Dear friend,

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

Last week, alongside Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), I led 34 Members of Congress in calling for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to protect access to Head Start for the children of immigrants. Also, in observation of National Purple Heart Day, my office attended ceremonies in Torrington and New Milford. 

More from the week: I am also including an update on 3 of 19 pieces of legislation I have introduced this Congress.

As the August District Work Period ends and the House prepares to return, I would like to hear your priorities. 

Find the survey and my full recap below.

Letter to Restore Head Start Access for Immigrant Children

Head Start is one of the greatest anti-poverty programs in our nation. It is an early childhood education model committed to 360-degree development of the whole child – providing a strong foundation which sets children up for a lifetime of learning and support to their parents.

Unfortunately, the Trump Administration is moving to block immigrant families from accessing the program. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a proposed rule to classify Head Start as a “Federal Public Benefit”, barring an estimated 115,000 children from accessing critical services.

Last week, alongside Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), I led 34 Members of Congress in calling for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to cease efforts to reclassify Head Start and protect immigrant access to the program.

Read the full letter here. 

National Purple Heart Day

Initially established in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in use today. On August 7th, communities across the country observe National Purple Heart Day to honor the brave men and women who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.

Last week, my office attended ceremonies in Torrington, where a Purple Heart flag was raised at Torrington City Hall, and in New Milford, where Purple Heart recipients were honored and community members provided reflections.

As the only Purple Heart Congressional Office in New England, my Office continues to provide quality constituent services to veterans and their families. This distinction was presented to us in 2020 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart for our commitment to service members. We remain a trusted location along the national Purple Heart Trail, a symbolic system of roads, highways, and bridges to pay tribute to those who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

Our veterans leave behind families who have also made a great sacrifice for our country. I remain a fierce advocate for those who serve our country and their families.

In January, I reintroduced the Caring for Survivors Act, legislation to expand monthly benefits for family members and survivors of veterans who died in service to the United States.

Learn more about the legislation here.

Legislation Highlight

This year, I have introduced 19 pieces of legislation spanning education, healthcare, support for veterans, and gun violence prevention. These legislative efforts represent priorities shared by my constituents in the Fifth District of Connecticut. This includes: 

• The RAISE Act
  The Respect, Advancement, and Increasing Support for Educators (RAISE) Act would create a tax credit of up to $15,000 for public school teachers and close the wage gap facing the profession.
• The School Violence Prevention Act
  The School Violence Prevention Act would provide organizations with grants to create or expand school-based programs to support children at the highest risk for involvement in gun violence.
• The See the Board Act
  The See the Board Act would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants available for nonprofit organizations that provide free, mobile vision services for students in public schools. This renewed effort aims to directly address the needs of students in Connecticut and across the country, recognizing the persistent challenges faced by families in accessing affordable eye care.

In the coming weeks, Congress will reconvene for the remainder of the 119th Congress. What are your priorities?

Addressing Executive Overreach Education Healthcare Immigration Reform Voting Rights Veterans

Submit your response here

Please be assured I will continue to advocate for these priorities and bring your voice to Washington.

And that’s a wrap.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress