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After the powerful event held recently on Military Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, I want to provide you with some critical veteran and military suicide prevention resources.
First off is the Veterans Crisis Line. This is a 24/7 phone line that can provide immediate help to those having suicidal thoughts. By dialing 988 and then pressing 1, you will be connected with a qualified responder who will listen, help you, and provide you with resources in the future. You can also chat online or text 838255.
In Connecticut, you can connect with a health care suicide prevention coordinator who can get you the help you need.
It is also important to know the location of your nearest VA medical center. No matter your discharge status or if you are enrolled in VA health care, these locations are here to help. Click here to find your nearest medical center.
Finally, please talk to your loved ones and people you trust. No matter what, you are not alone, and there will always be people who want to help.
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In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about a texting scam alert, some great local events, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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Each October, we bring awareness and honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer. Throughout the month, we stress the importance of mammograms as the best way to screen for breast cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women.
One in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer. More than 40,000 women die from breast cancer in the U.S. each year.
Let us stand with survivors, honor those we've lost, and continue fighting for a cure. |
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I recently published an opinion article in the CT Insider about keeping nurses in Connecticut safe. As it stands, our home health nurses cannot afford to hire an escort provision during dangerous situations, which resulted in the tragic death of my colleague Joyce Grayson in 2023.
In the article, I advocated for fully funding the escort provision, raising the Medicaid medication administration rate back to Connecticut's 2016 level, and more.
This is a critical and often overlooked issue in our state, and I hope this article helps shine the light on what we can do to help our home health care nurses. |
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I'm so proud to report that the Connecticut Education Association gave me an "A" on their annual legislative scorecard. According to the CEA website, this scorecard "evaluates legislators’ voting records as well as their advocacy and efforts to advance CEA priorities."
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Improving our education system was a major priority for me this legislative session, and I'm thrilled with some of the laws we passed this year, including:
- $40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of next two years
- $20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities
- $10 million in bonding for capital development
- $10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant
- Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut
In addition, the legislature passed a historic special education bill that includes:
- Historic investment in our students, including $30 million for the Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program, which will help build capacity to serve students closer to home.
- Prioritizing better access to services through enhanced development screenings, behavioral assessment and intervention plans, access to remedial classes in higher education, and involvement of parents and local school districts before a student is moved from their school.
- Reining in costs by regulating third party rate processes and developing new billing and licensing standards.
- Increasing oversight through on-site compliance visits and detailed system-wide reporting to reduce unpredictability and improve accountability
Education will always be a critical issue for me, and I will continue working to provide the best schooling for our students.
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This year marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Governor Ned Lamont has officially proclaimed October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut, recognizing the contributions and achievements of residents with disabilities in the workplace.
Connecticut is a state that values inclusion and remains committed to fostering a workforce where individuals of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. Inclusive employment benefits both employers and employees which in turn enriches the workplace and strengthens the community.
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The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services plays a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities find, maintain, and advance in meaningful employment. The department helps ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Assistance for jobseekers with disabilities is available virtually and in-person, below are links to services:
As we celebrate this month, let’s continue working together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
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I had a great time visiting Career Day at PHS—such an incredible event that opens students’ eyes to so many exciting paths! There’s something so special about seeing the number of people in our community that show up to support the students. I'm proud to be part of it all!
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The drug epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. When they do - it has dangerous and often tragic consequences.
You can help fight that epidemic by participating in DEA Takeback Day. It's an opportunity for anyone to remove unneeded medications from their homes, preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction.
On October 25th, from 10 am to 2 pm, you can turn in excess drugs at dozens of collection site locations across the state. You can find details on the drop-off process and locations by using the DEA Collection Site Locator. Click here to find the closest site to you and for more info. |
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Plainville Pumpkin Fest50 Whiting St., PlainvilleOctober 18, 4-8pmRead more here
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Frank Robinson Thanksgiving Bowling ClassicLessard Lanes (136 New Britain Ave., Plainville)Saturday, Nov. 22, 4-7pmRead more here
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Performance by Lara HerscovitchCongregational Church of Plainville (130 West Main St., Plainville)Sunday, Oct. 19, 3pmRead more here
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The Snowflake FlairCongregational Church of Plainville (130 West Main St., Plainville)Saturday, Nov. 8, 9am-2pmRead more here
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The Great Pumpkin at Hill-SteadHill-Stead Museum (35 Mountain Rd., Farmington)Saturday, Nov. 1, 1-4pmRead more here
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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