Dear John,

It is my priority to actively be in communities where my constituents live. Listening sessions, round tables and exemplary constituent services are all reflective of my efforts to improve the quality of life for the Fifth District and the entire state of Connecticut. Your concerns deserve attention, compassion and resolution and it continues to be my privilege to serve as your representative. I remain committed to the work we will do in the coming year. 

Some highlights from 2023: 

Passport Day 

This year, passport processing times peaked at 10-13 weeks. To help constituents my office hosted two successful Passport Day events with the U.S. Department of State.  

In April, we processed over 100 passport applications.

In September, over 150 passport applications were processed in 4 hours, with 90 of those applications being first-time applicants.  

While processing times for passports have gone down, my office stands ready to assist with issues related to renewing a passport or applying for the first time.  

Constituent Services 

In 2023 we continued “Casework on Your Corner” program with standing monthly office hours at Meriden and Danbury City Halls. Over the course of the year, 20 casework events were hosted in the community.

Too often, residents are unaware of the services a congressional office can provide. “Casework on Your Corner” was established to bring caseworkers directly to constituents, answer questions, and open cases in real time.  

I am dedicated to making resources and services more accessible to all who call the Fifth District home. My office is available to assist constituents navigate problems with a federal agency including the: 

    •    Social Security Administration (SSA) 
    •    U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
    •    Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 
    •    U.S. Department of State 
    •    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 
    •    U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and other federal programs and agencies. 
 
The first Casework on Your Corner of 2024 will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd at Meriden City Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

If residents are experiencing an issue with a federal agency or have a question, all are encouraged to attend an upcoming “Casework on Your Corner” event or call 860-223-8412. More information on how to obtain assistance can also be found here. 

In 2023, my casework team returned $6.2 million back to constituents through assistance with federal agencies and successfully closed more than 950 cases.  

Additionally, we have had nearly 1 million communications in all 41 towns across the district through phone calls, emails, and U.S. mail. 

My office continues to be a resource for constituents looking for help with navigating federal agencies.

Leading Critical Legislation 

This year, I introduced 15 bills and resolutions in the U.S. House of Representatives focusing on education, gun violence prevention, nutrition, veterans and more.  

In December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a final rule codifying provisions of my Access to Baby Formula Act that was signed into law in 2022. The new rule will take effect on February 12, 2024 and will help the six million Connecticut residents who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) if we should ever face another baby formula shortage.  

I look forward to making progress on the issues that matter most to you in this upcoming year. 

As always, please continue to share your thoughts and concerns with me. It remains my honor to serve as your representative and support the people of Fifth District of Connecticut.  Happy Holidays to you and your family and I wish you peace and joy in the new year.

Jahana Hayes 
Member of Congress