Dear John,

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

Last week, the House passed a Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Appropriations package, which includes seven funding projects that will directly benefit the residents of the Fifth District of Connecticut. Also, the House passed the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation to codify marriage equality into law. Additionally, my team attended the Bethel Stop and Stroll to provide support in navigating federal agencies and information on casework services. Lastly, I participated in a briefing on the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. 

Funding for Connecticut Priorities

Last week the House passed a package of six appropriations bills which include provisions to uplift communities in Connecticut and across the country. The investments in this legislation will help working families, reduce hunger, fight climate change, and strengthen local economies. 

The legislation also includes funding for seven projects that will directly benefit the residents of the Fifth District: 

• WATERBURY: $4,000,000 for the City of Waterbury to replace the pool and renovate the pool house at Fulton Park;
• WATERTOWN: $3,000,000 for the Town of Watertown to conduct a safety audit of Main Street to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety;
• DANBURY: $2,000,000 for the City of Danbury to create an environmental impact statement for Danbury Rail and extend stops along the New York City Metro North Harlem Line;
• LITCHFIELD: $1,000,000 for the Connecticut Junior Republic to support maintenance and repairs of farm facilities and expand access to educational and therapeutic opportunities afforded by agricultural education;
• CANAAN: $875,000 for the Falls Village Housing Trust to construct multi-family affordable housing for low and moderate-income working families and seniors;
• CHESHIRE: $625,000 for the Ball & Socket Arts, Inc. to install required fire protection system and transform site into vibrant arts center and community gathering place; and
• NEW BRITAIN: $50,000 for the YWCA of New Britain to develop a training center for individuals interested in operating their own family childcare business.

I am pleased to have joined my colleagues in advancing this legislation that will lower costs for working families, support small business owners, confront climate change, and protect our national security. 

Respect for Marriage Act

On Tuesday, the House passed the Respect for Marriage Act. This important legislation enshrines into law marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples. Additionally, the legislation repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and provides legal protections to ensure those acting under state law are unable to discriminate against an out-of-state marriage on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

Additional information on the Respect for Marriage Act is available here. 

Casework on Your Corner

Last week my casework team attended the Bethel Shop and Stroll to answer questions about constituent issues with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

We are always striving for the best possible outcomes. If you need assistance navigating a federal agency, please call my office at (860) 223-8412 or visit my website for more information.

White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health 

Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a strong proponent of measures to end hunger in America.  

Last week, I joined a briefing as part of the planning and building out of the agenda for the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health. The conference will convene thought leaders in the public and private sectors to accelerate progress and drive transformative change in the United States to end hunger, improve nutrition and physical activity, and close the disparities surrounding these critical issues. 

The conference is grounded in five key principles:

• Improving food access and affordability;
• Integrating nutrition and health;
• Empowering consumers to make and have access to healthy choices;
• Supporting physical activity for all; and
• Enhancing nutrition and food security research.

Addressing these issues takes a coordinated, community-centered approach. To learn more about the conference and share your ideas and stories, please click here. 

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