Kate Farrar

It is now easier than ever to visit a Connecticut State Park. ParkConneCT, a transportation service that offers fare-free buses to Connecticut beaches and state parks, is now open for the summer season. This expanded service will run through Labor Day.

On Wednesday, the governor signed into law historic legislation we passed to help address the immediate, intermediate, and long-term needs of the children's mental and behavioral health system in Connecticut, a priority during the 2022 legislative session.

My heart goes out to the Uvalde, Texas community, families, and friends, as they mourn the tragic loss of 19 precious children and 2 adults who were heartlessly taken by gun violence. Our thoughts and prayers alone are not enough to prevent these tragedies.

May is Mental Health Awareness month, which works to end the stigma surrounding mental health conditions by raising awareness and sharing resources.

The draft opinion leaked early last week suggests that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the half-century-old judgment that protects the right to an abortion. Although expected, this opinion questions the future of reproductive healthcare in the United States. The logic of the opinion also leaves a chilling effect on the future protections of same sex marriage, other LGBTQ rights, and contraception.

Legislative session wrapped at midnight on Wednesday night and I wanted to share some key final updates of our work this week!

State Representative Kate Farrar (D – West Hartford) lauds the inclusion of $2 million in state budget to address access to menstrual products in Connecticut public school restrooms, on college campuses, and in shelters.

After months of negotiation and hearing input from residents across our state, I am happy to pass along great news. On Monday, the House of Representatives passed the state budget proposal which provides $600 million in historic tax relief to meet this moment of need for so many residents in our state. It also makes vital investments in our municipalities, nonprofits, child care providers, and more.