Dear John,

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

Last week, I was happy to be back in the district for a host of exciting announcements, facility tours, and program visits.

Read my full update on this District work period below. 

Exciting Updates for the Western Connecticut Council of Governments

I started the district work period with an exciting announcement in Bethel. The Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) has received nearly $4 million in federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Safe Streets for All program.

Established by the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, the grant will support safety improvements at 93 locations throughout western Connecticut – providing new or restriped high-visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, dynamic speed feedback signs, leading pedestrian intervals, all-STOP intersection conversions, curve design improvements, and other measures designed to address an increase in traffic crashes. 

I am thrilled to see the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continue to revolutionize infrastructure in the Fifth, opening the door for more jobs and increased economic growth.

To learn more about this exciting announcement, please click here.

Visit to New Fairfield

On Wednesday afternoon, I met with New Fairfield First Selectman Melissa Lindsey, who is among the newly elected local officials in the Fifth. During the meeting, First Selectman Lindsey shared her vision for the town, and I reaffirmed my commitment to collaboration on behalf of all the people we both serve in New Fairfield. 

While in New Fairfield, I visited the New Fairfield Senior Center, which provides enrichment programs for older adults. During my time at the facility, I saw their weekly Meals on Wheels distribution firsthand.

One in three Meals on Wheels programs currently have a waitlist, with older adults waiting an average of three months for vital meals. Concurrently, 5.5 million seniors and 3.8 million older adults experience food insecurity.

My time at the distribution center reiterated what I already knew to be true - programs like Meals on Wheels, are integral to the fight against hunger in our communities and across the nation.

Thomaston EDC Business Reception

I wrapped up a very eventful Wednesday in Thomaston with the Thomaston Economic Development Commission (EDC), as they hosted a recognition ceremony for three businesses that play an integral part in the community. Congratulations to UniMetal Surface Finishing, Clocktown Brewery, and GLC Associates, and thank you for your contribution to the fabric of this region.

Unemployment Insurance Modernization

On Friday, the Connecticut Department of Labor convened a roundtable conversation on Unemployment Insurance Modernization with Acting Secretary Julie Su of the U.S. Department of Labor. I attended the event with Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02), Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor Dante Bartolomeo and several labor leaders and advocates.

During the conversation, Acting Secretary Su shared how Connecticut is successfully using funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act to help residents navigate the unemployment process.

Three years ago, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate was 7.3%. Today it is 3.8%. Connecticut is leading the way in modernizing the unemployment insurance system and getting people back to work. 

CT Veterans Hall of Fame 2023 Induction Ceremony

On Thursday evening, I attended the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.  The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established to increase awareness of the lifetime contributions of veterans after honorably serving the country. During the ceremony, 11 veterans were inducted, including 8 residents of the Fifth District of Connecticut: 

•  John Chan of Avon
•  Michael Dalton of Waterbury
•  Rich DiFederico Jr. of Oakville
•  Maurice Fradette of Farmington
•  Mike Gozzo, Hamden
• Richard “Dick” LeFave, Voluntown
• Daniel Bernard Reilly of Torrington
• William Ford Law Rodgers of Newtown
• Lorenzo Anthony Santamaria, Guilford
• Charles Ferdinand Smith, Killingworth
• Peter Charles Tragni of Waterbury

Additional information on the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is available here.  

FreeTHEM Inc. 5th Annual Multicultural CommUNITY Celebration 

On Saturday, I was in Waterbury at the FreeTHEM Inc. 5th Annual Multicultural CommUNITY Celebration.

FreeTHEM Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for direct and indirect addiction-exposed youth.

During the event, I was able to discuss steps the federal government is taking to fight the opioid crisis, including the Rise from Trauma Act, of which I am a cosponsor.

The RISE from Trauma Act would expand the trauma-informed workforce in schools, health care settings, social services, first responders, and the justice system and increase resources for communities to address the impact of trauma.

As your Congresswoman, I know mental health, addiction, and suicide are not single-issue conversations. We must address the core issues that make communities susceptible to these circumstances.

And that’s a wrap! 

Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress