Kate Farrar

Congratulations to Webster Hill School in West Hartford for having been selected by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) as a 2026 Connecticut Blue Ribbon School. This was in recognition of demonstrating high levels of academic excellence, creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, and advance strong outcomes for all students.

The Connecticut Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a state-operated initiative that replaced the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which was discontinued by the U.S. Department of Education in 2025. In response to the termination of the national program, Governor Lamont and Commissioner Russell-Tucker launched this state-operated program last year, stressing the importance of recognizing and highlighting schools that are excelling in academic success.

Great news for Newington: the State Bond Commission has approved $2 million in state bonding for the redevelopment of Newington Town Center.

This $2 million investment in the revitalization of Newington Town Center will provide a major boost to the community. The funding will help strengthen our local economy, support small businesses, and create a more vibrant and welcoming town center for residents and visitors alike.

Thank you to Governor Lamont for supporting this important investment, which will enhance the quality of life for the people of Newington and the entire region.

With the legislative session now concluded, the Office of Legislative Research has released its Major Public Acts report, highlighting many of the significant bills passed by the House and Senate this year. Covering topics ranging from state finances and housing to solar energy and more, the report offers a comprehensive overview of key legislation impacting Connecticut residents.

Click on the above photo to view the report, and please feel free to reach out with any questions.

The second annual AAPI Connect event was held at the State Capitol this week to close out AAPI Heritage Month.

Launched in May 2024, AAPI Connect is an initiative designed to connect Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring founders with business support resources and networking opportunities across Connecticut.

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners continue to face challenges accessing capital, technical assistance, mentorship, and professional networks, barriers that are too often overlooked in broader conversations about entrepreneurship.

AAPI Connect was created to help bridge those gaps by providing culturally aware, community-centered support while also increasing awareness of the many resources available throughout Connecticut’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Visit and share the website here. 

I was proud to join Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and advocates from across the state to recognize World Menstrual Hygiene Day. 

Over half the population menstruates and it is way past time to eliminate the silence and stigma. In 2022, I was proud to lead our state’s menstrual equity law to bring free menstrual product access to our schools, colleges, and shelters. There is much more to do to eliminate the barriers to afford and access menstrual products and address the real educational, economic, and health consequences of period poverty.

We must make sure our schools are providing products in bathrooms as the law requires, make sure more public buildings provide free products, and that private employers do their part by offering free products as well. Together we can create a period friendly world where everyone can access the products, period education, and menstrual health services they need.

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan, a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1.

CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.

Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.

Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.

Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.

Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Below are resources available for anyone who may be struggling or supporting someone in need:

• 2-1-1 General Resources - Available 24 hours a day for crisis support, service referrals, education, prevention programs, counseling services, support groups, and advocacy. Call 2-1-1 for assistance.

• Mental Health Connecticut - Offers a mental health concierge, art therapy, residential services, and supportive mental health programs. Visit Mental Health Connecticut or call 860-529-1970.

• CT Support Group - An online peer-led project created by young people to provide connection, support, and community for their peers. Learn more at CT Support Group.

• Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services - Search for services available in your area through the regional services locator at CT DMHAS Service Locator.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that starting Monday, June 1, The Know the Zone: Automated Work Zone Speed Control Program will use automated speed cameras in select highway work zones to deter speeding and improve safety for roadway workers and motorists. 

Beginning June 1 initial deployments will be located at three active projects:

• I-95 Interchange 43 in West Haven
• I-95 Interchange 74 in East Lyme
• Route 2 in Colchester

Additional automated speed cameras will be deployed at work zones identified for improved safety enforcement.

From June 1 through July 5, the system will issue warning notices for drivers traveling 10 mph or more over the posted work zone speed limit. Beginning July 6, penalties include a written warning for a first offense and a $75 fine for a second violation within one year. Any vehicle traveling 85 mph or more in a work zone will receive a $75 fine, including on a first offense. Violations under the program do not result in insurance points or appear as moving violations on a driver’s driving record.

Advance signage will be posted in active work zones to notify motorists when automated speed camera enforcement is in use. The system uses radar to detect vehicles traveling 10 mph or more above the posted speed limit and captures images to document potential violations. All cases are reviewed by the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection prior to issuance of a Notice of Liability. Facial features are masked in images where vehicle occupants are visible.

Click here for more information on Know the Zone: Automated Work Zone Speed Control Program.

June is Pride Month, take part in the flag raising events and kick-off party in the 20th District on Saturday, June 1.