Dear John,

I am writing with a new update from The Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week I hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for a timely conversation on the importance of reproductive health care and I joined a round table on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Additionally, I was thrilled to spend time in community with my constituents in Litchfield. 

For the full recap, please read below. 

Reproductive Health Care is Essential

Last week, I invited Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to visit the Planned Parenthood Waterbury Health Center. We were also joined by Amanda Skinner, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and several esteemed colleagues for a round table conversation on the importance of protecting access to affordable reproductive healthcare. 

During the visit we heard firsthand from the people in the community who rely on Planned Parenthood for everything from primary care to maternal health care to reproductive and preventative care.  

In the wake of the Supreme Court decision to overturn the right to abortion care, I am steadfast in my commitment to ensuring women know their rights. The facts are clear:

• Under federal law, most health plans are required to provide birth control and family planning counseling with no out-of-pocket costs. 
• Under law, most health insurance plans are required to cover preventative health services including prenatal care and screening services.
• Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), hospitals are required to provide the emergency care necessary to save the life of any individual with an emergency medical condition,  including abortion care.  
• In Connecticut, access to abortion and reproductive health care services remain protected by law. 

For additional up to date information on access and coverage of reproductive health care resources, please visit https://reproductiverights.gov/, an official website of the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Discussing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

On Wednesday, Secretary Becerra, Senator Chris Murphy, Rep. Rosa DeLauro and I joined local advocates at Family and Children’s Aid in Waterbury. Family and Children’s Aid (FCA) provides high-quality behavioral health services for children and families. 

During the visit, our discussion focused on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation that takes a comprehensive approach to remedy the crisis of gun violence in our country. While issues of gun violence and mental health should not always be conflated, this legislation takes a wraparound approach to save lives and keep our communities safe.

Specifically, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes measures to expand access to community based behavioral health services and enhance school-based health programs under Medicaid. 

In Community with Litchfield

Another highlight of the week was hearing directly from constituents about the issues that matter most to them. During his annual walk across Connecticut, Senator Chris Murphy hosted a town hall at the Litchfield Community Center and invited me to join. I was thrilled to be with constituents and answer questions.

Throughout my time in Congress, I worked to acquire $86,190 for the Bantam Fire Company in Litchfield as part of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program through the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, my office has helped recover over $107,000 in casework refunds for constituents in Litchfield from the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of the Treasury. 

These direct conversations are integral in my work to continue to improve the lives of all who live in the fifth district.

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