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 Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing Back to School: Meeting Student’s Academic, Social and Emotional Needs. Also, the House passed the Presidential Election Reform Act, legislation to reform and strengthen the Electoral Count Act, and prevent any future attempts to subvert presidential elections. Additionally, just in time for National Public Lands Day, I received an A rating from the National Parks Action Fund for my work to protect open spaces. Finally, on Friday, my staff joined the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) for their annual STAND DOWN event in Danbury.

The full recap is available below.

Back to School: Supporting Student Need

On Tuesday, I participated in Back to School: Meeting Student’s Academic, Social and Emotional Needs, a hearing convened by the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. During the hearing, witnesses provided testimony on the ways in which schools are helping students make up for learning loss from the pandemic, as well as meet their social and emotional needs. 

According to the Committee for Children, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of developing self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills. The Connecticut State Department of Education is leading the way in Social and Emotional Learning, making tools available to districts at no cost, and engaging parents and teachers with resources to support social-emotional difficulties that have arisen due to the pandemic.

Too often, Social and Emotional Learning is seen as separate from academics. However, building strong relationships with students and creating opportunities to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills is critical to accelerating academic growth.

The hearing, Back to School: Meeting Student’s Academic, Social and Emotional Needs is available here.

Presidential Election Reform Act

Last week, the House passed the Presidential Election Reform Act, legislation to reform and strengthen the Electoral Count Act of 1887, and prevent future attempts to subvert presidential elections. I was honored to preside over debate of the bill. 

Specifically, the Presidential Election Reform Act would: 

• Establish new, comprehensive electoral vote counting rules
• Prohibit election officials from refusing to certify presidential elections
• Ensure presidential elections are only extended for genuine catastrophic events
• Ensure Congress receives a single, accurate certificate from each state

Fair and free elections are the fundamental bedrock of our democracy. I am committed to safeguarding the integrity of our elections and preserving the will of the American people.

Additional information on the Presidential Election Reform Act is available here. 

Protecting Public Lands

On Saturday, we observed National Public Lands Day, a time to celebrate the green spaces in our communities and an opportunity to recommit to environmental stewardship. I am happy to share the National Parks Action Fund has awarded me an A rating, or 100%, on their annual congressional scorecard.

I deeply value our public lands and recognize the richness they bring to our communities. In April, I introduced the Housatonic Wild and Scenic River Act, legislation to protect 41 miles of the Housatonic River, which flows from Litchfield County to the Long Island Sound. This legislation builds on the Farmington River Valley Designation for the Lower Farmington River and Brook announced in 2019.

I am committed to being a champion for efforts that ensure our environment remains viable for generations to come. 

Serving those who served

On Friday, my staff joined the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs for their annual STAND DOWN Event in Danbury. Each year, the event provides access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits.

My office is always striving for the best outcomes for CT-05. If you have questions about federal agencies, our caseworkers are here to help. Please contact my office at (860) 223-8412.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress