Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

September 22, 2022


 
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Dear Neighbor,

From September 15 to October 15 we observe Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate, recognize, and feature the countless achievements of the many Hispanic Americans who have positively impacted and enriched our communities.

This week, I was honored to present a citation with State Representative Edwin Vargas to Cora Cora Restaurant on behalf of the West Hartford delegation and the Black and Latino Caucus for their two James Beard nominations (Outstanding Restaurant and Best Chef Northeast). No other restaurant in Connecticut received two nominations.

Cora Cora continues to thrive as a family-owned business with a wonderful woman chef Macarena Ludena. I'm grateful to have them here in our town!
 
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Connecticut is on track to deliver another multibillion-dollar budget surplus. On Wednesday, State Comptroller Natalie Braswell announced her office is transferring $3.1 billion of Connecticut's operating surplus into the Rainy Day Fund. This will trigger a special payment of $2.8 billion to be made toward our state's unfunded pension liabilities. 

This payment is the largest in state history and is being made in addition to Connecticut's regularly required contributions to its pension liabilities. The payment will be made in the following manner:

  • A $1.9 billion payment will be made to the State Employees Retirement Fund (SERS); and
  • A $900 million payment will be made to the Teachers’ Retirement Fund (TRS).

I'm proud to have worked with colleagues to deliver budget surpluses, historic tax cuts for working- and middle-class residents, and significant payments towards our pension liabilities. You can read more about this here.
     
    The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) has released its Legislator Report Card for the 2021-2022 legislative cycle. The Report Card evaluates legislators' voting records and advocacy to support public education in Connecticut. For this year's cycle, CEA has placed me on its 2022 Honor Roll.

    The CEA Honor Roll distinction recognizes legislators with the highest report card scores who have demonstrated a commitment to public education and teachers. The bills we passed this session and last session will positively shape our young residents' lives and ensure they can access a high-quality education that's full of opportunity. These bills are a meaningful step forward and advance the work to create a state where every child can receive the support they need to succeed. To learn more about the Legislator Report Card, please click here.
     
    STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
    I hope you will join me and the Park Road Business Association for a Community Clean-Up this Saturday, September 24 on the patio of Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road in West Hartford. Check-in will begin at 8:45 a.m. and we will step off at 9 a.m. This is an opportunity to beautify our community and meet some of our neighbors. Rubber gloves and trash bags will be provided. I hope to see you there!

    If you have questions about this event, please reach out to me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov.
     
    The West Hartford Clean Energy Commission is partnering with the Sierra Club CT and PACE to host an Electric Showcase on Sunday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Hall Park Lot, 50 South Main St. This is a FREE event where you'll be able to learn more about electric vehicles, e-bikes, and electric lawn care equipment and hear from experienced owners about why they like these vehicles and tools. You can learn more about this event here.

    EV and Plug-In Hybrid EV (PHEV) owners can register to participate in this event and show off their vehicles during the event. Click the button below to participate.
    Register to Participate
    Want to learn more about electric vehicles, e-bikes, and lawn care equipment? RSVP to attend this event by clicking the button below.
    RSVP 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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