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| Dear Neighbor,
We celebrate the achievements, accomplishments and contributions Black Americans have made to this country, of which there are many, each February during National Black History Month. President Gerald Ford made it official in 1976.
For a list of African American firsts, from Business and Labor, Medicine and Health and more please click here. |
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The month is also a good time to shine a light on the struggle, the injustice and systemic racism Black Americans still face today despite their achievements, accomplishments, and contributions.
"But by facing those tragedies openly and honestly and working together as one people to deliver on America’s promise of equity and dignity for all, we become a stronger Nation — a more perfect version of ourselves," President Biden said in his Proclamation on National Black History month, today.
I'm hoping you and your family take time to celebrate Black Americans, their achievements, their culture and become familiar with their stories. Black history is our American history. |
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| Join me and our entire West Hartford delegation next Thursday to hear about the legislative session! If you have ideas for legislation or questions about state issues, share them with us on Thursday, February 10 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
During this event, you'll be able to connect with us to learn more about their legislative priorities for the 2022 session.
The virtual event will be streamed via Facebook Live. For more information about this event, please email Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov. |
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| Are you curious about the issues that may come up during the 2022 legislative session? The state's nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research compiled a report of the top issues lawmakers could make decisions on. From access to child care to pandemic recovery to a more equitable education funding formula, and beyond, there will be no shortage of challenges to address. To read OLR's 2022 Major Issues Report, click the button below.
What issue are you hoping to see come up during the session? Email me your thoughts, questions, or concerns at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov. |
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| Last week, I joined my colleagues on the legislature's Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee for an information forum on student loans during COVID-19. Hearing from national experts, our state colleges and universities, and students about their experiences provide invaluable insights about what our state can do to help lessen the financial burden of student loans.
While the federal loan pause has been extended until May, borrowers need long-term solutions. Eligible borrowers can lower their repayment rates by refinancing through the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA). As of December 1, 2021, CHESLA rates have been lowered by 1% across the board.
If you missed the forum, you can watch a recording of it on CT-N, here. |
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| Did you know about 1 in 3 teens experience violence in their dating relationships? Furthermore, only about 33% of those impacted will confide in someone about the violence. Intimate partner violence can have detrimental impacts for victim-survivors, and about 50% of young people who experience physical or sexual abuse will attempt fatal self harm.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and if your teen or a teen you know may be experiencing violence in their dating relationship, there are resources to help. Interval House CT is offering a toolkit to help raise awareness of teen dating violence and stop the cycle of abuse. To access this toolkit and learn more, please click here. |
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| Happy Lunar New Year! I’m wishing you happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Tiger. On Sunday, February 13th at 3 p.m., join Concerned Parents of Color of West Hartford as they talk about the importance of solidarity between the Black and Asian communities. Dr. Jason Chang will provide a walk through of the history of Black and Asian relations, the fight for justice and the power in solidarity. This is an opportunity to build community through a lantern making project. You can register for the meeting here. |
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| As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov. Follow @KateforCT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol!
Sincerely,
Kate Farrar
State Representative
she/her/hers |
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