Rebecca Martinez

The deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026 is fast approaching. If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process. Making sure you’re covered is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

If residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026.

If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026.

I hope to see you tonight at Plainville’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration at 6pm at the Plainville Fire Department (77 West Main St.)! ✨

Santa will arrive on a fire truck to help kick off the festivities. Once the tree is lit, we’ll gather inside the firehouse for:

- Live music by some of our talented PHS students
- Carols with Mr. Wilfred
- Warm cider and cookies provided by the Plainville Fire Company
- A story for all ages

And don’t forget—we’ll be collecting non‑perishable, kid‑friendly food items. If you’re able to bring something along, it will go a long way in helping families in our community.

Let’s celebrate the season with music, laughter, and neighbors coming together.

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.