Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after the United States Senate confirmed Dr. Miguel Cardona of Meriden, Connecticut, as the 12th Secretary of Education, in a vote of 64 to 33.

“I am incredibly grateful to see this Department led by an educator who will focus on students,” said Congresswoman Hayes.

“A native of Connecticut’s Fifth District, who grew up in public housing as an English language learner before spending two decades working in a public-school system, Dr. Cardona is the right person, at the right time for this job. In a time of unprecedented challenges for our nation’s education system, it is imperative that we re-examine the disparities that have been further exacerbated by this pandemic. I am ready to get to work with Secretary Cardona to further our shared mission, and deliver real results for our nation’s students, educators and families.”

###

Rep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.

Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District.