Updates from State Rep. Nick Menapace for July 14, 2026

July 14, 2026

I was proud to be a part of Connecticut’s bipartisan delegation at the Future Summit, alongside young legislators from across the country who are working to move their states forward.

I appreciated the chance to spend a few days in Washington, D.C., connecting, comparing notes, and hearing different perspectives from colleagues nationwide.

Free Summer Meals for Students

As our kids enjoy the summer months out of school, please don't forget that nutritious meals are available -- at no cost -- to all children in the state.

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, any child 18 and under may receive meals at participating locations - no application, proof of income, or identification required.

You can use the U.S. DAG's Summer Meals Site Finder or call 2-1-1 to find participating meal sites throughout the state. Please confirm the location and meal service times before visiting to make sure you don't miss out.

Healthy meals are critical to a child's physical and mental development.

Please consider using this great resource.

Letter to the Editor

Connecticut has played a role in every chapter of the American story. I wrote about that and what it means for the present in a letter to The Day here.

Homeless Hospitality Center Opening

I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting for the new facility for the New London Homeless Hospitality Center.

This organization does critical work for the unhoused population and for people on the cusp of losing their housing throughout our entire region.

For years, they have provided shelter, meals, and a path to stability for so many in southeastern Connecticut. This new space is a testament to their commitment and the community's support for their mission.

A lifeline for our neighbors in need. Proud to support them.

Celebrate East Lyme!

I hope to see you around East Lyme day! The event starts at 1 p.m. on July 18 and runs until fireworks at 9 p.m.!

New Law to Protect Workers

On June 30, I was at the Greeneville Elementary School construction site in Norwich for the signing of Public Act 26-17 — a law that allows the state to issue stop work orders and withhold funds from contractors who aren't properly paying their employees.

As a member of the Blue Collar Caucus, I know how important it is to protect workers from wage theft. Whether it's money taken from base pay or benefits not delivered, wage theft hurts families and undermines the dignity of work.

This law applies to any place where the state is making a payment — including projects like the four new schools being built in Norwich, which the state is reimbursing at 80%.

Thank you to my legislative colleagues, Gov. Lamont, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Mayor Swarnjit Singh for hosting, and the union workers who show up every day to build our communities.

When workers are paid fairly, we all win.

I-95 Exit 74 Closure

Reminder: The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that the Exit 74 southbound off-ramp will be closed for nearly two weeks; it is anticipated that the ramp will reopen on July 27. This closure is necessary to facilitate the construction of the new permanent Exit 74 Southbound off-ramp as well as the removal of the current temporary off-ramp.