Kate Farrar

Join me and Rep. Gary Turco for Pizza and Policy on Sunday, July 12, at 12:00 p.m. at TJ's on Cedar in Newington!

We'll discuss Connecticut's new laws, the state budget, and other important issues affecting our community. Bring your questions, we'll be happy to answer them and hear your thoughts.

This event is open to Newington residents. All attendees must RSVP by end of day Friday, July 10, by contacting bernie.kellman@cga.ct.gov.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Declaration of Independence was first publicly read on July 8, 1776. As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, I was honored to participate in a community reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026, at the Veterans' Monument at the Newington Town Hall lawn. Thanks to everyone who came out on a beautiful evening to celebrate community and independence!

In my role on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, I continue to focus on preparing our workforce, both now and in the future.  

This week I participated in the Governor's Career Pathways Commission. The Commission is a state initiative tasked with designing a 5-year strategic plan to modernize education and workforce development, chaired by former U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. The plan will focus on aligning education and workforce needs, incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, and ensuring that students and jobseekers are prepared for high-quality, in-demand careers in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Also, I was honored to receive a Workforce Ambassador Award from Capital Workforce Partners (CWP), one of our state's workforce boards who served over 14,500 jobseekers and over 1000 companies last year in our region. I am working closely with CWP to advocate for state workforce investments as we face federal funding cuts and work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid. 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be installing a new sidewalk on Route 175 from Fenn Road to Alumni Road and Maple Hill Avenue starting on Friday, July 10. Work consists of construction of new sidewalk, new guiderail, and pedestrian signals at existing intersections along Route 175 in Newington.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO:

Lane closures on Route 17 between Fenn Road to Alumni Road and Maple Hill Avenue can be expected Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., on Saturday and Sunday.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has released its latest resource guide, 2025 Connecticut Career Paths, providing tools, strategies, and insights to help individuals explore career opportunities and make informed decisions.

Published by the Department's Office of Research in partnership with the Connecticut Career Resource Network (CCRN), the guide serves as a valuable resource for students, career explorers, and job seekers across Connecticut.

Designed as a quick-reference resource, the guide includes locations and contact information for American Job Centers, the Department of Labor's job bank, career and educational resources, and key government programs. It also features articles on apprenticeships, student success planning, resume design basics, and other career development topics.

In addition, the guide provides detailed information on more than 360 occupations in Connecticut, including job descriptions, current employment figures, projected annual openings, salary ranges, required education and training, and the essential skills employers are seeking.

Click here to access the guide.

Questions about the guide may be directed to the Office of Research at ccrn@ct.gov.

Save the Date for the the 44th Annual Life. Be In It. Extravaganza! that is taking place from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18 at Mill Pond Park (123 Garfield Street)!