Expanding Access to Absentee Ballots

March 17, 2022


 
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Dear Neighbor,

If your child is a West Hartford high schooler, don't forget to remind them about the West Hartford Delegation's Women's History Month Essay Contest! Entries are due this Friday, March 18! 

Students can choose from one of the following prompts:

  • Who is the most influential woman in your life today and why?
  • Who is your favorite woman in history and why?

The top essay from Conard High School and Hall High School will be announced on March 31. An anonymous donor has provided a new $500 prize for each winning essay. Submissions can be emailed to Fiona.Brady@cga.ct.gov. 

For complete details about this essay contest, please click here.
 
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Currently, Connecticut is just one of 16 states that require an excuse for voters to cast an absentee ballot. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives convened to vote on a proposal that would expand voter access to absentee ballots. The bill proposal would expand the statutory reasons a person may cast an absentee ballot to include make it easier to vote when you're out of town on Election Day or if you're feeling unwell or worried about your health in general. No voter should have to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote. I remain committed to addressing the challenges voters face getting to the polls on Election Day and protecting their right to vote. 
 
Yesterday, the House voted on a legislative proposal to support local restaurants that are still fighting to recover from the pandemic. 

HB 5271 extends outdoor dining provisions by an additional 13 months. Several of our 20th District restaurants have expanded their outdoor dining options throughout COVID. When this provision was first implemented in 2020, it allowed restaurants to safely stay in business when the number of people allowed inside buildings was restricted, keeping restaurant workers employed and customers safe.

This bill has resounding support from the Connecticut Restaurant Association, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, and members of the public who have enjoyed having the option to dine out safely while supporting their favorite local restaurants. This bill now goes to the Senate. 
 
 
Monday evening, I was happy to join my colleagues of the West Hartford Delegation for the We-Ha.com Roundtable with West Hartford Community Interactive. We discussed the 2022 legislative session, the State House of Representatives 2021 Redistricting Plan, and more. Click the image above to watch a recording of the roundtable. 
 
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Trees play a vital role in our ecosystem and mitigate climate change - they help improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and converting it into oxygen. You can request free tree and shrub seedlings from the West Hartford Tree Project to plant on your property. All seedlings are native to the area and are available to any West Hartford resident. The West Hartford Tree Project has seedlings for smaller trees and shrubs as well as larger trees. Residents will be able to pick up their seedlings in April. To learn more about this project, click here. To request free seedlings, please click the button below. 
West Hartford Tree Seedling Request Form
 
There is yet another local opportunity to continue to show support for Ukraine. On March 18, the West Hartford Art League will begin auctioning artwork honoring Ukraine. Proceeds will assist the Ukrainian National Home with shipping donations. Works feature Ukraine's national flower - a sunflower - or feature the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag. The auction will be online. You can view and bid on the available pieces here. For more details about the online auction, please click here.
 
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the legislature's Irish Caucus!

No matter your heritage - we are a country of immigrants, and today we can each reflect on what our ancestors sacrificed and what we can do in their honor to thrive as a community.

The 50th Annual Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. this Saturday! The parade will step off at the state capitol and end at the memorial arch in Hartford. I hope to see you there! You can find the full parade route and more information here.
 
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
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