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You'll soon be receiving my end of session newsletter in the mail, and I hope you'll reach out with your questions and ideas! It will include a full recap of what we’ve accomplished together this past legislative session. Speaking of legislative session, it was just announced that I received a 100% voting record.
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It’s a true privilege to represent West Hartford and Newington. I’m always here to listen, advocate, and be a champion for our communities. Also released recently was the Connecticut Education Association’s Legislative Report Card and I received an "A".
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I’m proud to receive this grade by supporting and being responsive to Connecticut’s educators, students, and families on matters to strengthen our public schools.
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With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws hitting the books. Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect on Wednesday, October 1. Below is a brief overview of some of these important changes!
There is good news for drivers, a new law is changing how towing works in our state, making it harder for cars to be towed from private property and easier for people to get their cars back if they are towed. Right now, state law lets towing companies start the process of selling a towed car worth $1,500 or less just 15 days after the tow which is one of the shortest timelines in the country. That means if you don’t act fast, your car could be gone for good. The new law doesn’t change that 15-day starting point, but it adds more steps before a car can actually be sold. Now, tow companies have to make a real effort to contact the car’s owner and can’t finalize the sale until 30 days after the tow.
We’ve updated our motorcycle and e-bike laws to reflect our continued efforts to promote public safety and adapt to emerging technologies on our roads. A new law raises the age from 18 to 21 for requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet and raises the age from 16 to 18 and under for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters and skateboards.
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 over 3,500 watts (35 mph to over 50 mph) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.
Follow the link below for the complete list and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
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On Tuesday, September 30th from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Beachland Park (847 South Quaker Lane) join me along with Sierra Club Connecticut, State Senator Derek Slap, and State Representative Jillian Gilchrest for a community walk at Beachland Park/Troutbrook Trail. This walk blends nature, conversation, and action. There will be a short, accessible walk (about 1 mile) that explores the local ecology, we will discuss important environmental issues and legislation, and pick up trash along the way to help keep the preserve clean.
Open to all – kids welcome with a parent or guardian.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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If you are a parent or primary caregiver of children ages 0 to 5, you can help shape early childhood services in Connecticut by completing a survey from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and researchers at the UConn School of Social Work.
They’re conducting a statewide survey to better understand:
- Your needs for child care
- Your experiences with early childhood services
- What matters most to you in child care
- Any challenges you face accessing care
If you are interested in taking part send and email to childcarestudy2025@gmail.com and the team will send you a link.
It only takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete and you’ll be eligible to win one of many $100 gift cards.
Your answers can help OEC improve programs and early childhood services for families across Connecticut.
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WeHa United in Jazz returns on Saturday, September 27, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Webster Walk in Blue Back Square for an afternoon of music and community engagement.
The event is free and open to all. The School of Rock West Hartford will perform followed by a meet-and-greet with professional musicians and 90 minutes of jazz with Carl Cox, a top Billboard chart touring saxophonist and solo recording artist.
Enjoy free popcorn, cotton candy, giveaways, and more! (Rain location: Town Hall Auditorium)
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The Newington Waterfall Festival is back and taking place on Saturday, September 27 on Market Square in Newington from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. (Rain date is October 4th). ADMISSION and PARKING are FREE!
This fun-filled community event will have activities for the whole family, including:
- Local Crafters
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Community Groups
- Local Business Vendors
- Chalk Walk
- Live Entertainment
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