Kate Farrar

Yesterday we passed legislation to address the social and economic disparities experienced by individuals with criminal records and those who were formerly incarcerated.

Among the bills we voted on was legislation updating our state's public health statutes to enable food trucks that already have a license to serve other parts of the state. Currently, food trucks must obtain a separate license from every health district where they plan to do business.

Starting today, Connecticut is implementing new safety protocols concerning face masks following updated recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Do you know a young person who may be struggling with their mental health? On Wednesday, April 21 at 7 p.m., I will be joining the Bridge Family Center, Regional CONNECT Care Coordinators, and DCF Mental Health Administrators for a conversation with parents, grandparents, and caregivers on how to find mental health resources for children and adolescents.

This Sunday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the state Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Walk-In Clinic at 287 West Street, Rocky Hill. During this clinic, anyone who served in the U.S. armed services, regardless of their enrollment in the VA healthcare system, spouses and caregivers of veterans will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. No appointment is necessary.

Wednesday, March 31 was Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This day was founded in 2009 to honor and celebrate our transgender and nonbinary friends and neighbors. This day also helps to raise awareness of the discrimination and violence they face in our society just for being who they are.

On April 1, every Connecticut resident over the age of 16 will be able to schedule their appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Lamont announced Thursday.

Checks for $1,400 may be headed to many people’s bank accounts from the latest American Rescue Plan, but a stimulus payment can’t fix fair pay. For today’s Equal Pay Day — a day that signifies when women’s earnings catch up from men from the year before — the legislature can advance bills that will close the wage gap and prioritize the women in our communities who are disproportionately affected in the COVID-19 crisis.