WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to pass a package of six appropriations bills which include provisions to uplift communities in Connecticut and across the country. These investments will support working families, reduce hunger, fight climate change, and strengthen local economies.
“Like millions of Americans, my constituents are feeling the impact of rising inflation and increasing costs of living. These pressing issues have solutions and we must act swiftly and decisively to fix them. Today, I voted to pass a legislative package to make critical investments to address food insecurity, expand safe and affordable housing, strengthen climate-conscious infrastructure, and promote safety and resilience. This package collectively tackles some of our nation’s biggest challenges without compromising our values,” said Congresswoman Hayes.
Included in the package were seven funding projects which Congresswoman Hayes has championed and will directly benefit the Fifth District of Connecticut. These include:
- WATERBURY: $4,000,000 for the City of Waterbury to replace the pool and renovate the pool house at Fulton Park
- WATERTOWN: $3,000,000 for the Town of Watertown to conduct a safety audit of Main Street to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety
- DANBURY: $2,000,000 for the City of Danbury to create an environmental impact statement for Danbury Rail and extend stops along the New York City Metro North Harlem Line
- LITCHFIELD: $1,000,000 for the Connecticut Junior Republic to support maintenance and repairs of farm facilities and expand access to educational and therapeutic opportunities afforded by agricultural education
- CANAAN: $875,000 for the Falls Village Housing Trust to construct multi-family affordable housing for low and moderate-income working families and seniors
- CHESHIRE: $625,000 for the Ball & Socket Arts, Inc. to install required fire protection system and transform site into vibrant arts center and community gathering place
- NEW BRITAIN: $50,000 for the YWCA of New Britain to develop a training center for individuals interested in operating their own family childcare business
“For several months, I have worked alongside local leaders and my colleagues in Congress to ensure the priorities of the Fifth District remain paramount in federal budgets. I am thrilled to see seven of my Community Project Funding requests included and will continue to fight for them in final passage of a year-end budget. These projects range from safety improvements to housing and transportation expansions to childcare supports that will directly serve those living in Connecticut. As Congress moves forward with additional appropriations funding this summer, I will continue to ensure the voices of my district are heard,” said Congresswoman Hayes.
Background:
The bill tackles hunger, lifts up farmers and rural communities, rebuilds our public health and safety infrastructure, and confronts the climate crisis with $27.2 billion for the Department of Agriculture – including rural development programs – the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies. In total, $195 billion for both discretionary programs funded on an annual basis and mandatory programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were included. Additionally, the package combats hunger and food insecurity by maintaining the current level of access to fresh fruits and vegetables for 6.2 million people through WIC and ensuring 43.5 million people in SNAP-eligible families get the benefits they need.
The appropriations package creates jobs by rebuilding critical infrastructure, grows opportunity through homeownership and rental assistance, and promotes safe transportation and public housing by providing $90.9 billion for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development and related agencies.
The appropriations package lowers costs for working families, creates good-paying jobs, invests in clean energy, and rebuilds water infrastructure, providing $56.275 billion for the Department of Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, and related agencies.
The bill grows opportunity and helps small business owners and middle-class families get ahead by providing $29.8 billion for the Department of the Treasury, The Judiciary, the Election Assistance Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and other government agencies.
The funding bill creates jobs, confronts climate change, supports infrastructure on tribal lands, and ensures access to safe drinking water with $44.8 billion for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Indian Health Services.
The bill protects our national security, upholds our commitments to servicemembers, veterans, and their families, and rebuilds our infrastructure, providing $314.1 billion for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies. For the first time ever, the spending bill separates VA Medical Care into its own funding category to better meet the needs of our veterans.
A detailed summary of the funding package is available here.
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