Roland Lemar

We are hard at work at the Capitol, with daily committee meetings underway and another session day coming up next week. These long days are focused on reviewing legislation, hearing testimony, and working collaboratively to address the issues that matter most to our community.

As the session continues to move forward, your input is more important than ever. I’m hosting a Virtual Town Hall next week and would truly value the opportunity to hear directly from you about your ideas, suggestions, and concerns. Your perspective helps guide my work and ensures that your voice is represented at the Capitol.

I hope you’ll join the conversation and share what’s on your mind this session.

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

The MOVE New Haven Bus Rapid Transit Project will be holding public engagement meetings to provide members of the public and the local community an opportunity to ask questions and share comments about the proposed project. Click here for instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions.

Right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements are in the form of partial takes associated with roundabout construction, mobility hub construction, and minor roadway realignments.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $307 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with a combination of federal and state funds. 

Upcoming Public Engagement Events:

2/18/26 | African American Society (12 Manila Ave, Hamden),  6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

2/19/26 | New Haven Green (Church St @ Chapel St., New Haven), 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

2/19/26 | West Haven City Hall (355 Main Street, West Haven), 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Access Health CT is committed to reducing health disparities across Connecticut. To support this mission, a free Broker Academy training program is being offered to empower community members and organizations to drive positive change. Participants will receive comprehensive training, have their exam fees covered, and be paired with a mentor, ensuring support at every step of the journey.

Minimum requirements to apply:

• 18 years or older
• High school diploma or GED
• 1-3 recommendation letters Community service experience
• Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas

Click here for more information and to sign up for notifications.

For questions, email  AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov

Click here to sign up for a virtual Broker Academy Info Session, multiple dates available.

A program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.

Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.

Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.

Welcome the Year of the Horse with the Lunarfest Parade on Saturday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m., along Whitney Avenue. The parade will feature a lion dance procession, cultural workshops, wushu performances, and a zodiac scavenger hunt.

As Connecticut's largest Lunar New Year celebration, Lunarfest brings the neighborhood to life with movement, color, and sound. 

Click here for the event guide.