Updates for State Rep. Nick Menapace for Nov. 25, 2025

November 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my colleague and friend, State Representative Kevin Ryan. Kevin was one of the first people I met when I began running for office in 2022, and from that moment on, he was a steady source of guidance — always willing to help a first-time candidate, and this past year, a first-time legislator.

Kevin’s impact on Montville and Eastern Connecticut can’t be overstated. For more than three decades, he showed up for our towns with humility, depth, and an unwavering commitment to the people he served. Whether it was advocating for local families, strengthening education and public health, or supporting the region’s workforce and environment, Kevin put Eastern Connecticut at the center of everything he did.

What I’ll remember most is his kindness and his dry sense of humor — the quiet, steady way he made people feel supported, grounded, and welcome. He cared deeply about this region and the people working alongside him.

Radio Interview with Lee Elci

Earlier this week, I joined Lee Elci on his show for a thoughtful conversation about Housing in Connecticut, gerrymandering, and our local elections.

Lee and I don’t agree on everything — though we do both really enjoy Ronnie James Dio — and that’s precisely why these conversations matter. Democracy is stronger when we’re willing to talk across differences and engage honestly with the issues facing our communities.

You can listen to the full interview here (from 2:05 to 2:27:33).

IDD Caucus Hearing

Thank you to everyone who joined the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Caucus last week to discuss Supported Decision Making. SDM helps people with disabilities make their own choices with support from those they trust — promoting independence, dignity, and self-determination. It’s important for us as a state to see how we can be doing better.

Recognizing East Lyme Athletes

It was my honor to recognize an incredible group of East Lyme student-athletes at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. These young leaders are the founders and officers of Vikings Play It Forward Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit they built from the ground up to support our community.

Through their organization, they are translating their passion for sports into meaningful action and service for others.

Let's celebrate them here and now:

· Alex Rindell
· Xavier Stefanski
· Gabe Hanney
· Julianne (Juju) Guarraia,
· Max Montejano
· Emma Stoddard
· Patrick Seguin

These students represent the very best of East Lyme — leadership, compassion, and a commitment to giving back. The future is bright because of young people like them.

Letter to the Editor on Housing

I wrote a guest commentary for The Day about why HB 8002 is the most meaningful housing bill Connecticut has passed in years — and why we should welcome it.

We’re in a real housing crisis. This bill provides towns with the tools they’ve been requesting and moves our state toward greater affordability and growth.

You can read it here.

Access Health CT

Access Health CT's (AHCT) health and dental insurance enrollment continues through Monday, Dec. 15 for plans beginning at the start of next year. Residents can enroll until Thursday, Jan. 15 for plans beginning in February.

You may have received a letter in the mail warning of healthcare premium price increases starting Jan. 1 due to legislation passed in the U.S. Congress this year. Currently, the federal government is shut down as those price increases are debated and negotiated.

As it stands, state officials in Connecticut are encouraging residents to hold off on enrolling in the AHCT plan as the debate continues over those price increases. If you are able, please wait to enroll until the issue is fully resolved.

Around the 37th

I attended the Montville winter farmers market this weekend. Always great to check out the great things it has to offer.

Congratulations to the East Lyme youth football seniors on their back-to-back championships.

It was great to stop by Reliance Health’s annual Family & Friends Celebration.

Reliance Health does incredible work supporting mental wellness and providing community-based services for people in East Lyme, Salem, and Montville. And across southeastern Connecticut.

Thank you to the staff, families, and community members who made today’s event so warm and welcoming. Our region is stronger because of the work you do.