To the Editor:

You’ll see Jahana Hayes’ name on the ballot this fall as she runs for reelection as Connecticut’s 5th District Representative. You may remember her as the first African-American woman to represent our state in Congress in 2018. As a former Waterbury teacher who was named National Teacher of the Year by President Obama in 2016, her dedication to public education and teachers’ unions remains unwavering. Congresswoman Hayes has done much to support veterans and their families, expand affordable healthcare, safeguard the environment and advocate for teachers and students.

During her time in Congress, Hayes has had 11 pieces of legislation signed into law, just a few of which include the following:

*The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, which strengthens transition assistance, suicide prevention and mental health care for veterans.

*The STEM Learning Opportunities Act, which creates a grant program that promotes experiential learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for pre-K through secondary school students, especially those from underrepresented groups including women and communities of color.

*The Housatonic Wild and Scenic River Act, which created a US National Park Service designation for 41 miles of the Housatonic River. This designation facilitates protection of this unique resource by the Housatonic River Commission and allows for local control and management.

Hayes has also pushed to lower prescription costs. She voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which lets Medicare negotiate drug prices directly with pharma companies and caps annual Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs.

Please vote to send Jahana Hayes back to Congress this Election Day to continue this important work.

These statements are mine and do not represent the Legislative Council of which I am an elected member.

Laura Miller

Newtown