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| June is Pride Month! Let’s celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to equality, dignity, and opportunity for all. During the 2026 legislative session, we strengthened protections against hate crimes and expanded access to fertility care for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. While other states have moved backward, Connecticut continues to protect access to care, defend against discrimination, and ensure that everyone can live, love, work, and raise a family with the freedom and respect they deserve. |
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In this week's eblast, you can read about investments in early childhood education, medical debt erasure, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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I was so proud to see an additional investment of approximately $320 million into Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment.
Established in 2025 through Public Act 25-93, the endowment serves as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system. This new investment, combined with last year’s initial $300 million commitment, positions Connecticut as a national leader in creating sustainable, long-term solutions that support children, families, educators, and providers.
Beginning in July 2027, eligible families are expected to benefit from no-cost or reduced-cost early childhood education opportunities funded through the endowment. Families enrolled in state-funded child care spaces through the Early Start CT program who earn up to $100,000 annually will be eligible for child care at no cost. For families with incomes above that threshold, out-of-pocket child care expenses will be capped at no more than 7% of household income.
This historic investment reflects Connecticut’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities while providing meaningful financial relief for working families and strengthening the early childhood workforce for generations to come.
Click here for more information on the endowment. |
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The Summer Program Guide at the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA is now open! Registration for family members and full members is now open, and registration for non-members will open Wednesday, June 10.
There are a lot of great events being offered this year, including camps, swim lessons, 1 on 1 coaching, and more. I hope you'll check out what the Y has to offer and enjoy some great summer activities! |
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More than 97,000 Connecticut residents can expect to receive letters in the mail beginning this week notifying them that some or all of their medical debt has been eliminated.
Medical debt places a significant financial burden on families in communities across Connecticut. This marks the fourth round of the state's medical debt relief initiative, which provides meaningful assistance to qualifying residents who are struggling to pay outstanding medical bills. Since the program launched in 2024, more than 252,000 Connecticut residents have had over $513 million in medical debt cancelled, helping families regain financial stability and peace of mind.
Residents whose medical debt has been forgiven will receive a letter in an Undue Medical Debt-branded envelope featuring the Connecticut state seal (see image below). These notifications are legitimate and do not require any action on the recipient's part.
Governor Lamont will continue partnering with Undue Medical Debt to provide additional relief throughout this year. To support this effort, the Governor and the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation making $6.5 million in federal ARPA funding available for the initiative through 2026.
This program continues to demonstrate Connecticut's commitment to easing financial hardship for residents and ensuring that unexpected medical expenses do not become a long-term obstacle to economic security.
Click here to read the full release from the governor's office. |
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A reminder to celebrate Connecticut Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7! The Connecticut Forest & Park Association is coordinating more than 200 hikes and walks across the state, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore Connecticut’s natural beauty and enjoy the outdoors.
Now in its 33rd year, this beloved tradition brings together thousands of participants to experience Connecticut’s incredible trail network and scenic landscapes. This year’s theme, Explore Where You Live, encourages residents to discover the trails, parks, and open spaces in their own communities.
Events are designed for all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenging outdoor adventure or a relaxing, family-friendly walk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
To find a hike or walk that interests you anywhere in Connecticut, visit www.trailsday.org.
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Mark your calendar for Connecticut Open House Day on 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.
Check out CTVisit for a listing of what you can do across the state next Saturday. |
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Please see below for the "Roadwork Corner" section of the eblasts, which will include information on current and upcoming roadwork to stay aware of. Please make sure to check in weekly for the latest updates!
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced a milling and resurfacing project on Route 72 in Plainville and Bristol, from Route 372/Forestville Avenue to Blakeslee Street, will take place from May 13 through June 12, 2026. Milling work is scheduled for May 13–21, followed by resurfacing from May 26–June 12.
Motorists can expect nightly lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with traffic control personnel guiding drivers through the work zone.
Drivers are urged to use caution and be aware that schedules may change due to weather or other conditions.
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There will be lane shifts on Route 72 in Plainville/New Britain. The project 0171-0501 consists of rehabilitation measures for four (4) bridges that includes, but are not limited to deck rehabilitation, superstructure rehabilitation or replacement and substructure rehabilitation.
Other major project elements include paving, roadway drainage, guiderail replacement, highway design and construction, traffic engineering and work zone traffic control, illumination and Incident Management Systems (IMS) replacement or preservation, and utility coordination, as well as related design and construction requirements detailed throughout the Technical and General Provisions including Appendices and referenced authoritative sources.
Manafort Brothers Incorporated will implement traffic shifts on various Route 72 structures in Plainville/New Britain beginning on or around June 15 and continuing through early December 2026. Traffic will remain open during construction. Motorists should expect shifted travel lanes, reduced shoulder widths, temporary pavement markings, construction signage, and changing traffic patterns throughout the work zone.
Traffic control devices and signing will be installed to help guide drivers safely through the temporary roadway configuration. Motorists are advised to use caution, reduce speeds, and remain alert for construction vehicles, roadway workers, and temporary lane changes in the area.
Please note that the schedule may be modified or extended due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Additional traffic shifts will occur as needed in the project area into December 2026.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a Joint and Crack Sealing project will be performed on various state routes within the Greater Hartford region (CTDOT District 1). This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, June 1, 2026, and be completed on Friday, November 6, 2026. Project DOT01703229CN consists of pavement joint and crack sealing.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be various lane closures on various state routes (see list below) from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Friday November 6, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area. The following routes are included in this project:
Andover:
Route 316 between Route 6 and Hebron town line
Berlin:
Route 71 between Route 372 (Farmington Avenue) and SR 571
Bristol:
Route 72 East of Blakeslee Street to Main Street No. 1
East Windsor:
SR 510 between Route 5 by Wagner Lane and Route 5 by King Street
Route 140 between Route191 to Route 286
Manchester:
Route 83 between US 6 & 44 (Center Street) to Route 30
Mansfield:
Route 32 between Route 275 and Route 44
Route 44 between the Coventry town line and Route 195
Route 320 between Route 195 and Route 320
Plainville:
SR 536 between Route 372 (East Main Street) to White Oak Avenue
Wolcott:
Route 322 between Woodtick Road and SR 844
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You can use the following links for access to town meeting schedules for the three towns in our district:
Plainville Town Meeting Schedule
Farmington Town Meeting Schedule
Southington Town Meeting Schedule
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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