Kate Farrar

Last weekend marked our 6th annual Elmwood Clean Up Day! Thank you to everyone who came out to lend a hand, including the Mayor’s Youth Council, the Elmwood Business Association, and community member Joanna with her family. I’m grateful for your partnership and commitment to keeping our neighborhood clean and vibrant. 

Also, last weekend it was great to see some love and community support for Lucy Robbins Welles Library and their annual 5K race! A big thank you to Michelle and the entire library staff for creating such a welcoming space that enriches the lives of Newington residents of all ages.

Growing up, my hometown library was one of my favorite places to be, and I know so many families in Newington feel the same way about the Lucy Robbins Welles Library today. Grateful to support an institution that continues to inspire curiosity and serve our community every day!

Earlier this week I joined my Democratic colleagues on the Higher Education Committee to release this statement:

I remain deeply disturbed by this report of sexual harassment and the potential lack of appropriate response by the institution. A full independent investigation is necessary. Any person who reports harassment deserves to be believed and taken seriously. And the students of our CSCU system deserve better.

This week I also visited the classes of 3^rd grade and 5^th grade at Smith STEM School thanks to the invitation of my constituent Carolina who is a long-time teacher throughout our West Hartford schools. I shared many photos to showcase what it's like as a "Day in the Life" of being a State Representative and how they can use their voice to advocate for something they care about or become a State Representative themselves. 

Also, I was able to stop by to celebrate Newington's Senior & Disabled Center Annual Volunteer Appreciation Day. We presented a citation to the volunteer of the year Steve Robin and thanked all of the volunteers and staff make the Newington Center such an integral part of our community. 

Absentee voting for all eligible voters has officially been signed into law in Connecticut by Governor Ned Lamont. This new law expands voting access and gives eligible residents greater flexibility and convenience when participating in elections.

This change comes after Connecticut voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2024 supporting absentee voting for all, marking a major step forward in modernizing and strengthening voter access across our state.

Public Act 26-42 removes certain restrictions that previously limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. With this change, any eligible voter who prefers to vote absentee may now do so.

The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure option to make their voice heard.

To vote by absentee ballot, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. For more information on applying for an absentee ballot, visit myvote.ct.gov.

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) and Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) have begun accepting applications for the OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grants. 

OEC and WBDC are offering grants of up to $50,000 to qualified Connecticut early childhood businesses to support operations and preserve child care access. The Operations Grant provides short-term funding to support OEC-licensed early childhood education programs. The grants are designed to help programs maintain their existing early childhood slots. 

Grants will be awarded to eligible programs serving high and medium-needs families, as defined by OEC. This funding is intended to support operational expenses, including staffing, materials, facility costs, and other business needs that ensure ongoing services to families and communities. 

This is a ONE-TIME funding opportunity. Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.

The Town of West Hartford has been accepted into AARP’s Age-Friendly Community Network, a program focused on creating more livable, inclusive, and supportive communities for residents of all ages.

As part of this initiative, the town has launched a community-wide survey to gather feedback from residents. Click here for more information, click here to access the survey, and to share your thoughts and experiences.

Wishing the Class of 2026 continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all that lies ahead. Congratulations on this incredible achievement and best wishes for a bright future!

Newington's Memorial Day Parade will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m., https://newingtonparade.com.

West Hartford's Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m., https://www.westhartfordct.gov/visit-us/memorial-day-parade.