Increasing School Funding, and more

March 20, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday - I hope you had a great week.

This morning, I had the honor of attending the Eid celebration with the newly formed Islamic Association of Northern Connecticut (IANC) at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Bristol.

It was a joyful Eid gathering, bringing together members of the Muslim community from Plainville, Bristol, and neighboring towns. I had the opportunity to join the celebration and witness the strong sense of unity and community.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share a few words and to recognize the passion and dedication behind the creation of IANC—especially from Rizwan and all those who helped bring this vision to life.

Wishing everyone a joyful and blessed Eid—Eid Mubarak!
 

This week I joined my colleagues to support a new plan that strengthens the Education Cost Sharing program, the state's leading grant to local school districts. The plan redirects between $100-$170 million from our state's surpluses to flow back to cities and towns for education funding. 

This proposal would prevent cities and towns from having to increase property taxes to cover the rising cost of education. It is our responsibility to make sure all children in Connecticut receive a proper education and learning environment, and this proposal goes a long way toward achieving that goal.
You can watch the press conference summary by clicking this photo! 
 

This week was Care-At-Home Day at the Capitol, and it was inspiring to see so many home care agencies come together to advocate for the communities we serve.
 
However, the reality is clear — current Medicaid rates are not sustainable. If we want to continue providing quality care and supporting those who depend on these services, change is necessary.

It’s time to prioritize home care and invest in the future of care.
 

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about a bill strengthening warehouse workers's rights, resources from the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Visit to Roxy's Mad Hatter Apiary

This week I stopped by a craft fair in Bristol and found the sweetest surprise — Roxy’s Mad Hatter Apiary. I picked up some whipped honey to try, and I was excited to learn their products are also available right here in Plainville at Relic Brewing! I love discovering local treasures close to home.
 
Warehouse Workers's Rights

Governor Ned Lamont has signed Warehouse Worker Protection legislation into law (sections 50-57 of SB 298), marking a significant step forward in strengthening labor protections across Connecticut. This new law is designed to safeguard employees working in warehouses and fulfillment centers, industries that have seen rapid growth alongside increasing concerns about worker conditions and productivity demands.

The legislation establishes clear boundaries around the use of performance quotas, ensuring that such expectations cannot interfere with workers’ legally mandated rights, including meal periods and bathroom breaks. Employers are now required to be transparent about any quotas in place, meaning workers must be informed in advance of the specific performance standards they are expected to meet. 

Importantly, the law also introduces accountability measures. Employees who experience violations of these protections now have the ability to recover costs or damages they may incur as a result.

With this legislation, Connecticut becomes the first state in New England to enact Warehouse Worker Protection standards, and only the sixth in the nation to do so, joining California, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon. The move positions the state as a regional leader in advancing worker rights and reflects a broader national trend toward increased oversight of workplace conditions in high-demand logistics sectors. 
 
Resources from the Office of the Healthcare Advocate

We all want to use our health care dollars wisely, but insurance can be complicated. Asking the right questions can lead to better-informed and potentially less expensive healthcare decisions. Keep in mind that most doctors are experts in medicine, not insurance. For coverage and payment questions, the provider's business office staff is often your best resource since they work with insurance plans every day.

Click here for a list of questions to consider. Not every question will apply to every visit or situation, but these are worth considering for non-emergent care. 
 
Access Health CT Age 26 Information

Are you turning 26 this year? That’s the age when your health coverage through your parents’ plan will end. Don’t wait until the last minute. Protect your health and check out your options for coverage through Access Health CT.
 
WCSU Art Showcase

Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University is now accepting submissions for their Student Art Showcase. Selected students will take part in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center. The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories  - drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.

The top selected artists will be featured and presented with noteworthy recognition and awards at the opening reception.

The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more!
 

Sincerely,

Rebecca Martinez
State Representative

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