Representative Jahana Hayes, Democratic from Connecticut

Jahana Hayes

Representative · Connecticut · Democrat

Jahana Hayes

House Floor

Recent comments in the House

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to oppose H.R. 6047. For years, I have worked with Gold Star families to address the overdue need to increase benefits for surviving spouses of servicemembers and veterans who have given their lives in service to the United States of America. This bill does not go far enough. The rate for dependency and indemnity compensation, or DIC, has been minimally adjusted since the Department of Veterans Affairs established the benefit in 1993. The current DIC rate is lower and has more stringent rules than other Federal survivor programs. H.R.
On H.R. 6047··Share
Biography
Jahana Hayes, a former public school teacher and National Teacher of the Year, represents Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, first elected in 2018. Hayes focuses on improving education access, strengthening the social safety net, and advancing food security. She introduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act and serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Hayes brings her classroom experience to Congress, advocating for practical solutions and amplifying the voices of families across her district.
Education
  • Sixth-year Certificate in Educational Leadership, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT
    2014
  • M.A., University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT
    2012
  • B.A., Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT
    2005
Professional History

  • U.S. Representative

    2019-Present

    Representing Connecticut's 5th district

  • Teacher, Government and History, John F. Kennedy High School, Waterbury, Ct

  • Public School Administrator

Policy Focus
Agriculture and Food30%
Education29%
Health10%
Labor and Employment8%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Jahana Hayes's record in Congress.

  • School Modernization Funding

    Secured federal funding to upgrade and modernize public school facilities in Connecticut's 5th District.

  • Child Nutrition Advocacy

    Championed the Healthy Meals for All Students Act to expand free school meals and combat child hunger.

  • Mental Health in Schools

    Introduced legislation to increase mental health resources and support staff in public schools.

  • COVID-19 Relief Support

    Helped secure COVID-19 relief funds for Connecticut families, schools, and small businesses during the pandemic.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • House Committee on Agriculture
  • House Committee on Education and Workforce

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