Legislative Update 4.9

April 9, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

Today and yesterday, we held another successful Legislative Session at the Capitol. Plenty of highly anticipated bills were debated during those two days.

You can watch the entire April 8 House Session HERE.

A huge opportunity to hear about West Hartford's economics, public safety, investments and more is coming up on Wednesday, April 15, at the 2026 State of the Town. Hear from Mayor Shari Cantor and Town Manager Rick Ledwith. There will also be a discussion segment, so come with questions.

Below, you'll find a registration link to attend.

Are you a fan of kickball? The 2026 CGA Kickball Classic is happening on Monday, April 13, at Dunkin’ Park at 4:30 p.m. sharp. Come watch my Democratic colleagues and me play against the Republicans.

Tickets are $10 and sales will benefit the United Way of Connecticut. I've provided a link to where you can purchase tickets.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I can be reached by phone at 800-842-8267 or by email at Tammy.Exum@cga.ct.gov.

For legislative updates, please sign up for my weekly emails at housedems.ct.gov/Exum/Updates and like my Official Facebook Page.

Sincerely,

Tammy Exum
State Representative

ON CAMPUS

FIFTH ANNUAL CGA KICKBALL CLASSIC

Both Democratic and Republican legislators will gather at Dunkin’ Park on Monday at 4:30 p.m. for the 5th Annual CGA Kickball Classic.

The event is open to the public and tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE. Our Kickball Caucus worked hard to make this game possible, and all proceeds will go to the United Way of Connecticut.

Come down to the ballpark and cheer on your representative!

ANNUAL STATE OF THE TOWN

On Wednesday, the Mandell Jewish Community Center will host the West Hartford Annual State of the Town from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Each year, the State of the Town address provides an in-depth look at the priorities, progress, and plans shaping West Hartford. The program highlights updates from key Town departments, including education, police and fire, economic development, and more, while offering a forward-looking preview of the year ahead. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A discussion.

Notable guests will be Mayor Shari Cantor, Town Manager Rick Ledwith. The conversation will be moderated by West Hartford Chamber First Vice Chair Chuck Coursey.

If you would like to attend and possibly share your voice, register HERE.

PASSPORT TO CONNECTICUT LIBRARIES

Passport to Connecticut Libraries is underway! From now until April 30, visit up to 171 participating Connecticut libraries (including the Noah Webster Library, Bishops Corner Library, and Faxon Library) and get your "passport" stamped!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Passports program:

When is Passport to Connecticut Libraries?

Passport to Connecticut Libraries runs every other year. This year it happens April 1-30, 2026.

How does it work?

Stop by your local library and pick up your program passport and a list of participating libraries. Then visit as many of those libraries as you like between April 1 and April 30, get your passport stamped (and maybe pick up some cool library swag), and turn your passport in no later than May 11 to be entered into the prize drawing.

Do I have to have a library card to participate?

No - but you may decide to sign up for one if you don't have one already!

Do I have to visit all of the libraries?

Anyone who visits at least five different participating libraries will be entered into the random drawing for one of our prizes. (Check the list that comes with your passport to be sure the libraries you visit are participating - only stamps from officially participating libraries count for the prize drawing.)

Tell me more about these prizes!

This year, there are SIX chances to win a $200 Visa gift card! There will be random drawings from all participants throughout the state in each of six categories: adult who visited the most libraries, child under 18 who visited the most libraries, adult who visited more than 25 libraries, child under 18 who visited more than 25 libraries, adult who visited more than five libraries, and child under 18 who visited more than five libraries. (Please note that, since every participating library has to get its collected passports to the state coordinator, the drawing will not happen until June 15.)

If I visit the main library in a participating town and its branches, does that count as separate libraries for the drawing?

Maybe. Since each participating location has to pay a fee to participate in the program (that's how the money is raised for the prizes), some libraries choose to register each branch, and some don't. Check that list of participating libraries to find out!

Why do this program?

Because there are almost 200 public libraries in Connecticut (yes, that's more libraries than there are towns!), plus school libraries, college libraries, museum libraries, church libraries...and each one is different! This is our way of showcasing the amazing variety of Connecticut libraries and how many awesome things libraries are doing.

You can find the full list of participating libraries HERE.

NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

Observed each April since 2003, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, highlights the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

More than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with a new person added every eight minutes. Approximately 17 people die each day waiting for an organ they didn't receive in time. A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others through tissue and cornea donations. Less than 60% of American adults are registered donors.

To register as a donor, sign up online at RegisterMe.org, through Connecticut's donor registry, or through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration is quick and free.

For individuals age 18 and over, being included in the Donor Registry is legal authorization for organ and tissue donation. Remember to discuss your decision regarding organ donation with your family.

DRUG TAKE BACK DAY IS APRIL 25TH

As we begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of their unused or expired medications at local collection sites.

The West Hartford Police Department, in collaboration with the West Hartford Bloomfield Health District and the West Hartford Prevention Partnership, will host the event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot.

The Avon Senior Center will host its Drug Take Back Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon.

BEHIND THE BADGE: COLLEGE ACADEMY

The 2026 Summer College Academy begins Monday, June 22nd and ends Friday, July 10th. Classes meet Monday through Friday 8AM-4PM at the West Hartford Police Department. A check of $225 must be written

The goal of this internship is to allow our citizens, through education, to become more informed of what the West Hartford Police Department has to offer.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

For a downloadable link to the application, CLICK HERE.

CALLING HIGH SCHOOL ART STUDENTS

Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University is now accepting submissions for its Student Art Showcase.

Selected students will take part in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center.

The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories: drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.

The top-selected artists will be featured and presented with notable recognition and awards at the opening reception.

The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more.

THE ADHD TOOLBOX

The Wellness Institute and JFS invite you to join Dr. Dave Anderson, Senior Psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, for a practical workshop on understanding ADHD and responding to behaviors more effectively.

Participants will learn strategies to reduce stress at home, build structure and executive functioning skills, and strengthen their relationship with their child.

Can't attend live? Register and receive the recording to watch later.

Tuesday, April 21 | 8-9:30pm | VIRTUAL | $18 Per Person

Register: go.wellnessinstitute.org/ADHD (Promo Code: JFSGH)