House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Meets with Constituents in Brighton

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Meets with Constituents in Brighton
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries met with Brooklyn residents at the Shorefront Y in Brighton on Sunday.
I would like to emphasize that only one politician from among the high-ranking federal representatives regularly, year after year, comes to meet people in person, in any weather, be it heat or rain. And I am a constant witness to this. Hakeem Jeffries always comes accompanied by his tireless professional team and translators to listen to people's concerns and voice important information.
Even in the midst of the pandemic, he came with his staff, stood in a mask, handed out protective equipment, sanitizers, worked with the population - and all this with an open heart. This is a rare case when no one can say: "I didn't get an appointment." The fact remains: the congressman, one of the highest-ranking politicians in the United States, remains completely accessible to ordinary people.
His office employs sensitive and friendly staff. For example, Lyudmila Linderman is an amazingly patient and selfless woman who spends hours calling organizations, writing letters, and helping to solve a variety of problems. Often, the office employees act as free lawyers. Many residents gratefully recall how, with the help of Congressman Jeffries' staff, they were able to obtain citizenship, reunite with their families, resolve immigration difficulties, and much more. For everyone who has contacted him, his question is the most important and most serious.
At today's meeting, you could come up to him on a first come, first served basis — although there were many people — and ask a question that was of concern to you. Hakim Jeffries had attentive assistants and translators next to him. I was especially pleased when I saw a kind volunteer girl — schoolgirl Julia Vald, who helped translate into Russian. I have been meeting her at such meetings for many years. She is a sympathetic, sincere girl, devoted to her work. There were also other young volunteers nearby.
I also came with an important question that worries many of my readers - theft of food stamps. So far, the recommendations are limited to the fact that if you suspect fraud, you should immediately block or freeze the card. However, unfortunately, there is no clear information yet about the time frame for returning the stolen funds.
Many are also concerned about the Big Beautiful Bill, which concerns the Medicaid program. There are no changes at the moment, but starting in 2026, a new order may affect people aged 22 to 52 who are of working age but not working. It will probably require either working at least 20 hours a week or going to school.
It was especially gratifying to see people who came on their day off, Sunday, and raised not only personal issues, but also issues important for the entire community. I want to hug such citizens and thank them for their civic activism: Fonder/Executive Director TraNa relief Natalia Travilina, Foreign Service Officer and Special Curator for Health and Diplomacy at the US State Department, Crowned Queen Mother of the Igbo people, Sima Karetnaya (about 18% of Nigeria's population are Igbo, and 33.5 million people speak the Igbo language. I also thank Yana Kofman, Angela Kravchenko, President of the Haibor Houses Residents Association Linda Harrison, President of the New York Association of Holocaust Survivors Pavel Vishnevetsky and others.
Meeting a politician of such high rank who genuinely wants to hear from the people is a rare and inspiring opportunity. As I was leaving the Shorefront Y, I noticed several people holding signs. They were peacefully expressing their civic position, asking Congressman Jeffries to help end the war in Gaza.
Marina Lagunova