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Neighbors,
The wind chill is stronger than ever, and I hope you are staying warm and healthy as we face the winter weather. Wearing layers (especially a hat!) and staying hydrated are essential tools to battling the colder temperatures.
Here at the Council, cogent questioning is one of our essential tools for effective government oversight and policymaking. And some might suggest enough of it isn't done these days. Through conversation, we can uncover gaps in laws, unintended consequences from legislative drafting, and ultimately, if we are making a positive impact.
A recent example of what can happen when there is a lack of acute questioning is the sudden closure of Eagle Academy, which was discussed thoroughly at the Council during a Committee of the Whole hearing yesterday. Our community was shocked by the Ward 8 school’s sudden closure earlier this fall, which left over 80 staff members and more than 300 students in limbo and without occupation or schooling due to its financial instability. At yesterday’s hearing, my colleagues and I probed the multiple opportunities missed by the school’s board and the DC Public Charter School Board (PSCB) to right the failing ship. By the time PCSB voted to put Eagle on a Financial Corrective Action Plan, the school only had 12 days cash-on-hand, well under the standard of 30 days.
While I still have many questions as to how we got here, I’m also looking towards how we move forward. In this vein, I introduced the Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2024. 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. Trainings would be offered at no-cost in coordination with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and would be required to be completed within 90 days of a member’s election or appointment. While this will not prevent another Eagle Academy situation, it will certainly set our charter LEA Boards up for better governance of the operations of their schools.
Whether we be members of the DC Council, public charter school board, or any another governing body, we cannot allow ourselves to idly stand by and allow mismanagement to occur or policy to go unquestioned. Questioning is a good thing, and timely responses and action are needed in order to serve residents well.
In service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
Committee on Health Updates
On Monday, November 18, the Committee on Health held a markup on the Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Support and Hospitalization Amendment Act of 2024, the Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024, and confirmations to several DC Health boards. The full Council voted on all of these measures at their November 26 and December 3 meetings.
DC Health board confirmations are as follows:
On Wednesday, December 4, the Committee on Health held a confirmation roundtable on appointees to the Statewide Health Coordinating Council. The nominees included Judy Brinckerhoff and Ruth Fisher Pollard.
Key Legislative Updates
On Wednesday, November 20, the Committee of the Whole held a public hearing on the Advancing Equity in Special Education Protocols Amendment Act of 2024. The bill was introduced by Councilmember Henderson in early June and would provide greater stability for special education students, increase communication between DC Public Schools (DCPS) and families, and ensure special education students are receiving quality care by codifying staff-to-student ratios for self-contained special education classrooms.
On Tuesday, November 26, the Certificate of Assurance Repeal Amendment Act of 2023 which was introduced by Councilmember Henderson last December, was folded into the Fairness and Stability in Housing Amendment Act of 2024 (previously known as the Voluntary Agreement Abolition Amendment Act of 2023). The Certificate of Assurance Repeal Amendment Act of 2023 would allow rental housing providers to qualify for property tax credits equal to the difference in any newly restricted rent imposed by the District and the market rent a provider would have received but for the restriction. The bill, as incorporated, permanently removes the option for housing providers to request a certificate of assurance.
On Tuesday, December 3, the DC Council held its thirty-fifth Legislative Meeting during which the Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 introduced by Councilmember Henderson passed. The bill would exempt select businesses, primarily those who have licenses for on-premises consumption of alcohol, from being required to accept cash in an effort to reduce potential crime and safety concerns. There has been a moratorium on the prohibition of cashless retailers since January 2024.
During the same Legislative Meeting, the Council approved on first vote the Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Support and Hospitalization Amendment Act of 2024 and the Safe and Supported Pregnancy Amendment Act of 2024. The former bill would strengthen the District’s mental health processes regarding involuntary and voluntary commitment procedures, while the latter would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide a minimum standard of healthcare for incarcerated individuals who are pregnant or postpartum. This bill came out of Councilmember Henderson working with the attorneys of two women at DC Jail to ensure they had the appropriate care when giving birth.
Christina In the Community
Amerigroup DC Breakfast
On Tuesday, November 19, the Committee on Health team stopped by the Amerigroup DC breakfast at the Wilson Building to learn more about how they’re serving District residents and their goals for 2025.
Lead Free DC
On Wednesday, November 20, Councilmember Henderson’s office joined DC Water at a lead pipe replacement site and learned details on how they are accelerating the replacement of lead service lines here in the District. There are over 42,000 service lines in the District that have been replaced since the beginning of DC Water’s lead-free initiative.
Residents can stay informed of construction and active service lines by visiting DC Water’s Service Line Inventory Map and Construction Dashboard.
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson’s office observed Transgender Day of Remembrance by attending a program held at Metropolitan Community Church. During the program the Transgender Day of Remembrance Recognition Resolution of 2024 was read aloud.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is held annually on November 20th as a moment to observe and honor those who have been lost due to violence.
On Monday, December 2, Councilmember Henderson attended the third DMVMoves Task Force meeting at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments headquarters. The task force is charged with developing a regional vision and identifying a regional funding model for our public transit system. The task force will wrap up its work in spring 2025.
In Case You Missed It: Councilmember Henderson in the News
Local Washington officials brace for four years of playing defense against Trump, Ashraf Khalil for the Associated Press, 11/19/2024
District Links: Council exempts restaurants, bars from ban on cashless retail but opts against delay; AG sues Amazon over delivery access; and more, Chris Kain for the DC Line, 12/4/2024
The Collins Council Report: Winding Down to the End of the Council Period 25, Sam P.K. Collins for the Washington Informer, 12/4/2024
After D.C. school's collapse, council may boost oversight of charters, Lauren Lumpkin for the Washington Post, 12/5/2024
Is DC's healthcare system at risk?, Jonetta Rose Barras for the DC Line, 12/6/2024
Constituent Service Corner
Join MySchool DC for EdFEST
Attend DC’s annual citywide school fair, EdFEST, and explore numerous public and public charter school options! Attendees will be able to chat directly with representatives from each school about their programs and school offerings! Representatives from My School DC and the Parent Advisory Council will also be available to answer questions about the school lottery system. Vaccination services will also be provided for those who have made an appointment. Interested residents may register, here.
Grades 9 – 12
December 7, 2024: 10am – 1pm
Eastern High School (1700 E. Capitol St. NE)
PK3 – Grade 8
December 14, 2024: 10am – 1pm
DC Armory (2001 E. Capitol St. SE)
FY25 Cure the Streets Program
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of the District of Columbia is seeking proposals from non-profit Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) interested in operating the FY25 Cure the Streets – Marshall Heights grant program. Applications are due by Friday, January 3, 2025. A pre-solicitation conference on application requirements and program guidelines is scheduled forDecember 18, 2024 at 3pm, and can be joined, here.
Application links can be found below.
Current Cure the Streets Grantee
Non-Cure the Streets Grantees
No extensions will be allowed.
Help Shape DC Public Library’s New Rules of Behavior
DC Public Library wants your input! The Library is in the process of updating its rules of expected behavior for the District’s 26 library branches. Your feedback will help inform these rules and ensure that our libraries are a safe, welcoming, and equitable place for all. You can share your thoughts by taking a 5-minute survey, here. The survey will be open until February 2025. You can also learn more about the library’s new rules of behavior, here.
Extreme Weather Alerts | cold.dc.gov
Stay in the know with extreme weather alerts from DC’s Department of Human Services. The District is committed to ensuring that people experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and transportation from November through March when unhoused residents are at greatest risk of hypothermia and other cold weather injuries. During the Hypothermia Season, the District issues alert and emergency notifications and enhances shelter capacity, increases outreach, and extends transportation operational hours. The resource page also includes information on alert and emergency notifications, shelter and overflow sites, transportation, calling for help, families experiencing homelessness, unaccompanied minors, and additional information. You can sign up for free email an/or text alerts at alert.dc.gov.
Open Enrollment for 2025 Health Care BenefitsStarting on January 1, 2025 Infertility Services will be covered as an essential health benefit for individual and small group plans on the Health Benefit Exchange and the Health Care Exchange. Residents can get assistance with enrolling by using the Virtual One Touch Enrollment Center. Individuals can schedule a virtual appointment at dconetouch.setmore.com (https://dconetouch.setmore.com/) or by calling 1-855-532-5465. Residents that have IVF policy questions can reach out to Committee on Health's Health Policy Legislative Advisor Rebecca Cooper at rcooper@dccouncil.gov. For those with questions regarding choosing a health insurance plan and specific benefits, please reach out to the health navigators at the Health Benefit Exchange.
Fall Leaf Collection 2024
The Department of Public Works (DPW) will conduct leaf collection service beginning until February 8, 2025, for residents who receive DPW trash and recycling services. To view the leaf tracker and find your leaf collection section based on your address, the leaf tracker will show the raking area in Wards 1 through 8 and can be viewed here.
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.
Metro: Downtown Blue, Orange, and Silver Line Station Closures
Beginning December 20, Metro is altering train service and closing some Downtown Blue, Orange, and Silver stations as part of a major construction project to improve tracks, signaling, and make a smoother ride for customers. Free shuttle buses will replace trains during the 11-day project. Work will be completed in two phases. You can find more information, here.
Closures From December 20 to 26,
Closures From December 27 to 30,
Stations will reopen December 31.
ATTN: Virginia Williams Family Resource Center is Moving
On December 23, 2024, the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC) will relocate from its current location at 920-A Rhode Island Avenue NE to the first floor of DC Department of Human Services (DHS) headquarters located at 64 New York Avenue NE. Other agencies and organizations currently co-located at VWFRC will also move to 64 New York Avenue NE include: District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH), Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE), and Housing Our Newborns, Empowering You (HONEY).
Available services at the VWFRC center include:
Public Benefits
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.
Stay Connected
Thank you for reading! Please stay in touch.
Christina Henderson
At-Large Councilmember
chenderson@dccouncil.gov
Mike Shaffer
Chief of Staff
mshaffer@dccouncil.gov
Heather Edelman
Deputy Chief of Staff
hedelman@dccouncil.gov
Gabrielle Rogoff
Legislative Director
grogoff@dccouncil.gov
Ana Berríos-Vázquez
Constituent Services Director
aberriosvazquez@dccouncil.gov
Sierra Wallace
Communications Director
swallace@dccouncil.gov
Nicholas Pcholkin
Senior Legislative Assistant
npcholkin@dccouncil.gov
Taylor Coleman
Legislative Aide
tcoleman@dccouncil.gov
Health Committee
Ona Balkus
Committee Director
obalkus@dccouncil.gov
Marcia Huff
Senior Policy Advisor
mhuff@dccouncil.gov
Rebecca Cooper
Health Policy Advisor
rcooper@dccouncil.gov
Ashley Strange
Legislative Assistant
astrange@dccouncil.gov