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Happy Friday! Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to celebrate a life dedicated to service, courage, and hope. As we remember Dr. King’s powerful vision of equality and peace, we are called to carry his legacy forward through acts of kindness, justice, and community engagement.
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In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about education initiatives in Connecticut, the AARP Community Challenge Grant Program, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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I recently attended a vigil for Renee Good in Bristol. Thank you so much to Rippy Patton and all of the organizers who put this event together. My heart is with Renee’s family — an American citizen killed by federal agents on our own soil. As a nurse, knowing a physician was ready to help her and was blocked is unacceptable.
What we saw in those videos — the coldness and the denial of medical care — should alarm everyone. This isn’t about politics. It’s about basic human dignity and accountability. All of us have a responsibility to stand up and demand better.
Connecticut has taken steps, but it’s not enough. We need stronger oversight, more transparency, and an expansion of the Trust Act. And ICE has no place in our schools — our kids deserve safety and stability, not fear.
For months, these agents have operated masked and without identification. When that goes unchallenged, it escalates — and now it’s escalated to a killing. Enough is enough.
This isn’t about party lines. This is about a mother — an American citizen — who was killed. We need to do better. We have to look at ourselves and ask: who have we become that this could happen, and who are we willing to be from this moment forward.
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I hope you'll join me Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 6pm at the Plainville Public Library's Chase Auditorium (56 E Main St., Plainville) for a pizza and policy event! We will discuss the upcoming legislative session, my priorities, and the issues that are on your mind.We will also be joined by representatives from HRA (Human Resources Agency) and Generation Power to share programs and resources.Please RSVP for this event by emailing me at Rebecca.Martinez@cga.ct.gov or calling Jason Knight at 860-240-8568. I hope to see you there!
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I attended the Farmington Town Council and Judge of Probate swearing‑in ceremony last night, and it was wonderful to see the community come together. Congratulations to Brian Connolly and to all of the newly sworn‑in council members. And warm congratulations to Paul Bedard as he begins his role as Judge of Probate.
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AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.
This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.
This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:
- Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
- Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
- Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4th, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
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| From the development of the Early Childhood Education Endowment to the influx of Special Education funding, 2026 is looking BRIGHT for the future of education in Connecticut. You can read more about these initiatives in the graphics below. |
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This week, Governor Lamont announced the launch of the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, or C4. This is a new digital platform designed to connect businesses, organizations, and agencies with content creators and influencers who authentically represent Connecticut.
C4 serves as a centralized, searchable database where content creators can list their profiles at no cost, and where businesses can easily discover, filter, and connect with creators based on industry focus, geography, audience demographics, and content specialty, from lifestyle and culinary to travel, culture, family, and entrepreneurship.
Users can explore creators by:
- Content category (culinary, lifestyle, travel, family, culture, business)
- Geographic focus
- Audience demographics
- Platform reach and specialties
C4 is free for creators to join, boosting visibility, credibility, and access to new opportunities while giving businesses a trusted, efficient way to find partners who bring stories to life.
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Basketball Free Throw ChallengeSaint Luke Catholic School (133 Bristol St., Southington)Sunday, Jan. 18, 12:30pm registration, competition starts at 1pmRead more here
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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