Kate Farrar

There are still a few days left of Connecticut's Sales Tax Free Week, which ends on August 21st! This is a great opportunity to save while preparing the kids for going back to school.

Following recently issued masking guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in response to rising COVID-19 cases and the growing threat of the delta variant, Governor Ned Lamont is urging residents to voluntarily wear masks in public indoor spaces.

I am proud that last Friday the State Bond Commission approved a state funding grant for the Town of West Hartford to acquire property for the construction of a sustainable and energy efficient building for a future Elmwood Community Center.

On Friday, the State Bond Commission will meet and is expected to approve a significant investment in the 20th District. The State Bond Commission is expected to provide $2.5 million for our Town of West Hartford to acquire the previous St. Brigid property for a future Elmwood Community and Cultural Center. The $2.5 million will complement funding from the Town of West Hartford to acquire the 8.5 acre parcel at 100 Mayflower Street.

Good news! The Connecticut Capitol complex is finally starting to reopen to the public. Currently, members of the public will only be allowed on the first floors of the Capitol and Legislative Office Building. Tours are being offered but are limited to the first floor. The Capitol Complex is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Do you have questions about the legislative session or ideas to improve our community or just want to visit the Trout Brook Trail? Join me and my dog Lizzie for a "Dog Walk and Talk" event on Saturday, July 10 at 9 a.m. at Beachland Park, 847 South Quaker Lane!

Over the past few days, Connecticut experienced extreme temperatures that have prompted heat advisories from the National Weather Service. With the start of summer, Connecticut will experience no shortage of extreme temperatures. For immediate relief from the heat, dial 2-1-1 or click here to find a cooling center near you.

It's been two weeks since the Connecticut General Assembly gaveled out of the 2021 legislative session and one week since our special session ended. From my perspective as a first-term state representative, the unusual virtual session was only made possible by tremendous amounts of teamwork behind the scenes.