Dear John,

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

Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to provide greater input on how funding will be directed to specific state or local governments or eligible non-profits. This funding is critical to addressing the most pressing needs of constituents. In case you missed it, through the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process, I secured nearly $9 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Fifth District of Connecticut. Last week, I visited project sites in Brookfield, Torrington, Goshen, and New Britain.

More from the week: I attended the American Manufacturing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where I inducted Farmington-based company, Otis Elevator. Additionally, I celebrated the 50TH anniversary of CT Humanities, an organization dedicated to enriching the arts and culture sector of our state.

Finally, I am including an update on Passport Day on April 20, 2024.

For my full update, please read below. 

Emergency Radio System Upgrades for Brookfield

Currently, the Brookfield Police Department and local emergency responders are operating on an outdated and archaic analogue communications system that dates back to 1986. The lack of interoperability with surrounding towns and inconsistent coverage puts police and first responders at risk of isolation and other severe consequences. 

The $963,000 Community Project Funding Grant will allow Brookfield to upgrade the current radio system to a modern, reliable twenty-first century efficient communications system. Additionally, the grant will cover the costs of site prep and installation. 

With funding secured by the enactment of the Fiscal Year 2024 omnibus, I look forward to working with the town as the system upgrades take place. 

Fire Safety Systems Repairs for Torrington Housing Authority

Torrington Towers, a public housing development of the Torrington Housing Authority, is a 200-unit facility where 250 elderly and disabled citizens reside. Currently, the building’s fire suppression standpipe and control valve are leaking - presenting a significant danger in the event of a fire.

Through $45,000 in Community Project Funding, the Torrington Housing Authority will be able to repair the fire suppression system, ensuring the safety of the elderly residents and firefighters responding to emergencies within the building.

Improvements to Affordable Housing Drinking Water Systems in Goshen

Goshen Housing Trust is receiving $50,000 in Community Project Funding to repair drinking water systems at Goshen Housing and Marketplace. Located in the town center, this development is home to 17 income restricted apartments and serves as the only affordable housing development within the small, rural town. 

Specifically, the funds will be used for the installation of a new water well, improvements in water storage, treatment, and distribution, and the installation of an emergency backup generator. 

With the property dependent on its own well-based water supply, this upgrade will be of significant benefit to this community. 

Supporting the Unhoused in New Britain

Since 1968, Friendship Service Center has served as a place “where the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered, and everyone is welcome.” Services offered by Friendship range from an emergency shelter, transitional living programs, and permanent housing options. 

Additionally, Friendship Service Center offers lunch to the community each day and participates in SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR), a national program designed to increase access to disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

In March 2023, I visited Friendship Service Center to learn more about the important work they are doing to combat homelessness in the community. Last week, I returned with the exciting update that they will be receiving $1 million in Community Project Funding to upgrade the building to address the wear and tear inevitable for a property that hosts at least 60 people per day. The funds will also be used to upgrade the facility to expand its capacity to serve community members in need of emergency shelter.

Combating homelessness and supporting affordable housing development remains a priority for me. My office will continue to provide support for this project as it unfolds. 

American Manufacturing Hall of Fame

Established in 2014, the American Manufacturing Hall of Fame (AMHoF) celebrates the innovative history of American manufacturing, promotes the awareness of Advanced Manufacturing technologies and raises funds to support the training and education of the next generation of advanced manufacturing workers by leveraging statewide collaborations, educational pathways and shared resources. AMHoF has provided over $300,000 for scholarships and educational programs for students. 

Last week, I attended the 2024 Induction Ceremony where I inducted Farmington-based company, Otis Elevator. Otis is the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company - moving 2.3 billion people a day.  

During the ceremony, the American Manufacturing Hall of Fame also provided Women of Distinction awards to 20 women for their contributions to the manufacturing industry.  

With over 160,000 Connecticut manufacturing jobs in 2022, this continues to be a growing economic driver for our state. 

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Connecticut Humanities

Dedicated to connecting people and ideas, Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is an independent, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). 
 
On Thursday, I attended the 50th anniversary celebration of CT Humanities where alongside several of my colleagues, I highlighted the importance of humanities in education. 

Every child deserves the opportunity to explore their talents in a myriad of ways – through art, history, and culture. As an educator, I know providing students with exposure and access to robust experiences directly translates to students becoming well-rounded, civically engaged productive members of their communities.

Funding for humanities is critical and I will continue to support legislative efforts for these programs in Congress.  

ICYMI: Passport Day

Ahead of the peak travel season, my office will host a Passport Day at the Danbury War Memorial on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 9AM – 1PM.  

This is an opportunity to renew your passport or apply for the first time. To schedule an appointment, please call 860-223-8412. Walk-ins are also welcome.  

Applications and fees will be collected on site and photos can be taken at the event at no cost. No passports will be printed on-site. Passports will be mailed to you in accordance with routine processing times.  

For additional details on Passport Day, please click here. 

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