Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.  

Last week, I introduced the Social Determinants for Moms Act, legislation to make key investments to address the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes and build healthier communities. On Tuesday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce convened a full hearing to hear about federal budget priorities from U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. I focused my time on Head Start, one of the greatest anti-poverty initiatives in American history, and the need for universal Pre-Kindergarten programs.  

More from the week: The Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry held a hearing A Review of Animal Stakeholder Priorities, where I stressed the impacts of climate change on small family farms. Lastly, the House passed legislation to commemorate National Police Week. Also, my office presented a U.S. Capitol flag to Newtown Police Department Police Chief David Kullgren.  

For the full recap, please read below.  

Social Determinants for Moms Act

Maternal mortality rates in the United States are the worst in the developed world, with 33 deaths for every 100,000 births – and nearly 70 deaths for non-Hispanic Black women. The maternal health crisis demands immediate federal intervention. 

On Monday, I led the introduction of the Social Determinants for Moms Act, legislation to make key investments to address the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes and build healthier communities. Specifically, the legislation establishes a whole-of-government task force to develop comprehensive strategies to eliminate preventable maternal morbidity and maternal health disparities and creates a dedicated funding source for community-based organizations and local entities to address social determinants of health during and after pregnancy. 

By directly investing in efforts to address the social determinants of health, like access to healthy, nutritious foods, affordable housing, transportation, and the mitigation of climate change, we can begin to eliminate generations of disparities and save lives. 

The Social Determinants for Moms Act is part of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a robust legislative package led by the Black Maternal Health Caucus aimed to end disparities in maternal health and save moms. 

To learn more about the legislation please click here.  

Examining the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of  Education

The Head Start Program is one of the greatest anti-poverty programs initiatives in American history. Since its founding Head Start has served 38 million children. Program participants are 12% less likely to live in poverty as adults and 29% less likely to receive public assistance. Connecticut has 68 Head Start and Early Head Start centers servicing approximately 5,000 children.  

During the House Education and the Workforce hearing, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona described steps the department is taking to improve access to Pre-Kindergarten programs like those offered through Head Start. 

The full hearing is available here.  

A Review of Animal Agriculture Stakeholder Priorities

On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry convened a hearing A Review of Animal Stakeholder Priorities. During the hearing I focused my questions on small family farms, which make up 94% of farms in the Fifth District.  

During her testimony Dr. Kelsey Scott, Director of Programs of the Intertribal Agriculture Council highlighted the importance of risk mitigation protocols to help families survive the worst effects of climate change. 

 Additionally, we discussed the critical need for federal resources to ensure family operations remain sustainable from generation to generation.  

To listen to the full hearing, please click here.  

National Police Week

During National Police Week, communities pay homage to law enforcement who have given their lives in the line of duty.  On Monday, the House passed H.Res.363 which recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities and memorializes law enforcement officers who have died in the line on duty.  

Locally, the Newtown Police Department recognized Chief David Kullgren for his continued service to Newtown community. A flag was flown over the U.S Capitol in his honor and presented to him by my office.  

Thank you, Chief Kullgren and all law enforcement, for your commitment to keeping communities safe.  

And that’s a wrap!  

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.  

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress