Kate Farrar

Thank you to everyone who joined me and Rep. Gary Turco for Pizza and Policy in Newington last weekend!

We had a great discussion about Connecticut's new laws, the state budget, and other important issues affecting our community. Thank you for bringing your questions, sharing your thoughts, and participating in a meaningful conversation.

Yesterday I joined legislative colleagues of our new Disability Rights Caucus to reaffirm our commitment to the rights and dignity of every Connecticut resident. 

In June the U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion that threatens one of the most important civil rights protections for people with disabilities: the right to live and receive services in the community, not be unnecessarily confined to institutions. This opinion is not a court decision. It doesn’t erase the 1999 Olmstead decision or the ADA. But it is grave cause for concern because the federal government is refusing to enforce current law. 

It means as Connecticut elected officials we must remain steadfast in our role at the state level to protect the rights and funding that allow children and adults with disabilities to stay connected to their family, friends, school, work, and community life. 

From my work throughout the legislative session, I recently received an A grade from the Connecticut Education Association (CEA). Thank you to all of our teachers for their tireless work and I'm grateful for our partnership to support students and improving working and learning conditions in our schools.

Also, this week I received the news that had a 100% voting record for the 2026 legislative session. This voting record reflects my commitment to being present, prepared, and accountable for every vote that impacts our communities. Thank you for the honor to serve you. 

In Newington there are a lot of questions about the recent property tax increases. If your property taxes increased and you have questions, attend one of the upcoming Newington Town Council forums to learn more. If you are unavailable to attend, you can always reach out to Council members here.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, is reminding drivers to slow down this summer as speed enforcement efforts increase across Connecticut during July. The statewide effort combines education, awareness, and enforcement to address one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the state.

In 2024, the last year of verifiable data, Connecticut recorded 126 fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

As part of this effort, CTDOT has launched its new "Speeding is Killing All of Us" public awareness campaign, designed to encourage drivers to think about the real-life consequences of speeding and make safer choices behind the wheel. Through television, digital, social media, and outdoor advertising, the campaign delivers an urgent message: speeding puts every road user at risk. Watch the video campaign below. 

Why slowing down matters:

• A pedestrian struck at higher speeds is significantly less likely to survive
• Speeding reduces the time drivers must react to unexpected hazards
• Even familiar roads can become deadly when drivers exceed the speed limit
• Choosing to slow down protects everyone sharing Connecticut's roads

For more information about the dangers of speeding, visit nhtsa.gov.

Enjoy live music this July and August at the Summer Gazebo Concert Series, presented by West Hartford Senior Centers.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic, and join us for this free, all-ages concert series at the Gazebo at Elmwood Community Center/Senior Center.

Concerts are held on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Concerts will be held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, performances will move indoors. Please enter the Elmwood Community Center via Burgoyne Street.