Dear John,

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

Last week, I attended several events in observance of Juneteenth, a celebration and commemoration of freedom!  I spent Saturday in the Farmington Valley for a joint Juneteenth event hosted by the towns of Simsbury, Avon, Canton, and Farmington.

More from the week: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce convened a full committee hearing, Competencies Over Degrees: Transitioning to a Skills-Based Economy, to examine how Congress can prepare the workforce for jobs of the future, and the House considered the CHOICE Arrangement Act, dangerous legislation to undermine the protections provided by the Affordable Care Act. I offered an amendment to the legislation which sought to protect older workers from higher insurance premiums. Also, I was thrilled to meet with representatives from the Waterbury Police Activity League (PAL) attending National PAL’s youth summit. Lastly, I visited the Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative (DFMCC) for the opening weekend of the weekly farmers’ market. 

For the full recap, please read below.

Celebrating Juneteenth

On Saturday, I was happy to attend a Juneteenth celebration hosted by the towns of Simsbury, Avon, Canton, and Farmington. I continue to be impressed by the intentional efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in these communities.

The event featured performances from a host of CT-05 talent and provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about the history of freed and enslaved peoples in Connecticut.

Competencies Over Degrees: Transitioning to a Skills-Based Economy

On Thursday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a full committee hearing, Competencies Over Degrees: Transitioning to a Skills-Based Economy.  As the economy continues to change, this hearing focused on how Congress can prepare future workers for in-demand jobs. 

As an educator serving in Congress, I know higher education presents graduates with the promise for a better future.  However, I am acutely aware post-secondary education is not the only pathway to success. It is imperative we expose students to alternative opportunities and educate them about the realities of the job market. Trades and skilled labor offer careers to students directly out of high school as well as the opportunity to learn as you go through apprenticeship programs. 

To listen to my full remarks during the hearing, click here.  

CHOICE Arrangement Act

Last week, the House considered the CHOICE Arrangement Act, dangerous legislation which would make health care less accessible and less affordable for the most at-risk workers. Specifically, the legislation would weaken protections provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that support vulnerable populations while increasing premiums in the individual marketplace.  Additionally, the CHOICE Arrangement Act would allow employers to discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions, women, and older workers. 

My amendment to the CHOICE Arrangement Act would have delayed implementation of the bill until the Secretary of Labor certifies the legislation would not result in higher premium rates for older workers.

While the amendment did not pass, I will continue to work to ensure elderly Americans are protected. 

Meeting with Waterbury Police Activity League (PAL)

On Thursday, I met with representatives of the Waterbury Police Activity League (PAL).

The Waterbury Police Activity League (PAL) is a not-for-profit organization which promotes partnerships between youth, law enforcement, and the community through educational, athletic, and recreational programs designed to encourage team building and foster positive relationships.

I was thrilled to hear these young people talk about their positive experiences with the PAL program and their vision for the city of Waterbury. In Fiscal Year 2023, my office secured $172,000 in Community Project Funding for Waterbury PAL. 

Danbury Farmers' Market 

On Saturday, I visited the Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative (DFMCC) for their weekly food market. Every Saturday, from June through October, the collaborate provides communities with an opportunity to share in the excitement and benefits of fresh local fruits, vegetables, and specialty food items.  

DFMCC offers several incentives to expand access to the market, including match programs for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries, WIC participants, and seniors. This is a tremendous support for Connecticut families utilizing federal nutrition programs like SNAP, which provides food to over 371,000 vulnerable older adults, children, working families and people with disabilities.

As a member of the Congressional Task Force on Agriculture and Nutrition in the 21st Century, I am continuing to work with my colleagues to strategize on how to best safeguard these programs from further attacks. 

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