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In this week's eblast, you can read about what I've been up to in the district, Access Health CT's Temporary Premium Assistance program, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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It's been a busy week in the district, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!
To start off, we had great questions and conversation at our Farmington Legislative Forum. Thank you to everyone who came out! |
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I had such a nice time marching with Southington Pride at Middletown PrideFest!
Loud. Proud. Unapologetic.
Pride is a celebration of authenticity, community, and the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It was incredible to see so many people come together to support inclusion, equality, and the freedom to be yourself. Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a wonderful event.
Happy Pride Month!
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I had a great time at the inaugural Carpenters Local 326 Family Picnic!
Honestly, what stood out most was how much it actually felt like a family picnic. Great food, great people, kids running around, and everyone just enjoying time together.
Thanks to Local 326 for the invitation and for putting together such a great event. I was proud to support your wage theft bill this year and it was great spending the day with all of you.
Looking forward to next year!
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A huge thank you to everyone who works so hard to make the Relay for Life event happen year after year. Relay is a beautiful reminder of the strength of our community and the importance of supporting those affected by cancer.
I only managed to snap a few photos of our booth, but our team captain, Becky Tyrrell, did an amazing job as always. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, and showed up to support the fight against cancer.
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I had a great time celebrating the Farmington High School Class of 2026!
Congratulations to all of the graduates and to the families, teachers, and staff who helped them reach this milestone. It is always inspiring to see so many talented young people ready to take the next step in their lives.
No matter what comes next, I wish each graduate success, happiness, and the confidence to chase their goals. You have worked hard for this moment and should be proud of everything you have accomplished.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
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I also had the opportunity to tour the training center for UA Local 777 Plumbers and Pipefitters in Meriden, and I was incredibly impressed.
The level of skill, technology, and hands on training taking place there is exactly why Connecticut’s union apprenticeship programs are among the best in the country. These programs are preparing the next generation of highly trained workers and helping meet the workforce needs of our state.
I also had the chance to learn more about the upcoming apprentice competition and meet some of the talented apprentices representing Connecticut. A special congratulations to Charles Goedde, who will be representing the United States at the UA International Apprentice Competition in Shanghai later this year. What an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the quality of training happening right here in Connecticut.
Thank you to everyone at Local 777 for taking the time to show me around. As Co Chair of the Blue Collar Caucus, I am always proud to support programs that invest in skilled trades and create opportunities for hardworking people across our state.
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I had a great time at Atria’s Chef Showdown yesterday! The food was amazing, the competition was fun, and there was plenty of good conversations along the way.
A big congratulations to Thomas Pietroski for taking home the Chef Showdown title this year!
What I loved most was seeing everyone having such a great time together. Events like this bring people together and show what a wonderful community Atria has built. Thanks for having me. I was honored to help judge and I definitely left with a full stomach!
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A new law has been signed strengthening protections for children going to and from school by holding drivers accountable when they fail to stop for school buses has been signed into law.
Beginning October 1, 2026, drivers who violate the state’s school bus stopping law for a third time will face a six-month suspension of their driver’s license. Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and remain there until the lights are off.
Violations include a $450 fine for the first offense and a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in prison, or both for a subsequent offense. This new law adds another important layer of accountability. |
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Time is running out to sign up for Access Health CT's health insurance plan with Temporary Premium Assistance!
The Temporary Premium Assistance program was created to help customers who lost all financial assistance when the federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits expired late last year.
The program has provided over $1.6 million in savings for 10,580 Connecticut residents so far.
The Special Enrollment Period for the event will end Tuesday, June 30, and I hope you'll consider applying!
Customers who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:
- Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced Premium Tax Credit amounts.
- Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% of the FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced Premium Tax Credit amounts.
Please read below for information on how to receive help online, in person, and over the phone: Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them—including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or working with a Certified Broker in their area.AHCT expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment, available in English and Spanish.To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
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Governor Lamont has announced a plan to allocate $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to approximately 25,000 Connecticut residents who are expected to lose their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to recent federal rule changes.
Under the proposal, eligible individuals who have lost SNAP eligibility as a result of new federal work requirements will receive a one-time grocery assistance card that can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores. In addition, applicants will be connected with resources and support services to help them regain SNAP eligibility whenever possible.
The initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to residents facing food insecurity while helping families navigate changes to federal benefit programs. As the cost of groceries continues to place pressure on household budgets, this assistance will help ensure that vulnerable residents can continue to access nutritious food and meet their basic needs.
Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund was established in late 2025 to help the state respond quickly and effectively to federal policy changes and funding reductions that impact residents. This proposal marks the fourth plan submitted by Governor Lamont to legislative leaders for the use of the fund since its creation, demonstrating Connecticut’s ongoing commitment to supporting residents during times of economic uncertainty and transition. |
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Mark your calendar for Connecticut Open House Day on June 13! More than 200 attractions across the state, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historic sites, farms, and restaurants, will offer free or discounted admission and special promotions. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to discover new destinations and celebrate the rich experiences that make Connecticut such a great and fun place to explore.
Check out CTVisit for a listing of what you can do across the state next Saturday. |
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Please see below for the "Roadwork Corner" section of the eblasts, which will include information on current and upcoming roadwork to stay aware of. Please make sure to check in weekly for the latest updates!
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced a milling and resurfacing project on Route 72 in Plainville and Bristol, from Route 372/Forestville Avenue to Blakeslee Street, will take place from May 13 through June 12, 2026. Milling work is scheduled for May 13–21, followed by resurfacing from May 26–June 12.
Motorists can expect nightly lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with traffic control personnel guiding drivers through the work zone.
Drivers are urged to use caution and be aware that schedules may change due to weather or other conditions.
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There will be lane shifts on Route 72 in Plainville/New Britain. The project 0171-0501 consists of rehabilitation measures for four (4) bridges that includes, but are not limited to deck rehabilitation, superstructure rehabilitation or replacement and substructure rehabilitation.
Other major project elements include paving, roadway drainage, guiderail replacement, highway design and construction, traffic engineering and work zone traffic control, illumination and Incident Management Systems (IMS) replacement or preservation, and utility coordination, as well as related design and construction requirements detailed throughout the Technical and General Provisions including Appendices and referenced authoritative sources.
Manafort Brothers Incorporated will implement traffic shifts on various Route 72 structures in Plainville/New Britain beginning on or around June 15 and continuing through early December 2026. Traffic will remain open during construction. Motorists should expect shifted travel lanes, reduced shoulder widths, temporary pavement markings, construction signage, and changing traffic patterns throughout the work zone.
Traffic control devices and signing will be installed to help guide drivers safely through the temporary roadway configuration. Motorists are advised to use caution, reduce speeds, and remain alert for construction vehicles, roadway workers, and temporary lane changes in the area.
Please note that the schedule may be modified or extended due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Additional traffic shifts will occur as needed in the project area into December 2026.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a Joint and Crack Sealing project will be performed on various state routes within the Greater Hartford region (CTDOT District 1). This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, June 1, 2026, and be completed on Friday, November 6, 2026. Project DOT01703229CN consists of pavement joint and crack sealing.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be various lane closures on various state routes (see list below) from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Friday November 6, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area. The following routes are included in this project:
Andover:
Route 316 between Route 6 and Hebron town line
Berlin:
Route 71 between Route 372 (Farmington Avenue) and SR 571
Bristol:
Route 72 East of Blakeslee Street to Main Street No. 1
East Windsor:
SR 510 between Route 5 by Wagner Lane and Route 5 by King Street
Route 140 between Route191 to Route 286
Manchester:
Route 83 between US 6 & 44 (Center Street) to Route 30
Mansfield:
Route 32 between Route 275 and Route 44
Route 44 between the Coventry town line and Route 195
Route 320 between Route 195 and Route 320
Plainville:
SR 536 between Route 372 (East Main Street) to White Oak Avenue
Wolcott:
Route 322 between Woodtick Road and SR 844
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a tree removal operation will be performed on I-84 east and west bound from Exit 26 in Cheshire to Exit 34 in Plainville. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, June 22 and be completed on Friday, August 14, 2026. No work will be carried out around any scheduled holidays.
To ensure the safety of the public, CTDOT is removing dead, diseased, and decaying trees. Additionally, trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the roadway, are also being removed. This work helps save lives in the event of a crash or vehicle leaving the roadway. This work is being performed by J&J Brothers LLC.
LANE CLOSURE INFO
There will be ramp and lane closures on I-84 east and west bound from Exit 26 in Cheshire to Exit 34 in Plainville starting Monday, June 22 to Friday, August 14, 2026, during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday – Thursday. Traffic will be detoured. Traffic control personnel signing patterns and trailer mounted attenuators will guide motorists through the work zone.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area. No work will be performed around any scheduled holidays.
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You can use the following links for access to town meeting schedules for the three towns in our district:
Plainville Town Meeting Schedule
Farmington Town Meeting Schedule
Southington Town Meeting Schedule
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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