Rebecca Martinez

With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year, beginning yesterday through Tuesday, December 9, at noon.

Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

A reminder to please join me and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz for a visit to the Plainville Senior Center (200 East St., Plainville) this Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 11am to discuss Connecticut's response to federal funding, statewide updates, and Plainville-specific updates.

This event is a great opportunity to hear directly from state leaders and to have your voices heard. I hope to see you there!

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with warmth and moments of gratitude, surrounded by friends and loved ones - and good food.

I joined Foodshare in Farmington this week to help distribute food to families in need. In just one day, 154 people came through the line — a reminder of how vital these programs are for our communities.

I encourage everyone to learn more about the Mobile Food Pantry schedule here, and if you’re able, to support your local food pantries and Foodshare. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes without.

This morning, I released the following statement on the proposed alignment of the Farmington Canal Trail

As your State Representative, I stand with the residents of Hemmingway Street in strong opposition to the current proposed alignment of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. This plan would place a public path directly through their front yard. This is not a minor right-of-way issue. It’s a fundamental question of respect for people’s homes and voices. The residents of Hemmingway have said no—and I support them.

I’ve spoken with CTDOT, and my understanding is that nothing is set in stone yet. That’s why it’s so important for residents to speak up now, before final decisions are made. Please consider attending the upcoming public information meeting on Thursday, November 20 at 5pm at the Plainville High School Auditorium (47 Holcomb Way). The open house begins at 5pm, and the formal presentation begins at 7pm. Your voice matters, and your feedback can help send this plan back to the drawing board.

This week the State House and Senate met for a special session to pass a number of critical bills, ranging from a bill addressing Connecticut's housing crisis, a bill that sets money aside to keep vital federal programs afloat, and more.

All Connecticut SNAP recipients have access to their FULL November benefits on their EBT cards.

Despite the Trump administration’s continued efforts to take food away from our neighbors, CT is backfilling SNAP benefits to ensure funding is available. We refuse to let Republicans in Washington play games with food assistance.

To check your card balance, visit MyDSS.ct.gov or call 1-888-328-2666.

Election Day is behind us - congratulations to all of you who were elected. Thank you for stepping up to serve. Public service, especially at the local level, takes courage, commitment, and a deep belief in community. Your leadership matters.

I look forward to working with all of you - Democrats and Republicans alike - to champion our communities and help move the State of Connecticut forward. I'm committed to working together to strengthen our towns and build a brighter future for Connecticut.