Update 9.26

September 26, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

We're back from a short break here, but I've been out there - and seeing many residents of the 100th District, too.

I was humbled by the Middlesex County Branch of the NAACP last night. Keep scrolling for more details.

New laws will kick in on Wednesday, October 1st. I've included more information below.

I will be hosting an event with the WNBA's Connecticut Sun at the State Capitol on Wednesday, October 15th, which is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Please see more information below.

 I hope you can join us. 

Have a good weekend, 

Sincerely,

Kai Belton
State Representative

 
Around the 100th & More

What an incredible night at the Middlesex County Branch's 79th Annual NAACP Freedom Fund Awards Dinner!

I am truly humbled to receive the Health and Well-Being Award. This honor is a reminder that when we stand together for health, equity, and dignity, we all rise.

Congratulations to my fellow honorees, especially the young people whose courage and commitment to community give me so much hope for the future.
 

Earlier this month, we honored the life and legacy of our late State Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams. The new Beman School scoreboard will carry his name, reminding generations of his fight for justice and equity.
 

I embarked on this powerful journey as a NOBEL Women Leadership Fellow earlier this month, and I am proud to share that I have officially graduated from the Representative Lois DeBerry Leadership Institute at the national NOBEL Women’s 40th Anniversary Conference.

This experience has been nothing short of transformative. Over the course of the program, I deepened my understanding of leadership and policy, strengthened my voice around health equity issues, and built meaningful connections with Black women leaders from across the country.

At the conference, we heard powerful words from many trailblazers like Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Roland Martin, Dr. Kevin Cates, and Pastor Jamal Bryant. We engaged in policy discussions and celebrated the strength and brilliance of Black women in leadership.

We even had the incredible opportunity to visit Tyler Perry Studios, where Tyler Perry graciously hosted us for dinner, a truly inspiring moment that underscored the importance of creating spaces for Black excellence and legacy.

I leave this program inspired, equipped, and more committed than ever to serve, lead, and continue advancing equity in every space I enter.
 
New Laws Going into Effect on Wednesday

Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect on Wednesday, October 1, including an update to our motorcycle and e-bike laws that reflect our continued efforts to promote public safety and adapt to emerging technologies on our roads.

A new law raises the age requirement for motorcyclists to wear a helmet from 18 to 21 and increases the age limit for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards from 16 to 18 years old.

New regulations are also being introduced for certain high-powered electric bikes. Riders of e-bikes without pedals and equipped with batteries over 750 watts (25-28 mph) will now need a valid driver’s license to operate them.

Additionally, e-bikes with batteries exceeding 3,500 watts (capable of speeds of 35 mph or higher) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.

Another measure prohibits the handcuffing of children under the age of 14, except in cases where there is a clear threat to public safety or when the child poses a risk of physical violence toward an officer.

This law is intended to mitigate the traumatic impact that the use of restraints can have on young children. All new laws effective on October 1st can be found HERE
 
Coming up: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day

I wanted to put this on your radar now. I hope you can join me for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day, hosted by me and the WNBA's Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, October 15th, in the North Lobby of the State Capitol, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
 
Northeast Public Health Collaborative Formed 

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York City officially announced the formation of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, aimed at strengthening public health coordination, sharing expertise, and improving preparedness across state lines.

The Collaborative’s shared purpose is to work together in new ways – optimizing the use of shared resources, innovating and reimagining core services – to ensure trust in public health, respond to public health threats, advance community health, and strengthen confidence in vaccines and science-based medicine.  
 
Hello, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) 

I am excited to share this wonderful opportunity for Connecticut high school seniors!

The Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) guarantees automatic admission to students with strong academic records. This program waives the application fee, student essays, and recommendation letters for participating institutions.
 
Seniors with a 3.0 weighted GPA or a 2.75 unweighted GPA can apply to 10 participating public and private colleges with a single free application.
 
Participating colleges and universities include:

  • Central Connecticut State University
  • Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • Albertus Magnus College
  • Goodwin University
  • Mitchell College
  • University of Bridgeport
  • University of Hartford
  • University of New Haven

 For more information and application instructions, please click HERE.

 
Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Connecticut proudly honors the legacy of the 65th Infantry Regiment — The Borinqueneers. 

These brave Puerto Rican soldiers served our nation with courage and distinction. Our new commemorative license plate ensures their sacrifice is remembered on every road across our state.   

 
 

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