KarunaNews Story

The bill co-sponsored by Prince George's County lawmaker Krystal Odiadha was straightforward: to allow county council members to vote virtually if they are ill, on parental leave, or experiencing “a significant or unexpected factor or event” outside their control. The first person ever known to be pregnant while serving on the county council, and considered high risk because she is a Black woman over 35, she had expected the country health insurance would cover labor and delivery services - but it did not. She also wanted to keep attending meetings virtually but the council rejected her request, only reversing themselves weeks later. On the last council session day in November, she announced the launch of a guaranteed-basic-income pilot, son Ezra nestled in his grandmother’s arms. Many of the colleagues who had originally opposed virtual voting were absent — but voted virtually.