Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, I visited Mott Corporation for the announcement of the opening of a new 65,000 square foot facility in Farmington, bringing 100+ clean energy manufacturing jobs to our state. Additionally, I met with the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut to discuss ways to address hunger in CT. On Friday, I joined the University of Connecticut (UConn) Health Center to highlight the $1,000,000 I secured in community project funding. This funding will help expand STEM learning opportunities for students in grades kindergarten through 12.

Lastly, I attended Hearts for Ukraine, a community gathering of reflection, remembrance, and resolve. During the event, community members paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, broken families, and children who have suffered as a result of the Russian invasion. One year since the tragic crisis in Ukraine ensued, the United States stands firmly in support of the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend their democracy.

For the full recap, please read below.

Clean Energy for Connecticut

On Wednesday, I joined Senator Richard Blumenthal,  Governor Ned Lamont, Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lovie, and Mott Corporation Chairman and CEO Boris Levin to announce Mott will open a new 65,000 square foot facility in Farmington. 

This is extraordinary for Connecticut and the Fifth District, as the facility will house at least 100 employees, helping to bolster the production of clean energy technology and expand the advanced manufacturing workforce in our state.

Mott is a 100% employee-owned company, and is one of the world’s most innovative manufacturers, providing filtration and flow control solutions to cutting-edge industries, including semiconductor, clean energy, aerospace, and healthcare. 

Mott is addressing the semiconductor supply issue and creating job opportunities that provide clean energy solutions in the Fifth District. In Congress, I am working to bring manufacturing back to the United States and jump-start the workforce. I supported the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, which include the necessary investments to boost American semiconductor research, development, and production while creating opportunities for workers.

Meeting with the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut

The Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut works collaboratively with community members and synagogues, educational organizations, and other Jewish organizations throughout the region to help create thriving communities. The Federation also works to feed the hungry, find shelter for those in need, and serve as a clearing house for people who need immediate support and guidance.

On Thursday, we met in Southbury to discuss how legislators can combat food security. It is unacceptable that in Connecticut, 490,000 residents struggle with hunger, and 131,000 children are identified as food insecure. 

Last year, while Chairwoman of the Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Subcommittee on the House Agriculture Committee, I led the effort in calling for and securing $2.5 million to fund the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.  As Chairwoman and as someone who once relied on federal nutrition programs to feed my family, I offered a unique perspective to this effort. This perspective has informed my legislation which was incorporated into the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which will serve as the guide to addressing hunger in the United States. Closing the hunger gap demands a united investment to keep our communities healthy, fed, and safe.

Conversations like this will be crucial as 2023 Farm Bill negotiations commence.

New Opportunities for STEM Learning

On Friday, I joined University of Connecticut (UConn) President Radenka Maric, Provost Anne D’Alleva, Dr. Cato Laurencin of the Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering, and several esteemed colleagues to provide an exciting update.

As part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Budget, I secured $1 million  in community project funding for the Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering at UConn Health Center. The funding will help develop year-round Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs for K-12 education in Connecticut, specifically in Hartford and  Waterbury  districts.

These STEM development programs will provide opportunities for K-12 students to learn more about higher education, increasing access to post-secondary options and provide pathways for UConn STEM faculty to offer up-to-date content knowledge and share information about resources in their respective fields.

Research shows Black and Hispanic workers are highly underrepresented in the STEM workforce, making up only 8% and 9%, respectively.  This federal investment in diverse student bodies will help to narrow the racial disparities in STEM education and the workforce. We must continue to invest in our communities to ensure all people have access to quality STEM education.

Hearts for Ukraine

Last Friday marked one year since the war between Russia and Ukraine started. This unprovoked attack by Russian President Putin has brought a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. According to recent reports, Ukraine has seen some 100,000 killed or wounded in action and 30,000 civilian deaths. The United Nations (UN) estimates that 17.6 million people in Ukraine will require humanitarian assistance in the coming year.

Since the conflict in Ukraine began, the U.S. has provided critical support and humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine as they fight to preserve their democracy. In the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, I voted in support of $22.9 billion in direct financial support for the Government of Ukraine’s central budget, $48.7 billion in supplemental appropriations for security assistance, and $11.2 billion in supplemental appropriations in humanitarian aid stemming from the war.  

Additionally, President Biden announced the U.S. would welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression. Over 1,100 Connecticut residents have enrolled in the United for Ukraine program. 

On Friday, I attended Hearts for Ukraine, a community gathering of reflection, remembrance and resolve. During the event, we paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, broken families, and children who have suffered as a result of the Russian invasion.

The U.S. will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

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