Kate Farrar

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.

As we witness anti-abortion laws being enacted across the country and anticipate the overturn of Roe v. Wade, expanding access and protecting reproductive rights in Connecticut has never been more important.

Today, State Representatives Jillian Gilchrest, Tammy Exum, and Kate Farrar, members of West Hartford's first all women delegation to the state House of Representatives, recognized the winners of the delegation's Women's History Month Essay contest at the Pond House Café in Elizabeth Park in West Hartford. Annie Lopez-Lopez won from Conard High School and Amithi Nair won from Hall High School.

The House was in session on Wednesday! We passed several bills including HB 5269, which approves the ability for towns to permanently hold remote meetings. In response to the pandemic our world went more digital than ever before, and while there were some struggles, we found that offering public meetings both in person and virtually offered increased flexibility and accessibility. These virtual meetings have helped so many residents more easily access their elected officials.

To put money back into Connecticut residents' pockets, we recently passed legislation to suspend our state's gas tax and offer free bus service through June 30. The bill also created an additional Sales Tax Free Week happening this Sunday, April 10 through Saturday, April 16.