Kate Farrar

Last weekend, I was honored to celebrate the Nepalese New Year with the Nepalese Association of Connecticut, recognizing the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of the Nepalese community, and celebrating the vibrant spirit of renewal, unity, and hope that the New Year represents. West Hartford continues to be home to the largest Nepalese population in the state and I'm grateful for the strength this rich diversity brings to our community. 

Last Friday was Mock Session Day at the Capitol where interns took over the House for our legislative internship program. As a former intern myself and House Democratic Chair of the Internship Committee this is when all the learning comes to life. The interns showed off all of the learning they've gathered in the 10 weeks of the intern program. My own intern Jibreel took over my seat for the day. As the Internship program wraps up at the end of the month I'm excited for the next steps for the interns to continue their paths in public service. 

Kickball for a Cause! We came together in support of the United Way of Connecticut at our 5th Annual Democrats vs. Republicans Kickball Game at Dunkin’ Park on Monday. The event brought colleagues together for a fun and spirited afternoon, all in the name of giving back.

I’m proud to say we secured a second straight win for the Democrats, but more importantly, we helped raise awareness and support for the important work the United Way does to strengthen communities across Connecticut.

Wednesday was Tax Day. Connecticut families raising children are under real financial pressure. At $600 per child for working and middle-class families, it's a direct, efficient investment in children across our state. Our working families - not billionaires - need relief to keep up with rising costs of housing, healthcare, childcare and food. 

When families have more financial footing, they spend locally, reduce reliance on emergency services, and build the kind of stability their children need to thrive — and that strengthens our whole community. The numbers in this graphic show what that means right here in our district. I will continue to lead on this and other efforts to fix our upside tax code and create a state that is truly affordable. 

Thursday was Sustainable CT Day at the Capitol, where we highlighted Sustainable West Hartford’s Gold Level certification, an achievement made possible by the tremendous work to strengthen our local economy, support vibrant arts and culture, and advance environmental stewardship.

As a designated Climate Leader community, I’m grateful to our town leadership for their continued commitment to action. I remain focused on doing everything I can at the state level to support the urgent work needed to address the climate crisis.

It was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the impactful efforts underway to build a more sustainable Connecticut, and a more sustainable West Hartford.

Click here to view the Sustainable West Hartford Commission 2024 Annual Report.

Join me and the Newington Delegation on Sunday, April 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Doogie's (2525 Berlin Tpke, Newington) for our Hot Dog Lunch. 

RSVP to bernie.kellman@cga.ct.gov.

Save the date, join me on Saturday, May 16 at 9:00 a.m. for our annual Elmwood clean-up day. Volunteer can meet me at the Faxon Library (1073 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford).
 

April is recognized as ABLE to Save Month in Connecticut, a time to raise awareness about financial empowerment for individuals with disabilities. The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program allows eligible individuals to establish tax-advantaged savings accounts that support greater independence and long-term financial security.

Recent expansions have broadened access to the program, making thousands more residents, including veterans, eligible by increasing the disability onset age to 46. ABLE accounts allow individuals to save more than $20,000 annually without jeopardizing eligibility for critical federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, providing a vital pathway to stability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency.

Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and to enroll.

On Monday, April 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join us at the Legislative Office Building (Room 2A) to celebrate the start of Asian Heritage Month with “Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Data Report Release: Strengthening AAPI Data Visibility and Inclusion.”

This event will feature a dynamic conversation with community leaders, researchers, and policymakers as we examine the report’s findings and explore how improved data collection and representation can drive more equitable outcomes.

The program will include:

• An overview of the AAPI Data Report and its key findings
• A panel discussion on the importance of data visibility and inclusion
• Opportunities for audience engagement and dialogue on the report’s implications for policy, research, and community action

We hope you will join us for this important and timely discussion.

Click here to register.