Kate Farrar

June is Pride Month! Let’s celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to equality, dignity, and opportunity for all. I was proud to take part in pride flag raising ceremonies in both Newington and West Hartford.

During the 2026 legislative session, we strengthened protections against hate crimes and expanded access to fertility care for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. While other states have moved backward, Connecticut continues to protect access to care, defend against discrimination, and ensure that everyone can live, love, work, and raise a family with the freedom and respect they deserve.

West Hartford Pride Flag Raising

Newington Pride Flag Raising

Great news for Newington students!  Earlier this year, when we learned that Newington High School's on-campus School-Based Health Center (SBHC), which provides vital medical and mental health services to students, was at risk of closing due to budget constraints, we knew we had to act. School based health centers are a proven way to keep kids healthy and ready to learn while reducing missed school days.

I was proud to work alongside my legislative colleagues Rep. Gary Turco and Sen. Matt Lesser, as well as the Newington Board of Education, Town Council, and Superintendent Dr. Maureen Brummett to help secure $159,000 from the state budget to keep this important resource available for the next school year.

Investing in school-based health services is an investment in our students' well-being, and I am proud to support efforts that expand access to quality healthcare for young people in our community. 

As a Chair of the Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board, I was proud to join Governor Lamont in announcing an additional investment of approximately $320 million into Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment.

Established in 2025 through Public Act 25-93, the endowment serves as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system. This new investment, combined with last year’s initial $300 million commitment, positions Connecticut as a national leader in creating sustainable, long-term solutions that support children, families, educators, and providers.

Beginning in July 2027, eligible families are expected to benefit from no-cost or reduced-cost early childhood education opportunities funded through the endowment. Families enrolled in state-funded child care spaces through the Early Start CT program who earn up to $100,000 annually will be eligible for child care at no cost. For families with incomes above that threshold, out-of-pocket child care expenses will be capped at no more than 7% of household income.

Click here for more information on the endowment.

Also, last week the Bond Commission approved $16.5 million for capital improvements at childcare facilities across Connecticut, helping providers expand and improve safe, high-quality spaces for children and families. Last year, I worked to establish an annual funding commitment for capital improvements and it's great to see this start to come to fruition to improve the lives of our children. 

Governor Lamont has signed Public Act 26-15, landmark legislation that strengthens protections for Connecticut residents against emerging AI-related harms, addresses the growing impact of social media addiction among youth, and positions Connecticut as a national leader in the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. As a member of the AI Caucus and a co-sponsor of this legislation, I am proud to have helped secure its passage and enactment into law.

In addition to these important consumer protections, the law invests in workforce development initiatives designed to equip Connecticut workers with the advanced skills and technology training needed to compete for high-quality jobs in today's rapidly evolving digital economy.

This forward-looking legislation reflects Connecticut's commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, safeguarding residents and creating new opportunities for workers and businesses alike.

Click here to learn more about the law.

Thanks to the legislature's Federal Cuts Response Fund creation, Governor Lamont has announced a plan to allocate $8.5 million from the Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to approximately 25,000 Connecticut residents who are expected to lose their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to recent federal rule changes.

Under the proposal, eligible individuals who have lost SNAP eligibility as a result of new federal work requirements will receive a one-time grocery assistance card that can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores. In addition, applicants will be connected with resources and support services to help them regain SNAP eligibility whenever possible.

The initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to residents facing food insecurity while helping families navigate changes to federal benefit programs. As the cost of groceries continues to place pressure on household budgets, this assistance will help ensure that vulnerable residents can continue to access nutritious food and meet their basic needs.

Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund was established in late 2025 to help the state respond quickly and effectively to federal policy changes and funding reductions that impact residents. This proposal marks the fourth plan submitted by Governor Lamont to legislative leaders for the use of the fund since its creation, demonstrating Connecticut’s ongoing commitment to supporting residents during times of economic uncertainty and transition.

More than 97,000 Connecticut residents can expect to receive letters in the mail beginning this week notifying them that some or all of their medical debt has been eliminated.

Medical debt places a significant financial burden on families in communities across Connecticut. This marks the fourth round of the state's medical debt relief initiative, which provides meaningful assistance to qualifying residents who are struggling to pay outstanding medical bills. Since the program launched in 2024, more than 252,000 Connecticut residents have had over $513 million in medical debt cancelled, helping families regain financial stability and peace of mind.

Residents whose medical debt has been forgiven will receive a letter in an Undue Medical Debt-branded envelope featuring the Connecticut state seal. These notifications are legitimate and do not require any action on the recipient's part.

Governor Lamont will continue partnering with Undue Medical Debt to provide additional relief throughout this year. To support this effort, the Governor and the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation making $6.5 million in federal ARPA funding available for the initiative through 2026.

This program continues to demonstrate Connecticut's commitment to easing financial hardship for residents and ensuring that unexpected medical expenses do not become a long-term obstacle to economic security.

Click here to read the full release from the governor's office.

SAVE THE DATE! Please join me and the West Hartford Delegation for a Post-Session Legislative Forum on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Faxon Library Community Room.

This forum is an opportunity for us to share highlights from the 2026 legislative session, discuss key issues impacting our community, and provide updates on the work being done on behalf of West Hartford residents.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Your questions, concerns, and ideas are essential as we continue working to address the needs of our community and shape future priorities together.

This free, family-oriented two-day community festival is held on the West Hartford Town Hall grounds, and has featured an award-winning arts and crafts show, carnival rides and games, live music, an international food court, and a business and non-profit expo since 1987.

A portion of the festival proceeds is donated to The Town That Cares and the Leisure Services Scholarship Fund, which helps West Hartford residents in need.

The festival has won Hartford Magazine’s readers' choice award for best festival and garnered a national ranking as Top 200 Best Craft Show from Sunshine Artists magazine.

The Newington Children’s Theatre Company (NCTC) invites you to see a special show to honor the memory of Regan Martins on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at John Wallace Middle School (71 Halleran Drive, Newington).

“Miss Nelson Is Missing” is a single-act musical starring 57 children ages 5 to 16 from Newington, Wethersfield, West Hartford, Hartford, and Wallingford. 

Proceeds from this production go directly into the Regan Martins Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2024 shortly after Regan’s unexpected passing at age 12. NCTC was one of Regan’s favorite places to be, and her family established the scholarship in her name to make theatre accessible to other kids so they could experience something she loved so much.

This enabled NCTC to waive the regular participation fee for “Miss Nelson,” as it did last year for “Pinkalickous,” the debut production dedicated to Regan’s memory. The idea is to offer a free production in Regan’s memory every year and by doing so, help perpetuate Regan’s legacy of kindness.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Celebrate Connecticut Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7! The Connecticut Forest & Park Association is coordinating more than 200 hikes and walks across the state, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore Connecticut’s natural beauty and enjoy the outdoors.

Now in its 33rd year, this beloved tradition brings together thousands of participants to experience Connecticut’s incredible trail network and scenic landscapes. This year’s theme, Explore Where You Live, encourages residents to discover the trails, parks, and open spaces in their own communities.

Events are designed for all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenging outdoor adventure or a relaxing, family-friendly walk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

To find a hike or walk that interests you anywhere in Connecticut, visit www.trailsday.org.

Join the discussion, Protecting Youth in a Digital World on Tuesday, June 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at West Hartford Town Hall (50 S. Main Street, Room 400). The session will break down the hidden risks of AI and Social Media. 

Click here to register.

Celebrate Juneteenth ALL month long at Jubilation Thursdays Block Party Series in Blue Back Square!