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Dear Neighbor,
We’re finally in budget season! On Tuesday, May 27, Mayor Bowser unveiled her proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget. As I have tried to allude to in previous newsletters, this one is challenging, complex, and some parts –– unsavory. This is driven largely by the February revenue estimates, which projected that due to drastic cuts in the federal workforce, DC could lose 40,000 jobs and an average of $342 million annually over the next three years. This totals more than $1 billion in operating dollars that need to be cut over the financial plan.
While the Mayor’s proposed budget does make investments in economic development that attracts and retains businesses, investments in a clean and safe DC, public education, libraries, recreation, the arts, and transportation, there are some deep cuts that are being proposed particularly in the areas of health and human services, and energy and sustainability.
Some of these adjustments we saw coming. Costs for DC’s Medicaid program were forecasted to grow by $182 million with no changes – and this was before knowing what changes Congress may make to the program. Expenditures for our Alliance health program were projected to grow by $43 million to $224 million. Our local Temporary Assistance of Needy Families (TANF) program had grown by 48% percent since 2020 – outpacing federal TANF spending – and was expected to grow by an additional $11 million with no changes. With this in mind, I began conversations with the Mayor’s team in February about the sustainability of some of the policy choices for these programs. In some cases, the proposed budget offers alternatives – for example, individuals who are currently on Medicaid that earn above 133% of the federal poverty level will have the option to maintain health insurance coverage through a basic health plan offered through the DC health benefit exchange.
In addition to the fiscal challenges we have locally, the uncertainty from Congress and this administration has made this budget process even more difficult. As my team and I review the budget in depth and prepare for hearings, I am deeply questioning whether or not this is a budget that prepares us for future federal cuts. Yes, we need to grow revenues and economic activity to have the funding needed to support the programs we value so much. And yes, we need to seek efficiencies acknowledging our current revenues. But is the impact of these proposed funding cuts especially compounded for certain residents? And will it be even more so if Congress is successful in cutting funding for programs like SNAP, energy assistance, education funding, and more?
I tried to think of ways to give you all the cliffs notes version of the budget proposal (well the health portions, anyway), but this email would have been way too long. Instead, I’m inviting you to join me in-person for a briefing and conversation. On Monday, June 2 at 6:00pm, please join myself and Councilmember Zachary Parker at the Woodridge Library for a community conversation on the budget. You can view details below; we will also have a livestream option. On June 12 in the evening, I will have a similar gathering at THEARC in Ward 8 – details to follow soon.
Budget hearings have already begun (today we held part one for the Department of Behavioral Health) and I encourage you to plug-in where you can. There is much work to be done over the next 67 days.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
On Tuesday, May 27, Councilmember Henderson attended Mayor Bowser’s presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, Grow DC, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.
On Wednesday, May 28, Councilmember Henderson introduced the Education Reports Simplification Amendment Act of 2025. The bill would reform reporting requirements for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) by identifying duplicative requirements, redundant reports, and alternative data sources. The bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Matthew Frumin, Janeese Lewis George, Anita Bonds, and Brianne K. Nadeau.
On Thursday, May 29, Councilmember Henderson attended the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety’s budget oversight hearing on the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS).
Councilmember Henderson highlighted the critical role that agencies such as DFS and OCME play now, when federal commitment to data collection, grants, and program continuity is uncertain. During the DFS portion of the hearing, Councilmember Henderson inquired about various proposed decreases and enhancements to the agency’s budget in the Public Health and Safety Division, the Crime Scene Sciences Division, Forensic Science Laboratory Services, and Public Health Laboratory Services. She learned that most of the proposed decrease reflect vacancy savings and should not lead to diminished services or operations. She also discovered that the decrease in the agency’s contracting budget reflects improved internal capacity in the agency now that the Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Fingerprinting units have been reaccredited.
Councilmember Henderson asked about proposed changes to OCME’s budget for FY26 that are intended to realize cost savings without compromising the agency’s most important functions- mortuary services, fatality reviews, and forensic toxicology analysis. While the agency’s overall budget will slightly increase, Councilmember Henderson learned from Chief Medical Examiner Diaz that the future of the illicit drug surveillance program is not reflected in the proposed budget, and she underscored the critical nature of the program in understanding the prevalence and cause of non-fatal overdoses and overdose fatalities in the District as we work to reduce overdoses and fatalities.
During her round with Chief Donnelly, Councilmember Henderson dug into funding and full time equivalent (FTE) changes in the agency’s training and development programs; health safety and preparedness programs; the agency’s contracting budget; the future of the paramedic training program; and the impacts of proposed changes in the Budget Support Act (BSA) to FEMS operations. It was established that the cost of doing business has gone up across the board and the agency’s budget is being right-sized because personal protective equipment (PPE), general equipment, and materials cost more now. Many of what appear to be proposed cuts in the FEMS budget represent shifts rather than decreases. FEMS recently approved a new contract with third party ambulance service providers which comes with some small improvements in services, and this budget will help the paramedic training program launch by the planned-for Spring 2026 date. She also learned from Chief Donnelly that FEMS would prefer that the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Registration Fee Fund not be eliminated in a proposed BSA subtitle because the fund plays an important role in increasing the prevalence of AED devices by reimbursing private organizations that purchase AED machines and making them publicly accessible.
Budget hearings are in full swing. You can sign up to testify at FY 2026 Budget Oversight Hearings, here.
Removing Barriers to Interstate Telehealth Licensure Conference
On Tuesday, May 20, staff for the Committee on Health attended the Removing Barriers to Interstate Telehealth Licensure Conference. The conference aimed to gather input on feasible, impactful pathways forward for interstate telehealth. The top three approaches collected from the conference were a continuity of care mode, a national telehealth registry, and national specialty telehealth medicine.
Ceremonial Designation of Alma Thomas Way
On Wednesday, May 21, Councilmember Henderson hosted the symbolic designation of 15th Street NW, between Church Street NW, and Q Street NW, as Alma Thomas Way. The designation came after Councilmember Henderson introduced the “Alma Thomas Way Designation Act of 2024" last December to honor the local icon for her artistic contribution and dedication to teaching in the District. Councilmember Henderson is pictured with the bill’s co-introducer, Councilmember Brooke Pinto, as well as Alma Thomas’s great nephew Charles Thomas Lewis and Susan Talley of the Friends of Alma Thomas. You can read more about Ms. Thomas and the event here thanks to the Culture Type for covering it.
Women in Blue’s Council Advocacy Day
The next day (Thursday, May 22) Councilmember Henderson joined the DC Federation of Democratic Women for their 2025 Women in Blue, Council Advocacy Day at the John A. Wilson Building. Discussion included issues that have been at the forefront of the Councilmember’s policy agenda, such as: maternal and reproductive health equity, access to quality childcare and early childhood development, health-focused legislation for women and families, and workforce development and pay equity.
Rally for Insurance Access
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson joined the DC Primary Care Association for their rally for insurance access after the announcement of proposed federal cuts to Medicaid. During the rally, Councilmember Henderson spoke of the importance of maintaining health insurance for as many District residents as possible.
Budget Conversations in Ward 3
On Tuesday, May 27, Councilmember Henderson joined the Ward 3 Democratic Committee General Body meeting as their guest speaker. The discussion covered potential budget gaps and how they may affect social safety nets, and federal issues that have arisen.
Reading Assist at Harmony DC Public Charter School
On Wednesday, May 28, Councilmember Henderson visited Harmony DC Public Charter School to learn about their Reading Assist program. Reading Assist provides year-round high-dosage tutoring for students in grades K-3 in the lowest 25% for reading proficiency. The program has recently experienced challenges because of federal cuts to Americorps, whose members serve as tutors. Councilmember Henderson is pictured with staff from Harmony DC Public Charter School, the Reading Assist program, and Lieutenant Governor of Delaware Kyle Evans Gay.
Federal Impact on the District Panel Discussion
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson joined Council colleague Councilmember Zachary Parker (Ward 5) for a conversation on the federal government’s impact on the District hosted by the Rho Mu Omega and Xi Omega Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Union Wesley AME Zion Church. Councilmember Henderson presented an overview on the FY26 proposed budget and provided a foundational explanation for budget terms and revenue distribution.
LGBTQIA+ Flag Raising Ceremony
On Thursday, May 30, Councilmember Henderson joined Mayor Bowser and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs to participate in the 3rd Annual LGBTQIA+ Flag Raising Ceremony at the John A. Wilson Building. The event served as the kickoff for World Pride 2025, which is being hosted in the District right now.
Exploring Animal and Human Brain Evolution
Got brains on your mind? Ever wonder how animal and human brains evolved? Join anthropologist and neuroscientist Dr. Chet Sherwood in the Hall of Human Origins to talk about brain evolution and learn more about how our ancestors' brains influenced their behavior and evolution! The talk will take place on Monday, June 2, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the National History Museum (1000 Madison Drive NW) on the 1st floor in the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins.
You can find more information on the event, here.
Audio Techniques for Oral History Projects
This workshop in the DC Oral History Collaborative Training Series will take an in-depth look at some of the techniques that oral historians use to get quality audio from their recording equipment. While the workshop will focus on the Zoom H4n audio recorder, many of the skills and practices introduced can be used for recording with any technologies. In this workshop, attendees will:
This workshop will take place on Monday, June 2, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and will be held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (901 G St NW) in room 401-C. The nearest metro stations are Chinatown Gallery Place on the Red, Green, and Yellow Lines and Metro Center on the Red, Blue, Orange and Silver Lines.
You can register for the event, here.
DC 2050 Workshop and Survey
Join the DC Office of Planning for an in-person workshop on DC 2050, the District's next comprehensive plan. Discussion will include information on essential elements of a neighborhood and the needs and priorities of your community.
Workshop Dates
Saturday, May 31, from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Ron Brown College Preparatory High School (4800 Meade St NE)
Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (410 E St. NE)
Interested residents can register, here.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Dedicated this year to the “Youth and the Future of Culture”, the 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will explore creativity, vitality, resilience, and intergenerational learning and exchange through the contributions and experiences of youth. This year activities will take place on the National Mall with musicians, entrepreneurs, skaters and artists, craftspeople and more. The event will take place from July 2 to July 7. You can find additional details, here.
Spring Art Contest 2025
Presented by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME), the Spring Art Contest is an art contest for DC students on the theme “Heritage & Education: Painting a Brighter Future.” Students will have the opportunity to have their art exhibited in the John A. Wilson Building. The submission window is open from now until June 12 at 5:00pm. The contest is open to all DC students in grades K–12, including adult learners currently enrolled in a DC Public School, Public Charter and Private Schools.
You can find additional information, 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.
Metro’s New Bus Network
Mark your calendar! On Sunday, June 29, Metro is launching their new bus network, designed to better serve you and the entire region. The new bus network is a system shaped by a two-year process that included extensive data analysis about where and when people travel today coupled with 23 weeks of community engagement. As Metro prepares for the launch, major efforts are underway, including updated bus stop signs and network maps, operator training, and system upgrades to ensure riders have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
It’s never too early to learn your new bus route! Explore the updated trip planner, network maps, route profiles and more, here.
Where Are You in Your Entrepreneurship Journey?
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection's Business Resource Center is here to help you assess exactly where you are on the business success ladder. During this in-person session, the DLCP Business Resource Center (BRC) staff will provide one-on-one assistance in navigating the regulatory process. You will gain in-depth knowledge about registering with corporations (e.g., Limited Liability Company, Corporations, Non-Profits, etc.) and the basic steps for obtaining a business license the basic steps for obtaining a business license, as well as building permit/certificate of occupancy guidance. This opportunity is designed for both future and current business owners looking to operate in the District of Columbia. Session takes place on Tuesday, June 3, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Georgetown Main Street (1000 Potomac St NW, Suite 115).
To register click, here.
Free eBike and Scooter Lessons
AARP DC is excited to partner with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Vision Zero Office to empower adults aged 50 and older with the knowledge and confidence to safely use eBikes and eScooters in the District of Columbia. AARP will host a series of in-person lessons and group ride-alongs on the dates below. Each lesson will support beginner level riders and those who want to brush up on their safe riding skills.
June 2 – Southeast DC
June 3 – Southwest DC
July 1 – Northeast DC
Registration is required and open to individuals 18 years and older; interested parties may sign up, here.
High School Internship Program (HISP).
The Department of Employment Services is seeking District youth, ages 14 - 21 to join the High School Internship Program (HISP). The High School Internship Pogram provides work-readiness skills, project-based learning, life skills, leadership development training, and work opportunities. HISP will help prepare District youth to successfully transition from high school into postsecondary education, advanced training, unsubsidized employment, or a career in the military. Applications are accepted until June 14, 2025.
To apply and for more information, click here.
Veteran Affairs, Resource Symposium
The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs invites you to join their monthly Veterans Resource Symposium—a space for DC veterans to connect, share experiences, and explore available resources. Sessions highlight key programs and services offered by the Veteran Affairs office to ensure veterans across the District stay informed, supported, and empowered. Event takes place on the last Thursday of every month at the Marion Barry Building (441 4th St NW) from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
OST Office Youth Advisory Board
The Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) is seeking youth ages 14-24 to serve on an OST Office Youth Advisory Board. The purpose of the board will be to advise the OST Office on afterschool and summer program offerings and program needs, provide feedback on OST grant competitions offered, inform OST assessments and provide feedback, and serve as a public voice for youth across DC. The time commitment will be 1-2 hours per week maximum and is on a volunteer basis. Youth under 18 years must have parental consent.
If interested, email your resume to learn24@dc.gov.
Free Food Distribution from the Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Area Food Bank is here to support the large number of our neighbors who have been impacted by recent reductions in federal jobs and funding. Beginning on Saturday, April 5th, the food bank will be holding new pop-up food distributions twice a week. These pop-up distributions will offer pantry items and fresh produce on Thursdays from 5 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 – 11 a.m., or while supplies last each day. The distributions can be found in the parking lots of the following retail locations:
District of Columbia
Maryland
Virginia
Those in need of food assistance can learn more about these pop-up food distributions, as well as how to access support at other times and locations, by visiting capitalareafoodbank.org/dmv-help.
Health Insurance for Impacted Federal Workers
Enroll today in quality and affordable health insurance. All DC residents losing employer health coverage qualify for a DC Health Link private insurance plan offered by DC Health Link. Private health insurance plans start as low as $13 a month (depending on household income) and include 27 private health insurance plans to meet every need and budget.
You can schedule your virtual enrollment here.
Learn more by calling (855) 532-5465 or by visiting DC Health Link here.
Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaway
DPR Communal Farms are urban Agriculture sites that are organized as communal production farms, managed by DPR staff and community volunteers, with the purpose of providing various ways for community members to receive free food, volunteer, and participate in hands on educational opportunities. From May to November DPR Communal Farms host three Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaways where community members can pick up free veggies, volunteers on the farm, and/or participant in free programming.
Participants must register to attend any giveaway. Participants can register, here.
For questions or to receive updates on what is being harvested, volunteer opportunities, pop up giveaways, weekly programs and weather cancellations please email joshua.singer@dc.gov
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Utility Discount Programs (UDP) assists low-income District residents with reducing utility costs. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines and utility bills must be in the applicant's name. Eligible residents could receive discounts on electric, gas, and water and sewer bills. Applicants can apply by phone by calling 1-800-234-9473 or by creating an account and applying online, here.
Federal government employees who call the District home and who have lost their jobs due to recent cuts in the federal government can find a list of resources on my website, here.
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