Dear John,

After a very productive week, I have lots to share in The Weekly Wrap.

Last week, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, formerly the Committee on Education and Labor, held its first meeting of the 118th Congress. I am thrilled to share I have been elected as Vice Ranking Member of the full committee. On Wednesday, I joined Secretary Miguel Cardona of the U.S. Department of Education and fellow National Teachers of the Year Rodney Robinson (2019) and Kurt Russell (2022) for a panel on Black Excellence in Education. Also, I met with the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE). 

More from the week: I joined Rep. Raskin in introducing the Handgun Permit to Purchase Act, legislation to incentivize state and local governments to implement permit-to-purchase laws that require individuals to obtain a license before purchasing a handgun. Additionally, I introduced the Caring for All Families Act. This legislation modernizes the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for the 21st century. Lastly, I joined my colleagues for the National Prayer Breakfast.   

For the full recap, please read below.  

House Committee on Education and the Workforce  

As a career educator I have worked to elevate the voices of students, teachers, and workers and advocate for policies that make our education system and workforce more equitable and just for all. Throughout my time in Congress, I have demonstrated a thoughtful, academically sound, student-centered perspective on the Committee on of Education and Labor.  

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, formerly the Committee on Education and Labor, held its first meeting of the 118th Congress. I am thrilled to share I have been elected Vice Ranking Member of the full committee.  

I thank my colleagues for entrusting me to serve in this role and look forward to continuing to work in a bipartisan fashion to improve educational outcomes for students, expand access to affordable healthcare, and prepare workers for the modern economy.  

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce oversees programs that affect all Americans, from early learning and higher education to job training and retirement security. The full committee is composed of four subcommittees, including Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education; Higher Education and Workforce Investment; Workforce Protections; and Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions.  

Additional information is available here. 

Celebrating Black Excellence in Education

On Wednesday, we marked the beginning of Black History Month, a time to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans who have helped shape the nation.  

I had the pleasure of joining fellow National Teachers of the Year Rodney Robinson and Kurt Russell for a panel on Black Excellence in the Education Profession.  

Moderated by U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, the panel centered on how educators and policy leaders are empowering students in their classrooms and communities.  

Meeting with the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE)

On Tuesday, I met with the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE). CABE offers professional development throughout the state to school board members via workshops and seminars. We discussed everything from student mental health and the Individuals with Disabilities and Education Act (IDEA) to the teacher shortage and learning recovery.  

Gun Violence Survivors Awareness Week

From February 1 –7, 2023, we honor National Gun Violence Survivors Week. During this time, we lift up the stories of gun violence survivors who live with the devastating impact of gun violence each day. Persistent gun violence in the United States is an epidemic that must be addressed at every level. We must invest in common-sense solutions to make our communities safer. 

On Monday, I joined Rep. Jamie Raskin in reintroducing the Handgun Permit to Purchase Act, legislation to incentivize state and local governments to implement permit-to-purchase laws that require individuals to obtain a license before purchasing a handgun. Senators Murphy, Blumenthal, and Van Hollen have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.  

Additionally, I joined the Connecticut delegation, led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, in reintroducing Ethan’s Law. This legislation is named in honor of Ethan Song, a teenager from Guilford, CT, who was tragically killed in 2018 by an unsecured gun in a neighbor’s home. The bill would create federal requirements for safe gun storage and establish strong penalties for violations. 

Additional information on Ethan’s Law is available here.  

Caring for All Families Act

A 2021 study found that 48 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care to a friend or family member. Yet, many of these caregivers are ineligible to take leave under current law. 

Having been raised by my grandmother, I am personally aware that the nuclear family has changed.  As American families continue to evolve, our family and medical leave policies must meet the needs of today’s workers. 

The federal government must ensure that working families have the support necessary to  maintain their economic well-being and fulfill their care-giving responsibilities.  

Last week, ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), I introduced the Caring for All Families Act, legislation to modernize FMLA for the 21st century.  

Specifically, the legislation would:  

• Update FMLA’s definition of family to include a domestic partner, parent-in-law, aunt, uncle, sibling, adult child, grandparent, grandchild, son- or daughter-in-law, and other significant relations; and  
• Guarantee that parents and other family caregivers have the ability to take time off to attend a medical appointment or school function, such as a parent-teacher conference, without the risk of losing their job.   

Additional information on the Caring for All Families Act is available here.

National Payer Breakfast

The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event that brings together political and faith leaders to pray for our nation and our leaders. The event featured remarks by President Joe Biden, Pastor Jim Cymbala, and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. I was particularly moved by the remarks of Bishop McKenzie, who reminded attendees that “one can do much alone, but we can do more when we are united in vision and voice.” 

This was a timely message as the 118th Congress continues to organize. 

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