the agency. To add further salt to the wound, due to budget constraints, lots of beloved DC Health programs are being proposed to be cut. For example, Councilmember Henderson questioned the more than $3M reductions to maternal and early childhood programs and asked if the cuts would cumulatively harm District families. Dr. Bennett confirmed that the agency was concerned and shared that they attempt to use local dollars where federal priority isn't strong, emphasizing that they have had to make hard choiceswithin the current proposed budget. Many cuts are proposed in the FY27 budget, with no money added to the agency.  

On Wednesday, May 6, the Committee on Health held a budget oversight hearing on the Health Benefit Exchange Authority (HBX). HBX operates DC Health Link, an online insurance marketplace for District residents and small businesses, and worked quickly over the last year to develop a new health insurance option, the Healthy DC Plan, as a coverage option for individuals between 138-200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) who lost Medicaid coverage this past year.  

About 30 witnesses testified in support of the agency, overwhelmingly sharing positive testimony. Testimony ranged from gratitude for DC Health Link coverage options and HBX call center staff who are proactive and work with customers to ensure they have the best coverage they can afford to appreciation for the HealthCare4ChildCare (HC4CC) program. Witnesses shared that early child education centers have been able to use HC4CC as a recruitment and retention strategy.  

Mila Kofman, Director of the Health Benefit Exchange, testified on behalf of the agency and highlighted the work the agency did over the last year. As mentioned above, one important issue that HBX identified over 4,000 individuals that have not submitted documentation required to maintain their health insurance. If they do not provide this verification documentation, they will lose their health insurance coverage. Director Kofman also discussed the additional work the agency has to do, as well as concern for the new year, when, as a result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, approximately 825 lawfully present residents are at risk of losing their health insurance due to their immigration status.

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On Thursday, April 30, Councilmember Henderson (far left) attended a roundtable held by the Committee on Youth Affairs on the topic "Youth-Centered Alternatives to Teen Takeovers: Recreation, Opportunity, and Accountability." Public witnesses, including many District high school students, shared their concerns about enforcement of a curfew and about the need for safe social environments and employment opportunities. 

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The last 2 weeks were blockbuster weeks for budget hearings and Councilmember Henderson tried to attend as many hearings outside of the Committee on Health as she could. Here’s a roundup:

• On Wednesday, April 29, Councilmember Henderson attended the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety’s budget oversight hearing on the Office of Unified Communications (OUC). Councilmember Henderson asked OUC Director McGaffin about proposed cuts to 311 call-taker staff and learned that the cuts reflect higher resident uptake of digital reporting options such as the 311 app, the 311 website, and X(Twitter). Director McGaffin also shared that proposed reductions to the radio engineering budget reflects partner agencies taking on operating costs within their own budgets. Finally, Councilmember Henderson questioned the adequacy of OUC’s proposed FY27 overtime budget and the agency’s hiring progress. Director McGaffin shared that the agency’s hiring progress and future hiring plans should decrease the agency’s reliance on overtime day-to-day.  

• On Thursday, April 30, Councilmember Henderson attended the Committee on Public Works and Operations’ budget oversight hearing of the Department of Public Works (DPW). She asked DPW Interim Director Anthony Crispino about anticipated overtime costs and federal reimbursement opportunities for upcoming America250 activities planned in the District, about progress on implementing new residential waste and recycling routes, and about progress in procuring and installing Big Belly public waste and recycling containers in Rose Park. Although the ideal would be to install Big Belly-style cans throughout the District, Director Crispino shared that the cost of procuring just 20 cans is $100K.

• On Friday, May 1, Councilmember Henderson attended the budget oversight hearing on District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). The Mayor's proposed budget offers significant investments in DCPS, including a 2.55% increase to the uniform per student funding formula (UPSFF) which would raise the amount invested in each student to $15,455. Councilmember Henderson asked DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee how these proposed investments would be used to support at-risk students considering the recent changes to eligibility requirements for government assistance programs like SNAP and TANF. The Chancellor stated each school reserves contingency funds beyond UPSFF dollars to address circumstances that call for additional student support. Councilmember Henderson also focused on funding for ongoing capital projects, which aim to address schools’ infrastructural and maintenance needs like windows, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. The Chancellor stated the proposed budget makes continued investments in funding for repairs to maintain safe and effective school environments until a school is eligible for a full modernization.    

• On Tuesday, May 5, the Council held its 29th Legislative meeting of Council Period 26. During the meeting Councilmember Henderson’s introduced legislation the Judith Heumann Memorial Workers with Disabilities Act of 2025, the Prenatal and Postpartum Remote Patient Monitoring Clarification Amendment Act of 2025, and the Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act of 2025 were passed unanimously on first vote.

• On Wednesday, May 6, Councilmember Henderson attended the Committee on Human Services’ budget oversight hearing on the Department of Human Services (DHS) Councilmember Henderson and DHS Director  Rachel Pierre discussed capacity at the Aston bridge housing site in Ward 2, plans for a new bridge housing site that could include medical respite beds, an anticipated spending pressure in the permanent supportive housing program in Fiscal Year 2027, and plans for additional capacity at the downtown Federal City Shelter —which Councilmember Henderson would like to see include an on-site health clinic. Councilmember Henderson also discussed results from the latest report on the DHS truancy pilot program, the agency’s customer service outreach to residents who are enrolled in benefits programs that will soon be subjected to qualification changes, such as Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We also confirmed that the SUN Bucks/Summer EBT program will be implemented for Summer 2026.

• Later on Wednesday, May 6, Councilmember Henderson attended the Committee of the Whole held the budget oversight hearing for the DC Office of Planning (OP). Over 20 public witnesses testified in opposition to the Mayor's proposal to cut the Office of Food Policy and the Food Policy Council, which are housed within OP. Public health advocates, small business owners, and residents urged the Council to restore the funding for the Office. They highlighted how the Office of Food Policy and FPC have secured federal funding for the District, such as $8 million for the SUN Bucks program to feed kids when school is out, supported small local businesses and farmers markets, and played a critical role during emergencies such as COVID-19 and the recent federal government shutdowns, when there has been an increased demand for emergency food assistance.   
  
  Councilmember Henderson asked OP Director Anita Cozart whether OP was prepared to take on the Office of Food Policy’s work streams, and why the Director had not instead suggested that the Office of Food Policy be moved to a different agency that was more mission-aligned. Director Cozart was not able to name any specific plans, instead saying that the future of the work was “to be determined.” Councilmember Henderson stated that the Committee on Health would be recommending to the full Council that the Mayor’s Budget Support Act subtitle repealing the Office of Food Policy and the Food Policy Council not move forward.

On Saturday, May 2, Councilmember Henderson joined a DC History Conference panel, “How Do We Free DC?” which was organized by Amanda Huron, a University of the District of Columbia political science professor. Her remarks highlighted the many fiscal impacts of DC statehood (or retrocession) that are important to consider such as taxes, our court system, and Medicaid. Over the years there have been many endeavors to plan out what future logistics may look like regarding statehood, however none have included financial plans. Councilmember Henderson is shown with fellow panelists Derek Musgrove and Joe Sternlieb.

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Back at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, on Thursday, May 7,Councilmember Henderson attended a dynamic event hosted by the DCPL and Mahogany Books for the release of Kimberle Crenshaw’s new memoir Backtalker. Prof. Crenshaw is a legal and policy scholar whose work led to the birth of critical race theory and expanded outlooks on intersectionality. Fun fact: back when Councilmember Henderson was a staffer, she met with Prof. Crenshaw regarding student discipline legislation being considered by the then Council Committee on Education. Author talks are always happening at our public libraries – check out the schedule here.

1. D.C. child care workers got life-changing raises. Now they may be cut, Jenny Gathright and Meagan Flynn for the Washington Post, 04/26/2026
2. DC eyes smarter trash cans to tackle overflowing bins and rats, Jacqueline Quyh for WUSA9, 04/29/2026
3. Trash Troubles Cont. “Has D.C. government checked out?” Prince of Petworth for Popville, 04/30/2026
4. DC teens tell city leader what’s causing takeovers and how they’re missing the mark, Phylicia Ashley for ABC7, 05/1/2026

The Potomac Bonsai Festival

The Potomac Bonsai Festival is held each year on World Bonsai Day weekend on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum (3501 New York Avenue NE). Join in on the fund with a full weekend of bonsai exhibitions, live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, children’s activities, and vendors from across the country. A preview of the festival will be open on Friday with bonsai vendors and bonsai displays, with a special ceremony opening the festival on Saturday at 10:30am featuring bonsai leaders and dignitaries.

A Mother’s Day Pop-Up

Join Flowers by Alexes for a Mother’s Day Pop-Up & Small Business Week Celebration, a vibrant, community-driven experience featuring curated local vendors, a live panel on entrepreneurship and business growth, interactive activities including Pilates, music by a live DJ, and a festive shopping atmosphere. The event is designed to celebrate motherhood, uplift small businesses, and create an inspiring space where community, creativity, and commerce come together. Celebrate on Saturday, May 9, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at The Spice Suite (2201 Channing St NE).

The 2026 AANHPI Heritage Month Community Celebration

The 2026 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Community Celebration honoring our Legacy of Service: 4 Decades of Community Care Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month and the 40th Anniversary of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs with cultural performances, community showcases, and the presentation of the Mayor’s Community Service Award honoring outstanding leadership and service within the community. The event takes place at UDC ballroom (4200 Connecticut Avenue NW) on Thursday, May 14 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Featuring performances by:

• Nen Daiko, the taiko ensemble of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

• TAAL Academy of Dance, a DC-based Indian dance company that teaches Bollywood and classical Bharatnatyam dance.

• Effy Liu, pipa instrumentalist, performer and instructor of Effy Pipa Studio

• Anthony Le, a three-time DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellow, queer Vietnamese-American multidisciplinary artist and drag performer.

You can register for the event, here.

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DPR’s Senior Fest Block Party Pt 2

DC seniors, get ready for the event of the year: the Senior Fest Block Party! On Wednesday, May 20, come out to the Gateway Pavilion (2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE) for a great day of free food and live entertainment, line dancing, free health resources, community, and much more. The fun starts on Wednesday, May 20 at 10:30am at Gateway Pavilion (2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE).

You can register for the event, here.  

The Washington DC Haiku Group

Experience the beauty of haiku and hone your haiku-writing skills at the Japan-America Society of Washington DC Haiku Group! This haiku group, or kukai, provides a platform for writers of haiku to come together and develop their craft in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Following a format similar to that of Japanese haiku groups, participants will bring to the session three haiku poems in English that they have written beforehand. The group then shares each haiku anonymously around the room without critique. Following this, each participant will select their favorites among all they have read on that day. Led by esteemed haiku poet and author Abigail Friedman, the group meets once every two months.  

The group will meet at the Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASWDC) Office at 1819 L St. NW on Saturday, May 30, from 2:30 – 4:30pm.  

Registration is free but required.

The DC Venture Capital Program

Mayor Bowser has launched the DC Venture Capital Program, a new $26 million fund designed to make equity investments in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage tech companies based in Washington, DC. The fund utilizes State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding, provided to the District by the U.S. Treasury Department. SSBCI, created in 2010 and renewed as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021, is a federal program designed to drive business growth in states and jurisdictions across the country.

Interested investors, fund managers, and venture capital firms, are encouraged to reach out to K Street Capital and DMPED to learn more about the program.  

Initial applications for 2026 funding are due by May 22, 2026. We strongly encourage funds to submit initial applications asap. Any submissions received after May 22, 2026, will be considered for funding in 2027

You can apply to the Venture Capital Program Application, here.  

The DC College Savings Plan Art Contest

Big dreams start with big imaginations. Submit your child’s drawing of what they want to be when they grow up for a chance to win a $529 contribution to a DC College Savings Plan account—a great start that you can continue to build over time. Submission deadline is Wednesday, May 27. Winners will be selected Thursday May 28 and announced on Friday, May 29 in recognition of 529 Day.

Contest details

• Eligibility: Open to DC residents between the ages of 3-7. An existing DC College Savings Plan account is not required to enter. Winners will need to open an account to receive the contribution.

• A winner from every Ward: One winner will be selected from each of the District’s Wards for a total of eight winners.

• Prize: Winners will receive a $529 contribution to a DC College Savings Plan account.

• Entries: One entry is allowed per child.

3 Easy Steps to Enter

Artwork must be submitted must be 8.5 x 11 inches and submitted online. Their first name and age must also be included on the submission.  

You can submit your child’s drawing, here.  

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Resources for Ward 8 Business Owners

The Department of Small and Local Business Development’s (DSLBD) Ward 8 Community Investment Fund (CIF) and Back Office Support Services (BOSS) offer trainings and consultations for Ward 8 business owners to help strengthen their financial skills, systems, and reporting practices, and improve their funding- and contract-readiness.

Free consultations and trainings with experts are offered until June 2026, in-person and virtually, to help Ward 8 CIF BOSS clients with:

• Financial Foundations (budgeting, bookkeeping)

• Financial Processes & Routines (expense tracking and reconciliation)

• Financial Systems (money management apps and tools)

• Financial Analysis and Storytelling (projections, routine health checks)

• Business Taxes & Reporting

• Working with Contractors (invoicing, 1099s)

• Business Funding Strategy

You can sign up, here.

Apply to the Restaurant and Retail Stabilization Grant

Washington, D.C. restaurant and retail business owners, this is your opportunity to secure funding to help stabilize operations and move your business forward. The 2026 Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant (RRSG) grant provides individual grants of up to $50,000 for eligible for-profit businesses located in Washington, D.C.

Find eligibility criteria in the application form, the grant fact sheet (PDF), or learn more by attending one of our informational opportunities below.  

The RRSG application will close at 11:59pm on June 5, with applicants being notified by August 31. Awardees will receive funding by the third quarter of 2026.

You can apply find more information on the grant and application process, here.

Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.  

You can visit us online at christinahendersondc.com. Or stay connected by following Councilmember Christina Henderson on her socials.

Website: christinahendersondc.com

Twitter (X): @CMCHenderson

Instagram: @christinahendersondc

Facebook: @christinahendersondc

Bluesky: @cmchenderson.bsky.social

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