Dear John,

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

I began this district work period by celebrating success at the New Britain Public Library for an update on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) and United Way Readers programs. Additionally, in celebration of Black History Month, I attended several events honoring the contributions of local Black leaders in the Fifth District of Connecticut.

More from the week: I introduced the Closing the College Hunger Gap Act, legislation to combat food insecurity on college campuses. Also, I attended a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) briefing on the Bipartisan National Security Bill.

For the full recap, please read below. 

Celebrating Success in New Britain

In Fiscal Year 2023, I secured $150,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) and United Way Readers programs. The program provides children from birth to five with a free book by mail every month – creating a home library of 60 books for children by the time they start kindergarten. United Way Readers is a supplemental, volunteer-based program designed to improve the reading proficiency of students in grades K-3. 

On Thursday, I joined New Britain Public Library Head of Children’s Services Amy Litke, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut President and CEO Eric Harrison, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, and several community leaders to celebrate the more than 300 families currently enrolled in the program. 

Research shows 1 in 3 children start kindergarten without the language skills needed to learn to read. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library can help close these gaps and prepare young learners for the classroom and beyond.

African American Mayor for the Day

Each year, during Black History Month, the City of Waterbury selects an African American Mayor for the Day. The recognition is bestowed upon an African American for their contributions to the local community. 

On Wednesday, we celebrated the 2024 Waterbury African American Mayor for the Day, Alderman Sean M. Mosley. My office was pleased to provide Alderman Mosley with a Congressional Proclamation. As a trusted community leader, Alderman Mosley is truly deserving of this honor. 

In 2016, I was honored as the Waterbury African American Mayor for the Day and I am thrilled that Alderman Mosley joins this group. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do for the Waterbury community. 

Celebrating Black History Month

On Thursday, I joined the New Britain Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities for the unveiling of the 2024 Prominent Black Leaders in the Community exhibit at New Britain City Hall. 

In celebration of Black History Month, the 2024 exhibit honors the accomplishments of local leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the city.

Additionally, I was humbled to provide the keynote address at the National Education Association (NEA) Danbury Black History Month celebration, where Juanita Harris was honored with an Educator Lifetime Achievement Award. Harris was recently elected to the Danbury Board of Education following a vibrant career with Danbury Public Schools. 

Closing the College Hunger Gap Act

Last week, I introduced the Closing the College Hunger Gap Act, legislation to combat food insecurity on college campuses. 

Specifically, the legislation directs the Secretary of Education to notify college students of their eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) based on information reported through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Nearly 40 million people in the United States rely on SNAP. Despite widespread participation, too often, eligible individuals, including college students, are unaware of the program or how SNAP can improve access to nutritious foods. Ensuring students are informed of their eligibility is a first step in addressing food insecurity on college campuses.

To learn more about the Closing the College Hunger Gap Act, please click here. 

Bipartisan National Security Bill

On Thursday, I attended a member-level briefing with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power. During the briefing, Administrator Power provided an update on the importance of the Senate Bipartisan National Security Bill in responding to global humanitarian needs. 

The Senate Bipartisan National Security Bill is a $95.34 billion legislative package that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian assistance to provide food, water, shelter, medical care, and other essential services to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones across the globe.   

The Senate passed the Bipartisan National Security Bill in a 70 –29 vote.    

At this time, it remains unclear if House Republican leadership will bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

After a successful district work period, I am ready to return to Washington, to advance legislation to keep government open and working for my constituents here in the Fifth District of Connecticut.

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