Naugatuck Times

Jahana Hayes, a representative in the U.S. Congress for Connecticut's 5th district, has issued a series of public statements on social media, focusing on issues such as emergency health care and food security. Elected in 2019, Hayes has served in Congress since then, succeeding former U.S. Congress member Elizabeth Esty. Hayes, aged 50, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, and currently resides in Wolcott. She is an alumna of Southern Connecticut State University.

On March 31, 2025, Hayes emphasized the critical nature of emergency health care, equating reproductive health care with other life-or-death medical emergencies. She expressed her support for a resolution meant to ensure emergency abortion care is accessible to all, aiming to protect the health and lives of women in Connecticut's 5th district. In her words, "Access to emergency health care is a matter of life and death — and reproductive health care is no different. I supported a resolution to reaffirm #EmergencyAbortionCareforAll, ensuring the health and lives of women across #CT05 are protected."

On April 1, 2025, Hayes announced the presence of her "Casework On Your Corner" team available for constituents at Meriden City Hall. The event is scheduled to take place from 11 AM to 4 PM. She encouraged local residents to meet with the team, saying, "Our Casework On Your Corner team will see you TODAY at Meriden City Hall from 11 AM to 4 PM."

Later the same day, Hayes discussed her role in introducing the Hunger-Free Future Act with fellow representatives Shontel Brown and Jim McGovern. The legislation aims to prevent reductions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) following revaluations of the Thrifty Food Plan. Hayes said, "I joined @RepShontelBrown and @RepMcGovern to introduce the Hunger-Free Future Act. After working so hard to ensure revaluations of the Thrifty Food Plan- this legislation prevents harmful cuts to SNAP as a result."