Dear friend,

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

Last week, communities across the Fifth District recognized Juneteenth, a time of celebration and a commemoration of freedom. I attended ceremonies in Torrington and Waterbury. This month, I joined the City of Waterbury to announce the grand reopening of two newly renovated community pools that will serve the Waterbury residents this summer - Fulton Park Pool and Washington Park Pool. The Berkeley Heights Recreation Center also hosted an open house to kick off the summer season.

More from the week: I joined Representative Lucy McBath (GA-07) to introduce the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act, legislation to ensure pregnant students and parents get support while attending school. I also attended the Connecticut Forum conversation with President Barack Obama.

Finally, please see my statement condemning the rise of political violence in our country and my statement on the U.S. strikes in Iran.

My full recap is available below.

Celebrating Juneteenth 2025

Communities across the Fifth District recognized Juneteenth, a time of celebration and a commemoration of freedom.

I attended ceremonies in Waterbury and Torrington. The Waterbury Juneteenth Collective held a Freedom Celebration where we enjoyed live entertainment and food from Black businesses while celebrating the meaning of Juneteenth. In Torrington, we honored the Juneteenth Mayors for the Day, Rev. Angaza Mwando and his wife Effie Mwando, passionate cultural advocates who run the nonprofit “Our Culture is Beautiful” to amplify the beauty in our diversity. Traditional African entertainment was provided by Howard’s All-Star Drummers.

Read my full Juneteenth recap here.

Summer in Waterbury

Last summer, my office joined the City of Waterbury for the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Hamilton Park Pool made possible by American Rescue Plan Act funds. 

I supported this project by securing $850,000 in Community Project Funding that was used to construct a new gate at the East Main Street Park entrance and create a 25-car parking lot on Hamilton Park Road, as well as multi-use trails and physical and visual beautification upgrades.

This month, I was thrilled to attend the grand reopening of two additional pools that will serve the Waterbury community this summer – Fulton Park Pool and Washington Park Pool. 

Replacement of the Fulton Park Pool was made possible through $4 million in Community Project Funding secured by me in fiscal year 2024, and $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Replacement and renovations of the Washington Park Pool were supported by $5.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.  

Both facilities now feature a modern pool, fully renovated pump and pool houses, site improvements, and new shade structures such as pergolas and a gazebo. Accessibility was central to the design of both facilities – as the pools include zero-depth entry and ramps with handrails for easy access. Additionally, the renovated pool houses are fully ADA compliant, ensuring inclusive access for residents of all abilities.

It is great to see all three projects from start to finish and incredibly rewarding to see the federal resources I helped to secure have a direct impact on communities throughout the Fifth. 

Berkeley Heights Recreation Center Summer Kick Off

On Saturday, the Berkeley Heights Recreation Center hosted an open house to kick off the summer season. I presented the center with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor.

I grew up in the Berkeley Heights neighborhood and spent lots of time at this recreation center. Thank you to the UnGroup Society & Waterbury Housing Authority for bringing it back as a vibrant community hub. 

Helping Student Parents Succeed Act

Last week, I joined Representative Lucy McBath (GA-07) to introduce the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act.

This bipartisan legislation would ensure student parents are made aware of childcare, leave options, and other accommodations available at their schools.

In the U.S., about 22% of undergraduate students are parents. These students often face unique challenges in higher education, such as accessing childcare.  As a former student parent juggling coursework, multiple jobs, and the demands of raising a child, I know firsthand the struggles many working parents face today.

The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act will ensure parents know the resources available to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Learn more about the Helping Student Parents Act here. 

Connecticut Forum
 

The Connecticut Forum is a non-profit organization that engages leading thinkers, artists, and cultural icons through live and unscripted conversations.

I attended last week, as the Connecticut Forum hosted President Barack Obama for a timely conversation that emphasized the preservation of democracy over autocracy, and the importance of communities coming together to work toward common goals. 

Condemning Political Violence

The nation continues to mourn the lives of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark who were assassinated in a senseless act of violence on June 14, 2025.  We also continue to offer support to Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, as they recover from critical injuries caused by the same gunman.

The Minnesota shootings are a pattern of increasing political violence across the country. Violence in any form is unacceptable. This is not how policy differences are settled in the United States of America.

I condemn this cowardly act and send prayers to both the Hortman, and Hoffman families, the people of Minnesota, and our country.

Link to my statement here.

U.S. Strikes in Iran

We are closely monitoring the situation unfolding in Iran following the airstrikes on nuclear sites ordered by President Trump on Saturday. You can read my statement on the unilateral military action taken by President Trump here. 

That’s a wrap.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please be assured I will continue to advocate for your priorities.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress