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“Treatments for infertility can cost anywhere between $17,000 to $25,000,” Henderson said. “And health insurance providers are not required to cover the cost of diagnosis or treatment.” The measure was co-introduced with members Mary Cheh, Brianne Nadeau, Anita Bonds and Charles Allen, and co-sponsored by Council member Janeese Lewis George.

"We know a lot of families right now have been squeezed financially," Henderson said. "And diapers can cost anywhere from $75 to $100 a month, which is a costly expense for some families who might have to make a decision between do I put a fresh diaper on my child or do I pay the light bill? And I feel like no child in the district should have to make that choice."

What they’re saying: Henderson says speaking with friends who have struggled with infertility helped inspire the bill, and hopes it tackles health-cost inequities and opens up more dialogue for patients of color facing infertility.

"We know a lot of families right now have been squeezed financially," Henderson said. "And diapers can cost anywhere from $75 to $100 a month, which is a costly expense for some families who might have to make a decision between do I put a fresh diaper on my child or do I pay the light bill? And I feel like no child in the district should have to make that choice."

At-large D.C. Council member Christina Henderson has introduced legislation to expand coverage provided through private insurers, Medicaid and the DC Healthcare Alliance to include diagnosis and treatment for infertility.

Silverman and Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At Large) have also introduced a bill that would bring increase paid leave for D.C. government workers to make them even with private-sector employees. There’s a hearing on that bill today, alongside another measure to offer bereavement leave following the death of a family member or stillbirth.

The measure — which would allow residents to cast votes on their smartphones, laptops or tablets — was introduced Friday by D.C. Council member Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2). It was co-introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and D.C. Council members Trayon White Sr. (D-Ward 8), Christina Henderson (I-At Large), Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Anita Bonds (D-At Large), Robert C. White Jr. (D-At Large) and Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7).

DOES plans to adopt an “earn and learn” approach by offering paid internships and apprenticeships while school is in session.

At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson pressed Carter to collaborate with D.C. police to apprehend the de-booter.

Flashback: Last December, the agency told lawmakers it had only four staff members to boot vehicles with unpaid traffic tickets, even though there is a backlog of over 630,000 vehicles that are eligible for a boot.

“We had students and workers, elderly folks, everyone calling us saying, ‘my child is outside in the freezing weather waiting for their bus that either came 30 to 45 minutes late or didn’t come at all,’” Amanda Farnan, D.C. councilmember Christina Henderson’s communications director, said. “That should never be a situation that we are putting residents in.”

"They play a critical role in the lives of our young people, making it possible for parents to work and provide for their families," council member Christina Henderson said. But caregivers have been overlooked. "For so long [they] have been paid at a level that does not represent the value they contribute to our community," Henderson added.