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Dear Neighbor,
Right after the election last year, I knew it was going to be important for DC government to change its posture when it comes to federal relations. We needed to be more proactive in relationship-building on the Hill; we needed to be more mindful in tracking legislation; and we needed to be more transparent with DC residents about how what’s happening on the federal side could potentially impact us. On the latter point, over the last few months I’ve tried to demystify, explain, and amplify how different federal proposals are impacting DC. These past couple of weeks, our work has been especially focused on the budget reconciliation bills. Here’s a brief update on where things are on two programs I’m especially tracking – Medicaid and SNAP –, although things are ever changing.
Medicaid
The District has about 271,000 residents currently enrolled in Medicaid. While specific cuts to the District’s FMAP are no longer being proposed (for now), the House Energy and Commerce Committee recently voted on their FY 2026 budget reconciliation legislation that would cut approximately $715 billion over the next 10 years from the Medicaid program. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that it will reduce the number of people with healthcare by 8.6 million. If this legislation is passed, it would be the largest Medicaid cut in history. Here are some key changes we noted:
SNAP
The House Agriculture Committee also released their proposed FY 2026 budget reconciliation bill, which has language that includes up to $300 billion in programmatic cuts by imposing significant new costs for SNAP, changing eligibility requirements, and imposing new restrictions that will significantly cut the number of recipients in DC and across the nation. The District currently has about 141,000 residents who benefit from the SNAP program. Again, there are many parts to this legislation, but some of the important parts to know are:
To put it simply, the proposed provisions would be harmful to a lot of individuals in DC and across the country. Debate is still continuing in the House of Representatives and then things will move over to the Senate. This is complex stuff, but I think its important for people to know. I also know from my days as a Hill staffer, no bill is done until it’s done. There is still time for things to change.
Regarding DC’s budget, we believe we are close. As of now, the budget is projected to be transmitted to the Council the week of Memorial Day, perhaps as early as Tuesday, May 27th. As always, we will inform you as dates become more certain, and hearings are scheduled.
In happier news, my office will be hosting the symbolic street renaming for the iconic DC artist Alma Thomas on Wednesday, May 21, at 10:30am. Last May, I introduced legislation to honor the late Ms. Thomas and uplift her legacy as a major 20th century artist and art teacher who lived and worked in Washington, DC. Please join us if you’re available. Details are below.
I’ll also be speaking at an event hosted by the Xi Omega and Rho Mu Lambda Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated focused on the federal government's impact on the District on Wednesday, May 28 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Union Wesley Ame Zion (1860 Michigan Ave NE). It is open to the public and I hope to see you there.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
On Tuesday, May 6, there was an additional legislative meeting and vote on the “State Superintendent of Education Dr. Antoinette Mitchell Confirmation Resolution of 2025” to confirm the nomination of Dr. Antoinette Mitchell to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
On Tuesday, May 13, the Committee of the Whole held a regular meeting and unanimously passed the “Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025” and the “Heads Up! Distraction-Free Learning Amendment Act of 2025” which has been renamed the “Disconnect Act of 2025.” “The Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025” was re-introduced by Councilmember Henderson in January 2025 in response to the fallout from the abrupt closure of Eagle Academy Public Charter School in Ward 8 last year. The bill would improve the oversight of public charter schools by requiring newly elected and appointed board members of a public charter school’s Board of Trustees to complete annual trainings on issues related to non-profit Board governance including financial management. While the measure was approved, Councilmember Henderson expressed concern over what she noted as an exorbitant fiscal impact statement, announcing that inflated costs can create barriers for implementation of programs intended to support and benefit the public.Councilmember Henderson shared similar concerns regarding the nonessential costs towards implementation for the “Disconnect Act of 2025”.
On Wednesday, May 14, the Committee on Executive Administration and Laborheld a public hearing on the “Universal Paid Leave Portability Amendment Act of 2025". The bill would allow an individual to be eligible for benefits if they are unemployed and not receiving unemployment insurance benefits. After receiving testimony that a witness, who is a self-employed business owner, only came to know of the benefit due to word of mouth, Councilmember Henderson questioned what could be done to better ensure that this unique set of business owners are aware that these benefits exist going forward.
On Wednesday, May 7, the Committee on Health held a public roundtable to examine the current state of the District’s opioid crisis and assess the work and impact of the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Since 2018, the District has been grappling with an opioid crisis that has claimed the lives of 2,660 residents due to fatal overdoses. During the same period (2018–2024), more than 18,000suspected opioid overdoses were reversed using naloxone, administered by the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and community partners. While the exact reasons are not fully known, the District began to see a decline in fatal overdoses in 2024, with 174 fewer fatal overdoses certified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner compared to 2023, and this decline has persisted in 2025.
The Committee heard testimony from a broad range of stakeholders, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers, advocates, and grantees of opioid settlement funds. Many witnesses highlighted ongoing gaps in the system—most notably, the urgent need for housing and care coordination. Providers also raised concerns about challenges with the Department of Behavioral Health’s grant management system and delays in funding that have hampered their ability to deliver services effectively.
Government witnesses included: Dr. Barbara Bazron, Director of the Department of Behavioral Health; Kenan Zamore, Senior Research Epidemiologist at DC Health’s Center for Policy, Planning, and Evaluation; Dr. Francisco J. Diaz, Chief Medical Examiner; Dr. Samantha Toliver, Chief Toxicologist; and Andre Edwards, Assistant Fire Chief of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.
On Friday, May 9, the Committee on Health completed its markup on the “Farmers Market Support Amendment Act of 2025". The legislation would increase food access for Washingtonians by streamlining administrative processes and licensing requirements, aid in expanding operations in low food access areas, and extend seasonal operations.
Announcement of the 2027 NFL Draft
On Monday, May 5, Councilmember Henderson joined Mayor Bowser and her Council colleagues for a joint discussion with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris about RFK stadium and the official announcement of the 2027 NFL Draft being held in the District of Columbia.
ANC 8E Public Meeting
Later that day, on May 5, Councilmember Henderson visited Ward 8 to join the ANC 8E public meeting at THEARC. During her visit, she provided updates on currentissues such as investments in RFK stadium, FY26 budget delays, and Medicaid implications from Congress’ federal cuts.
DC Veg Restaurant Week 2025
On Wednesday, May 7, staff from Councilmember Henderson’s office celebrated DC Veg Restaurant Week and joined a plant-based nutrition demonstration from Certified Holistic Nutritionist Dr. Ruby Lathon. Food highlighted during the demo included mango chia pudding, chickpea tuna salad sliders, black bean brownies, and an egg-free breakfast sandwich.
2025 Day Without Childcare
On Monday, May 12, Councilmember Henderson joined SPACEs in Action during the 2025 National Day Without Childcare. During her remarks she thanked Mayor Bowser for her promise to forgo cuts to the Pay Equity Fund in the FY26 budget and reaffirmed that the childcare sector remains in need of support so that it can in turn support the District’s children.
Mother’s Day Diaper Drive
To celebrate Mother’s Day, Councilmember Henderson invited Councilmembers and staff of the John A. Wilson Building to participate in a diaper drive to collect diapersand period products for families in need.
Mother’s Day Diaper Drive Continued
Earlier this week, Councilmember Henderson delivered donations from the Mother’s Day Diaper Drive. Donation recipients included community providers in Wards 7 and 8, and the Greater DC Diaper Bank which supports many service providers across the District.
Future of Health Summit
On Wednesday, May 14, Councilmember Henderson joined Axios’ Future of Health Summit for a conversation on the future of food and nutrition in America. Councilmember Henderson addressed several points during the roundtable discussion, including the importance of food and nutrition in health policymaking; the impact of social media; the importance of children in changing nutritional behavior; food accessibility and distribution; the complexity of policy choices in this arena including on SNAP and money.
Repotting Party
Studies suggest that 85% of diminishing houseplants show signs of recovery after just one simple intervention -- repotting. Join in Redelicious DC and Very Sad Lab’s collaborative potting party where residents will have access to soil and propagation materials to repot their plants. The event will take place on Sunday, May 18, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm at Edgewood Community Farm, (2304 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20002).
Glow-In-The-Dark Bowling
Bowlers of all ages are welcome to try their hand at throwing strikes at Cleveland Park Library's DIY glow-in-the-dark bowling alley. All ages are welcome! Come on your own or with a team! The Glow-In-The-Dark Bowling event takes place on Monday, May 19, at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library (3310 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, DC, 20008) from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Pride Flag Raising
Are you ready for World Pride? Kick off a historic Pride month in DC with Mayor Bowser and DC Council at the 3rd annual LGBTQIA+ Flag Raising Ceremony at theJohn A. Wilson Building. This World Pride kick off will take place on Wednesday, May 21 at 3:30pm. We hope you can join us!
Feed the Community BBQ
On Saturday, May 24, Washington D.C. Youth Rugby (DCYR) will host a “Feed the Community” event at the corner of H and 8th St. NE, from 12:00pm to 3:00 p.m. The organization will provide a free BBQ meal to local residents, including individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in the area. The event aims to support the community while creating a welcoming space to enjoy food, fellowship, and fun.
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.
DPR’s Camp Riverview
Registration for DPR’s free, full-service summer overnight and day camp exclusively for District residents is still open! Registration is in-person ONLY and will take place on May 16 (today) at the Kennedy Center Recreation Center (1401 7th St NW) from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Located in scenic Scotland, Maryland, Camp Riverview offers children and teens ages 8 to13 a rare opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors for a week away from home. Activities offered at Camp Riverview include, but are not limited to: horseback riding, fishing, ATV trails, wildlife encounters, and hands-on environmental education.
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.
As I continue to vigilantly track the activities at the federal level, I am keenly aware of how some of our own residents are being personally affected. Amid the recent firings of thousands of our nation’s federal government employees, I’m sharing some resources for those impacted who call the District home. You can find these resources as well as those shared by the Executive 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
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