Last week, the Government Administration & Elections Committee (GAE) advanced a series of bills aimed at protecting our elections by preventing the interference or intimidation of voters. These measures are meant to ensure that the sacred right to vote is safeguarded without fear at home or at the polls.
House Bill 5533: An Act Concerning Protection of Election Administration Processes, Elections Sites, Election Workers, and Electors
The bill would:
- Bar federal law enforcement within 250 feet of a polling place without permission from state election officials or a court order
- Require coordination with the Connecticut Secretary of the State and the Attorney General before federal agents conduct operations near a polling place
- Establish state penalties for violations to ensure protections are taken seriously
Senate Bill 463: An Act Concerning Security of Election Administration Processes, Election Sites, Election Workers, and Electors
The bill would:
- Keep weapons away from polling places
- Protect election workers from harassment
- Prevent tampering with voting equipment
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House Bill 5001: An Act Concerning Absentee Voting For All and Various Other Reforms to the Administration of Elections
The bill would:
- Implement Absentee Voting For All two years after Connecticut voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment
- Allow eligible voters to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason
Currently, absentee ballots are limited to voters who meet specific criteria. Removing those restrictions will make voting more accessible, increase participation, and ensure voters have safe and flexible options for casting their ballots.
House Bill 5342: An Act Concerning the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Other Means To Generate Deceptive Synthetic Media and Elections
The bill would:
- Prohibit deceptive AI-generated media intended to influence an election
- Apply to manipulated videos, audio, or images that falsely depict a candidate
- Cover the 90 days leading up to an election or primary, when misinformation can have the biggest impact
With approval from the GAE Committee, all four of the measures move to the House and Senate floor for further consideration if they are called before the end of session on May 6.
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| I-91 and I-291 CTDOT Project |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced that the upgrade and installation of Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) will be performed on I-91 and I-291 in Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, March 30 and be completed on Wednesday March 17, 2027. The project consists of replacing cameras and communication equipment in the Hartford area with modern equipment on taller camera poles with camera lowering devices along I-91 Hartford and expand coverage on I-91 to Exit 40 and I-291.
The project will install new trunkline fiber optic in an existing conduit from Route I-91 Hartford to I-91, Exit 40 in Windsor. New trunkline fiber optic and new conduit will be installed on I-291 expanding from I-91 interchange to I-84 interchange. The project will install 23 new cameras, which include 5 new locations. Eight VMS signs will be receiving new fiber optic cable, 5 using existing conduits and 3 will be connected through new branch fiber and conduits.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be various shoulder closures on I-91 and I-291 in Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor, Windsor, and Windsor Locks starting Monday, March 30 to Wednesday, March 17, 2027 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lane Closures may also be implemented during the above noted areas from the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Traffic control patterns, crash trucks, arrow boards and State Troopers will guide motorists through the work zone.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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| CT Rail Hartford Line Service Adjustments for Construction |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting customers of upcoming train service adjustments on the Hartford Line effective Tuesday, April 21 through Friday, October 30.
Due to several construction projects being performed by Amtrak, select weekday trains will be replaced with bus service between Springfield and Hartford, and one Amtrak train will be bused the entire route.
Construction work will occur Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Additional details, including the temporary schedule, will be released in April 2026.
These service adjustments are required to support several infrastructure improvements along the corridor being performed by Amtrak, including a track improvement project at the new Windsor Locks Station site. Planned work includes installing new interlockings, drainage improvements, and maintenance and safety upgrades at several rail grade crossings.
Passengers are encouraged to purchase rail tickets in advance of boarding. CTrail passengers may buy tickets using the CTrail eTix mobile ticketing app or at CTrail ticket vending machines located at stations.
Riders are also encouraged to visit HartfordLine.com or Amtrak.com for the latest service information and can sign up to receive alerts directly to their phone or email at HartfordLine.com/service-alerts.
For more information about rail services across Connecticut, visit CTrail.com.
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The East Hartford Veteran Banner Program honors the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country through a touching banner display in the heart of East Hartford.
Each banner will display the name, photograph, branch, major wars or conflicts, and one or two major awards of the veteran. You will need a color or black and white photo in a jpg format at maximum quality settings. The banners will be showcased along East Hartford's Main Street, along with who sponsored the Veteran and will be displayed Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The banner will then be given to the sponsor, the honored Veteran or their family.
The banners are entirely funded by a $200 donation by sponsors that will cover the printing, shipping, and an additional framed photograph of the banner for the sponsor to display or gift to the Veteran or their family.
CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR
If you would like make a donation towards the program, please make checks payable to:
EAST HARTFORD VETERAN BANNER PROGRAM
Attn: Ekaterine Tchelidze, Senior Secretary to the Mayor
East Hartford Town Hall
740 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
These donations will go towards sponsoring Veterans who do not have a sponsor that we are made aware of.
If you have a Veteran that you would like us to add to “needs a sponsor” list, please send an email to Ekaterine Tchelidze at etchelidze@easthartfordct.gov.
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Governor Ned Lamont announced that the state will implement new federal Workforce Pell Grants through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), marking a major expansion of financial aid for short-term, career-focused training.
Enabled by H.R. 1 Workforce Pell expansion, the policy allows low-income students to use Pell Grants for programs lasting 8–15 weeks (150–599 hours). Previously, only programs at least 15 weeks and 600 hours qualified. This change is designed to open faster, more flexible pathways into high-demand fields, especially for working adults and non-traditional learners.
OWS will coordinate a broad statewide effort involving agencies and institutions such as the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, Connecticut Department of Labor, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Connecticut, along with workforce boards and credentialing bodies. The goal is to align training programs directly with employer needs and regional labor shortages.
To qualify for Workforce Pell funding, programs must meet strict performance and quality standards:
- Align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries
- Lead to a recognized, stackable postsecondary credential
- Achieve at least a 70% completion rate and 70% job placement rate
- Result in wages above the state median for high school graduates
- Be in operation for at least one year
The initiative is intended to strengthen Connecticut’s talent pipeline while making education more accessible and outcomes-driven. Workforce Pell Grants are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
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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.
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| Celebrating UConn Athletics |
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Registration is required to participate in the Annual Egg Hunt from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McAuliffe Park (30 Remington Road). Click here for more information and to register.
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There are a number of free tax preparation services available for those looking for help.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers will be at the Wickham Library on select Saturdays, and the Raymond Library on select Sundays in March and April. Registration is required, dial 2-1-1 to set up an appointment. Click here for more information.
Wickham Library (656 Burnside Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on:
March 28
April 11
Raymond Library (840 Main Street) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on:
March 29
April 12
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East Hartford’s Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University.
Immediately following the parade, a commemorative program will be held at the Fallen Star Memorial. The events will conclude with a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford featuring food trucks, music, activities, vendors, and more.
PARTICIPANTS:
- Those who would like to march in the Memorial Day Parade are asked to register by Wednesday, April 1, by visiting: Participant Registration
VOLUNTEERS:
- If you are interested in volunteering at the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 15, by visiting: Volunteer Registration
SPONSORS:
- To make the event possible, the town would like to extend sponsorship opportunities to local businesses and organizations. Those who wish to sponsor the event or offer in-kind services, please fill out the electronic form by Monday, April 27, which can be found at: Sponsorship Information
VENDORS:
- If you are interested in being a vendor at the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, please contact Jenilee Tedesco via email at jtedesco@easthartfordct.gov. Registration must be completed by Monday, May 4. For additional information, please visit Vendor Information
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