Governor Ned Lamont has signed Warehouse Worker Protection legislation into law (sections 50-57 of SB 298), marking a significant step forward in strengthening labor protections across Connecticut. This new law is designed to safeguard employees working in warehouses and fulfillment centers, industries that have seen rapid growth alongside increasing concerns about worker conditions and productivity demands.
The legislation establishes clear boundaries around the use of performance quotas, ensuring that such expectations cannot interfere with workers’ legally mandated rights, including meal periods and bathroom breaks. Employers are now required to be transparent about any quotas in place, meaning workers must be informed in advance of the specific performance standards they are expected to meet.
Importantly, the law also introduces accountability measures. Employees who experience violations of these protections now have the ability to recover costs or damages they may incur as a result.
With this legislation, Connecticut becomes the first state in New England to enact Warehouse Worker Protection standards, and only the sixth in the nation to do so, joining California, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon. The move positions the state as a regional leader in advancing worker rights and reflects a broader national trend toward increased oversight of workplace conditions in high-demand logistics sectors.
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| CTDOT I-84 Construction Advisory |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has begun temporary nighttime closures of I-84 westbound at Exit 55 and eastbound at Exit 56 in East Hartford.
The project consists of removing the damaged fascia girder, parapet and section of deck, constructing new parapet and barrier curb and shifting the travel lanes to maintain normal traffic flow. This work will take approximately 4 weeks to complete.
LANE CLOSURE INFO:
There will be nighttime closures of I-84 eastbound Exit 56 to Governor Street and westbound Exit 55 to Route 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Additionally, there will be various lanes closures on I-84 westbound from Exit 54 to Exit 56. Detours will be implemented for the Exits 55 & 56 closures to redirect motorists. Traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone.
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| Chatbot Protections for Children & Older Adults |
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Please join the discussion on Chatbot Protections for Children & Older Adults on Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is a critical conversation about keeping our most vulnerable community members safe as AI technology becomes part of daily life.
Our children are growing up with AI tutors, games, and chat companions. Our seniors are using AI for health monitoring and social connection.
Navigate how to embrace the benefits while protecting against the risks.
- Safe AI practices for families
- Recognizing when AI relationships become unhealthy
- Mental health support and crisis recognition
- What Connecticut is doing to protect vulnerable populations
Click here to register for the free zoom.
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| High School Student Art Showcase |
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Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is now accepting submissions for its Student Art Showcase. Selected students will participate in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center (43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury).
The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories: drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.
The top selected artists will be featured and presented with noteworthy recognition and awards at the opening reception.
The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more.
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| Student Climate Poster Competition |
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The CT Coalition for Climate Action is hosting its third annual Climate Change Student Poster Contest.
NEW FOR 2026: In addition to individual student entries, there is a new K–4 Classroom Poster Category, with one poster submission per class. The winning classroom will receive a $100 Staples® gift card along with a visit from either Leah Lopez of Save the Sound or Save the Sound’s Soundkeeper, Bill Lucy.
Students and finalists are invited to the judging at the Capitol on Earth Day, April 22nd between 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.. Semi-Finalists will be displayed at the state Capitol and the top three individual winners of the Grades 5–12 category will receive scholarships of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.
The deadline for submissions is April 1 and you can submit your application via email to CTClimateActionCoalition@gmail.com.
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| March 16-20: National AG Week |
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Connecticut may be a small state, but its agricultural impact is significant. More than 5,000 farms operate across 372,000 acres, and the state’s agricultural industry contributes approximately $4 billion annually to Connecticut’s economy. In addition to food production, the industry supports a broad network of related activities, including processing, distribution, and agribusiness. Altogether, agriculture provides around 30,000 jobs statewide, making it an important source of employment and economic stability.
Connecticut residents also benefit from year-round access to fresh, locally grown food. With more than 100 farmers markets operating across the state, consumers have many opportunities to connect directly with local farmers and producers. Choosing locally grown foods not only supports farmers and strengthens the state’s economy, but also promotes healthier communities by increasing access to fresh, nutritious products.
Celebrate National Agriculture Week by supporting local farms. Click here to explore all things Connecticut Grown, from fresh local foods to farms and farmers markets across the state!
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Online registration for East Hartford Parks & Recreation's Special Olympics is NOW OPEN!!
The programs are open to athletes with special needs ages 8 and up.
Special Olympics Track & Field will take place on Saturday mornings from April 4 to May 30.
Special Olympics Swimming will be taking place on Saturday mornings from April 11 to June 6.
The Summer Games swim meet and track meet will be in June.
Click here to register. If you have any questions, please call the Parks & Rec office at 860-291-7160.
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There are a number of free tax preparation services available for those looking for help.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers will be at the Wickham Library on select Saturdays, and the Raymond Library on select Sundays in March and April. Registration is required, dial 2-1-1 to set up an appointment. Click here for more information.
Wickham Library (656 Burnside Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on:
March 21, 28
April 11
Raymond Library (840 Main Street) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on:
March 29
April 12
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East Hartford’s Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University.
Immediately following the parade, a commemorative program will be held at the Fallen Star Memorial. The events will conclude with a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford featuring food trucks, music, activities, vendors, and more.
PARTICIPANTS:
- Those who would like to march in the Memorial Day Parade are asked to register by Wednesday, April 1, by visiting: Participant Registration
VOLUNTEERS:
- If you are interested in volunteering at the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 15, by visiting: Volunteer Registration
SPONSORS:
- To make the event possible, the town would like to extend sponsorship opportunities to local businesses and organizations. Those who wish to sponsor the event or offer in-kind services, please fill out the electronic form by Monday, April 27, which can be found at: Sponsorship Information
VENDORS:
- If you are interested in being a vendor at the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, please contact Jenilee Tedesco via email at jtedesco@easthartfordct.gov. Registration must be completed by Monday, May 4. For additional information, please visit Vendor Information
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