Updates from State Rep. Nick Menapace for June 2, 2026

June 2, 2026

Earlier this week, I was proud to deliver a check for $136,839 in state funding to Salem to support education and provide property tax relief.

Thank you to Selectman Gary Closius for meeting with me to receive it on behalf of the town. Investing in our schools and supporting local taxpayers is a win for the entire community.

East Lyme Budget Referendum

A reminder to East Lyme residents that there is a budget referendum on Thursday, June 4, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the East Lyme Community Center, 37 Society Road.

Please get out and vote!

Event with the Secretary of the State

I'm excited to team up with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas for a Civic Information &t Trivia Night on Wednesday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the East Lyme Library & Senior Center.

This event is open to all, and we'll have food and prizes to make it a fun, welcoming evening. We'll cover practical civic information, answer questions, and enjoy some friendly trivia.

I hope you'll join us for a night of learning and community.

Latest Letter to the Editor

We often think of transportation as simply a way to get from one place to another. But the way we move people has a major impact on congestion, infrastructure costs, economic development, and quality of life.

The disruption caused by ongoing work on the Gold Star Bridge is a reminder of how dependent we are on a transportation system built almost entirely around cars. We need to make smarter investments that give people more options.

In my latest letter to the editor to The Day, I write about the hidden costs of our car-dependent transportation system and why investing in public transit is an investment in Connecticut's future.

Here's my most recent letter to the editor from The Day.

June is Pride Month

Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honor the fight for equality, and recognize that the work isn't over.

Love is love. Dignity is dignity. And every person deserves to live authentically and without fear.

Happy Pride.

Supporting the Labor Movement

I am proud to have joined the labor movement at SEIU/CSEA SEIU Local 2001/32BJ SEIU/SEIU District 1199 New England/Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges, SEIU L1973 today.

Labor is central to strengthening our democracy. When workers win, America wins.

Around the 37th

Thank you to everyone who came out to the East Lyme Memorial Day Parade last week.

It was wonderful to see our community come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

At a recent Board of Education meeting, I had the opportunity to recognize some outstanding student-athletes and coaches from East Lyme High School for their incredible accomplishments this year.

Sam Leone won the individual 1600M state title and, alongside Joey Padilla, Nico Cordello, and Jack Faitsch, captured the 4x800 state championship relay. Together, the Boys Indoor Track team earned their fifth straight ECC Championship and a State Championship. Congratulations as well to first-year Head Coach George Evans and Distance Coach Mike Flynn, who was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association.

I was also able to recognize Junior Teagan Czaja for winning the Open State Championship in pole vault.

CAS-CIAC Scholar-Athletes Ruby Thoms and Nick Cambi were recognized for their excellence in athletics, academics, and service to the community.
Congratulations to all of these students, coaches, and families on an amazing year!

Congratulations to Kathie Verano of Safe Futures for being named the 75th Citizen of the Year at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

It was a heartfelt evening that brought together nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and Chamber members to honor Kathie’s lasting impact across Eastern Connecticut.

For more than three decades, Kathie has been a champion for uplifting survivors — and their pets — through domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse. Her work has helped strengthen the systems and partnerships that promote safety, dignity, and opportunity throughout our region.

Vintage Trucks and Tractors Event

The Samuel Smith Farmstead, 82 Plants Dam Road in East Lyme, is hosting its fifth annual Vintage Trucks & Tractors Event at the Farmstead on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It is a free, fun family day and a great opportunity for people to get to know about the Farmstead's mid-18th century house and the surrounding property, enjoy live music from local band Five Bean Row, see the community garden, watch en plein painters at work, among other things.

I hope to see you there!