Kate Farrar

Due to a forecast of prolonged extreme heat and humidity across Connecticut, the Governor has activated the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol for the first time this year. The protocol will remain in effect through Sunday, June 14, at 6:00 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the heat wave, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and checking on older adults, young children, and other vulnerable individuals who may be at greater risk of heat-related illness. Click here to read the governor's release with prevention tips to stay safe and hydrated.

Cooling centers will be available for anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat. Click here to find the most reliable and updated list of cooling centers or call 2-1-1.

Earlier this week, I joined educators, students, and families at Conard High School to celebrate Connecticut’s six Blue Ribbon Schools for the 2025–26 school year. Among those honored was Webster Hill Elementary School, which was recognized for its outstanding academic achievement and commitment to educational excellence.

This prestigious recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of Webster Hill’s students, teachers, staff, administrators, and families, all of whom contribute to a strong culture of learning and success.

Congratulations to the entire Webster Hill community on being named a 2025–26 Connecticut Blue Ribbon School. This honor is well deserved and a testament to the exceptional work taking place in our schools every day.

Also, this week I was able to celebrate parents from across the state who completed the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI). The PLTI is a free 20-week program that teaches parents and caregivers leadership, civics, and advocacy skills. Originating in Connecticut and now implemented nationwide, it helps adults become strong advocates for youth and their communities. Here in West Hartford, it is hosted by the Bridge Family Center at Charter Oak School. I attended a ceremony Wednesday night to congratulate all of the graduates including two from the 20^th District: Richard McSorley and Yanessa Lasley. 

Connecticut has long been a national leader in combating hate crimes. Governor Ned Lamont recently signed legislation that strengthens the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate, charge, and prosecute hate crimes while pursuing the enhanced penalties associated with those offenses.

Connecticut was among the first states in the nation to enact a hate crimes law in 1990. Since then, additional hate crime provisions have been added to state statutes over several decades in response to evolving needs and protections.

The newly signed legislation consolidates Connecticut’s existing hate crimes laws into a dedicated chapter of the state statutes, making them easier for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public to locate and understand. The law also updates and standardizes terminology across the statutes to ensure greater consistency and clarity.

In conjunction with the signing of Public Act 26-77, the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council, which was established in 2021 to increase public awareness, encourage reporting, and help prevent hate crimes, announced the launch of a new statewide public awareness campaign, Hate Is More Than a Word… It May Be a Crime. The Council also unveiled expanded online resources to help residents recognize, report, and respond to hate crimes and bias incidents.

Click here to watch the public service announcement, and click here to visit the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council website for additional information or to report a hate crime.

A new law has been signed strengthening protections for children going to and from school by holding drivers accountable when they fail to stop for school buses has been signed into law. 

Beginning October 1, 2026, drivers who violate the state’s school bus stopping law for a third time will face a six-month suspension of their driver’s license. Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and remain there until the lights are off.

Violations include a $450 fine for the first offense and a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in prison, or both for a subsequent offense. This new law adds another important layer of accountability.

Last Friday, health insurance carriers submitted their proposed 2027 rate increases to the Connecticut Insurance Department and they are outrageous with average increases ranging from about 15.7% in the individual market to 17.8% in the small group market. 

I am deeply frustrated by these proposed insurance rate increases, which are both unaffordable and unacceptable for Connecticut families. The Insurance Department must reject them, and their proposal further demonstrates why our state should move forward with a public health insurance option.

Click here to share your comments online with the Insurance Department.

Reminder! See you next Wednesday, June 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Faxon Library Community Room.

We want to hear from you. Your questions, concerns, and ideas are essential as we continue working to address the needs of our community and shape future priorities together.

Mark your calendar for Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 13! More than 200 attractions across the state, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historic sites, farms, and restaurants, will offer free or discounted admission and special promotions. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to discover new destinations and celebrate the rich experiences that make Connecticut such a great and fun place to explore.

Click here for a complete list of activities, events, and attractions taking place across the state.

The Special Enrollment Period for Temporary Premium Assistance through Access Health CT (AHCT) ends June 30.

Eligible households may qualify for state-funded premium assistance if their income is between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and they are not enrolled in Covered CT, or if their income is above 400% and up to 500% of the FPL. Click here to determine your eligibility.

Free enrollment assistance is available online, by phone, and in person. Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” to schedule an appointment, connect with a Navigator, or work with a Certified Broker. AHCT has also expanded its Navigator program and launched a Mobile Enrollment Team to provide in-person assistance at community events across the state. Online assistance and live chat are also available through AccessHealthCT.com.

For assistance by phone, call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help is available in more than 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call through a relay operator.

Great news for teens ages 14–19, you can work out for free at Planet Fitness this summer!

With the High School Summer Pass program, teens can enjoy free access to Planet Fitness now through August 31.

This program gives young people the opportunity to stay active, prioritize their health, and build lifelong healthy habits while school is out for the summer.

Click here to register for the Summer Pass. Parents can also receive one free day pass to work out alongside their teens.

Please note: During the High School Summer Pass program, participants will only have access to the Planet Fitness location they select during registration.

On Monday, June 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Blue Back Square Stage, take part in the unveiling of a mural celebrating West Hartford’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. The mural will be displayed on the wall above the east entrance of the Noah Webster Library in Blue Back Square.

This mural is one meaningful way to recognize and elevate the voices of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, promote inclusion, and affirm the importance of accessibility and equal respect for all residents. West Hartford is home to a vibrant Deaf community and to the American School for the Deaf, founded in 1817 and recognized as the oldest permanent school for the deaf in the United States.

Join in the celebration of freedom, culture, and community with an inspiring exposition to uplift Black excellence.

There are only a few tickets left so reserve your spot today for the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO) Juneteenth Celebration at the State Capitol on Thursday, June 18 at 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.