Dear John,

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

After a productive District Work Period, Congress is back in session. Last week, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing, Soil Health Practices and Programs that Support Regenerative Agriculture to discuss steps our nation can take to combat the effects of climate change. Also, I am pleased to share my Waterbury District office has been added to the National Purple Heart Trail, a symbolic and honorary system that gives tribute to the men and women who were wounded in combat while serving the U.S. armed forces. During the week, I issued a  statement in response to Congressional Republicans' introduction of legislation to ban abortion nationwide after 15 weeks. 

I am also including a free tax preparation learning opportunity available through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

For the full recap, please read below. 

Soil Health Practices and Programs that Support Regenerative Agriculture

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Agriculture held a committee hearing, Soil Health Practices and Programs that Support Regenerative Agriculture. 

According to the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation, soil health refers to the capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. The benefits of good soil health include better food security, improved water quality, reduced net greenhouse gas emissions, and profitability for farms and managed forests.

During the hearing, witnesses discussed how improved soil health can protect farmers against increased drought and flooding. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 89.73% of Litchfield County is experiencing severe drought, which can negatively affect specialty crops in both yield and size. 

While we cannot change the weather, we can put in place proactive measures to ensure farmers and producers can engage with these changing conditions.  

The hearing, Soil Health Practices and Programs that Support Regenerative Agriculture, can be viewed here.

Military Order of the Purple Heart

My Waterbury District Office had been named a Purple Heart Congressional Office, but last week we were officially added to the National Purple Heart Trail.

The symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and buildings gives tribute to those awarded the Purple Heart medal and their sacrifice. This distinction, presented by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, recognizes the dedication of my office to veterans and their families. The Fifth Congressional District Office is the only Purple Heart Congressional Office listed on the trail in all of New England.

Abortion is Healthcare and Healthcare is a Fundamental Right 

Last week, Congressional Republicans introduced legislation to ban abortion nationwide after 15 weeks. My statement on the matter is included here.

“In June, the Supreme Court reversed decades of precedent when they overturned Roe v. Wade. Congressional Republicans have maintained decisions regarding abortion are something best left to the states. However, Congressional Republicans in both the Senate and House of Representatives introduced legislation this week to ban abortion nationwide after 15 weeks. These bills already have the support of over 100 Republicans in Congress and that number continues to grow. This legislation to ban abortion nationwide makes clear this was never an issue of states’ rights. This has always been about controlling women’s bodies and criminalizing healthcare for women in need. Abortion is healthcare and healthcare is a fundamental right. I will continue to oppose any effort to undermine access to this vital care.”

Free Tax Preparation & e-Filing Services 

Are you interested in learning more about the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? 

On Thursday, September 22, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 2:00pm, IRS Stakeholder Liaison and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will host a virtual meeting to discuss the ways in which the agency is supporting multilingual communities. 

Attendees can expect to hear about the Recovery Rebate Credit, the Child Tax Credit, free tax preparation services, communicating with the IRS in languages other than English and more. Additional information about the event is included in flyer above. The link to join is available 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