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The Plainville Fire Company went above and beyond at the Christmas tree lighting this year, like they always do. They didn’t just bring Santa — they had delicious cookies, cocoa, and cider ready for families. And it wasn’t only the firefighters; so many of their family members pitched in too, making sure the event was perfect! We are truly lucky to have the PFD in our town. They are amazing!
Mr. Wilfred, music teacher from Toffolon, volunteered to lead the carols. His energy and leadership gave the children’s voices such joy and made the night even more special.
Julian Steward, one of our PHS musicians, rallied his friends — Nolan Meehan, Michael Daniel, Tomasz Maslack, and Maciej Maslack. They practiced together and then came out to play amazing live music for everyone.
One call to the Plainville Family Resource Center, and they immediately said “no problem” to loaning us their awesome bells (the kids loved ringing them while singing songs!) and a couple of books for story time. That’s the spirit of Plainville — people stepping up without hesitation.
Councilman Ben Gediman called and said, “How can I help? I’ll be there at five.” And my husband, Javier Martinez, volunteered alongside him, ensuring families had a great time. They were right there, ready to go with whatever was needed.
And then the community stepped up in full force — not only to celebrate, but to support the Plainville Food Pantry with generous donations of non‑perishable items. That generosity makes a real difference for families in need, and it’s one more reason I’m so proud of our town.
Thank you to Santa for coming by and bringing so much joy to the kids and kids at heart.
And finally, a huge thank you to the Town of Plainville, the Building Department for setting up the stage, and to Town Manager Mike Paulhus, Assistant Town Manager Andy Cirioli, and Town Council Chair Christopher Wazorko for supporting events that mean so much to our community.
These events showcase my favorite part of Plainville — the kindness and generosity of our community, celebrating together and creating an amazing night for our families. |
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Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Jane Carney, owner of Painting & Decorating, Inc. here in Plainville. For over 42 years, PDI has proudly served Greater Connecticut with quality interior and exterior painting services—covering commercial, institutional, and residential projects of all sizes.
Jane gave me a tour of the business, and what really struck me was her commitment to both her team and our community. From creating a children’s playroom so employees can bring their kids to work, to the many plaques on the wall showing her support for youth sports, Jane embodies what it means to lead with compassion and civic pride.
Plainville is fortunate to have amazing business leaders like Jane, who combine entrepreneurship with family‑friendliness and community spirit.
Thank you, Jane, for the great conversation, the tour, and for being such an inspiring example of business leadership in our town. |
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In this week's eblast, you can read about Access Health CT's Open Enrollment period, local events, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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The deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026 is fast approaching. If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process. Making sure you’re covered is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
If residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026.
If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026.
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This week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, Governor Lamont announced that the state expects to spend roughly $70 million next year to make up for the loss. These funds will come from a $500 million contingency reserve we created during last month’s special session to address potential federal cuts to safety-net programs.
For individuals earning up to $56,000 a year, health care costs will remain unchanged. Likewise, a family of four with an annual income of up to approximately $128,000 will see little to no change in their costs. Partial subsidies are being considered for those with slightly higher incomes, up to $75,000 for single individuals and $160,000 or more for a family of four who would pay slightly more than they do now.
When Washington walks away, Connecticut Democrats step up to protect health care costs for thousands of residents.
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If you are looking for a career in manufacturing apply now for Skill Up for Manufacturing 2026.
Learn fundamentals in as little as 5 weeks, connect with employers, and start earning competitive wages. The class offers free training, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized credentials.
Upcoming Sessions:
January 20 – March 13, 2026 | Middlesex/Vinal Technical H.S., Middletown
February 23 – March 27, 2026 | Gateway CC, New Haven
Click here for more information and to apply now. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in manufacturing! |
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If you're behind on your mortgage payments or looking to boost your earning potential, the Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program may be able to assist.
Click here for more information and to apply or call 1-866-683-1682. |
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Starting Feb. 1, 2026, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for air travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or trusted traveler card. Travelers will be charged this fee to use TSA's ConfirmID identification verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day period, so it may cover a return trip within that window.
To avoid unnecessary costs and potential security delays, travelers without a Real ID are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.
Click here to make an appointment with the CT DMV. |
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Admittedly, the recent announcement on the state's payments into retired teachers' and state workers' pension funds isn't likely to get your heart pumping or have you high-fiving your best friends.
But the news that the state is making continued progress toward meeting its long-term obligations is incredibly important to every Connecticut resident.
First, the numbers: the retired state workers' fund increased by more than $2.3 billion in 2025 due to strong investment performance and additional contributions. The unfunded liability decreased from $19.2 billion to $17.6 billion. The funded ratio increased from 55.2% to 59.6%.
Meanwhile, the retired teachers' fund grew by more than $1.6 billion, with its funded ratio increasing to 63.7%.
In a vacuum, the ratios may seem low, but consider that in 2018, the ratios were 37% for state retirees and 52% for teachers. That's because, for decades, the state failed to make the full required annual contributions to its pension funds, leading to a huge, compounding debt. Since 2011, however, responsible budgets adopted by the state legislature have fully funded these contributions annually and implemented collaborative reforms with labor and management.
What this means is that Connecticut is continuing to keep its financial house in order. One huge knock-on effect in a healthier pension landscape is Connecticut's credit ratings have improved (to Aa2, AA-, AA and AA+ by the various agencies), making it less expensive to borrow money due to lower interest rates.
Exciting? Maybe not. But definitely great news for every one of us. |
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Tri-M Music National Honor Society Instrument Drive
Plainville High School Bus Loop
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:30-8pm
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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