Kathy Kennedy

Kennedy: Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign Highlights Ongoing Safety Concerns

HARTFORD—At a press conference, State Rep. Kathy Kennedy, Ranking Member of the legislature’s Transportation Committee, highlighted a statewide distracted driving enforcement and awareness campaign announced by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) in recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. From April 1 through April 30, law enforcement agencies across Connecticut will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, increasing enforcement efforts to identify drivers who are texting, using handheld electronic devices, or otherwise driving while distracted. Distracted driving continues to be a significant safety concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed nationwide in distracted driving crashes in 2023. In Connecticut, there were 5,202 crashes involving distracted driving that year, resulting in 12 fatalities and 78 serious injuries. “As Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee, I appreciate the continued partnership between CTDOT and our law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and enforce our distracted driving laws,” Kennedy said . “These numbers are a reminder that distracted driving is both dangerous and preventable. Drivers must remain focused behind the wheel to help keep Connecticut’s roads safe.” The campaign will also include public education efforts encouraging motorists to eliminate distractions before and during trips and to take advantage of tools such as a phone’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature. For more information about distracted driving prevention, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving .

Kennedy Strongly Opposes Proposal to Open Safe Injection Site in Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT — On Monday, State Representative Kathy Kennedy (R-119) opposed legislation under consideration in the legislature's the Public Health Committee that would authorize a safe injection site — also referred to as a supervised consumption or overdose prevention center — in the state. The proposal Senate Bill 195 survived a divided committee a vote and now moves to the State Senate for further debate. “Connecticut should never sanction the use of illegal drugs — especially at a time when families are fighting every day to keep their children safe from addiction,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Opening a government-approved drug consumption site sends exactly the wrong message. It tells our young people that drug use is something the state will manage instead of prevent.” Last year, nearly 1,000 Connecticut residents died from unintentional drug overdoses , marking the third consecutive year with high fatalities, despite a recent statewide decline. Official data show approximately 982 overdose deaths in 2024 , many of which involved fentanyl — a deadly synthetic opioid — and related substances. “These are real mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors,” Kennedy added. “Every one of these deaths represents heartbreak for a family and a community. We must be honest about the danger drugs pose — especially to our children and young adults — and take every step to prevent use in the first place.” Rep. Kennedy stressed that while overdose deaths remain a serious public health concern, creating designated locations for the use of illegal substances does not address the underlying causes of addiction and risks normalizing harmful behavior that devastates families. “As a mother and as a legislator, I cannot support a policy that risks making drug use seem acceptable or inevitable,” Kennedy said. “Our priority must be prevention, education, enforcement, and recovery — not accommodation.” In communities like Milford and Orange, prevention efforts have shown that community engagement makes a difference. Kennedy pointed to the important work of the Milford Prevention Council , which partners with schools, parents, law enforcement, and local organizations to educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse and promote healthy, drug-free choices. “The Milford Prevention Council works tirelessly to reach our youth before addiction takes hold,” Kennedy said. “They focus on awareness, early intervention, and equipping families with the tools they need. That’s where our energy and funding should go — stopping drug use before it starts.” Kennedy emphasized that addiction is a serious physical and mental health challenge requiring compassion and strong public policy. However, she argued compassion must be paired with accountability and a commitment to reducing drug use — not facilitating it. “We owe it to our children to stand firm,” she said. “The state should be expanding access to treatment, strengthening mental health services, and cracking down on traffickers who poison our communities with fentanyl and other deadly drugs. I will continue to oppose any measure that legitimizes illegal drug use and instead fight for policies that protect families, restore lives, and keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Rep. Kennedy Advocates for a Milford Veteran

Rep. Kennedy Advocates for a Milford Veteran (VIDEO) HARTFORD- State Rep. Kathy Kennedy (R-119) testified in support of Senate Bill 269 An Act Concerning Workers’ Rights on behalf of Milford constituent and veteran, Jes Kraus. After a long and dedicated public service career as a veteran, a municipal and state employee in both Vermont and Connecticut, Mr. Kraus and his family finds themselves in a situation no one ever wants to be in. Mr. Kraus was diagnosed with stage 3B colorectal cancer at age 48, and underwent a prolonged course of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Mr. Kraus asked to purchased military service credit to count toward eligibility for disability retirement. That would have made him eligible in the fall of 2028. During testimony, Mr. Kraus stated, “I have a better shot at living 2 ½ years than 6 ½ years.” Since he had purchased four years of military service credit, Mr. Kraus believes that the requirements would be shortened to six years, but the retirement division of the State of Connecticut will not count the military service. It can only be done by a legislative fix. Rep. Kennedy said, "No one should ever have to choose between their health and supporting their family, faced with the possibility of losing their home, their income and health insurance due to invasive medical treatment while undergoing a terminal illness. I strongly encourage the Labor committee to look at current legislation and see if there is a fix to the current statutes. Kennedy completely agreed with Mr. Kraus who said in testimony, "Veterans should simply not be disadvantaged in this way.”

Kennedy Opinion: A New Year, the Same Connecticut Spirit

A New Year, the Same Connecticut Spirit By State Rep. Kathy Kennedy As we turn the calendar to a brand-new year, many of us pause to reflect and set a few resolutions. Some plan to get organized or exercise more, others vow to eat better—and a few simply hope to remember where they left their reading glasses. But across our towns and neighborhoods, one thing is on nearly everyone’s mind: the cost of living. I hear it at coffee hours, in grocery store aisles, around the district, and every time someone opens a heating bill—families are feeling squeezed. From rising property taxes to the cost of food, energy, and insurance, it can feel like affordability is slipping out of reach. A new year should bring fresh beginnings, not the same old worries. Yet even with these challenges, I’m inspired by the determination of the people I serve. Families don’t shy away from hard conversations—they pull up a chair, roll up their sleeves, and talk honestly about what’s happening in their daily lives. Those conversations guide my work at the Capitol, and I value every one of them. As your state representative, I’m entering this legislative session with clear focus: tackling Connecticut’s affordability crisis and pushing for practical, meaningful relief. Taxes remain a major issue, especially our high property tax burden. A recent Tax Foundation study ranked Connecticut 47th in overall tax competitiveness and 49th specifically for property taxes—beating only Vermont. Every community feels that pressure. That’s why I proposed a plan for state-level property tax relief last fall, and I’ll be putting forward a similar plan this session. We need policies that let young families buy their first home, allow seniors to age with dignity, and help hardworking residents afford life’s essentials without constant sacrifice. That includes reining in property taxes, making housing more attainable, bringing down the cost of everyday necessities, and eliminating the public-benefits charge on your electric bill. A new year won’t erase the hurdles we face, but it does give us a chance to recommit to doing better. With honest dialogue, steady leadership, and a willingness to put people before politics, I believe we can make real progress. Here’s to 2026: a year with familiar challenges—but also hope, hard work, and that trademark Connecticut grit. I’m honored to be your voice and will keep fighting every day to make our great state more affordable for all.

Kennedy, CTDOT and the DESPP Highlight Decline in 2025 Traffic Fatalities

Kennedy, CTDOT and the DESPP Highlight Decline in 2025 Traffic Fatalities HARTFORD - State Representative Kathy Kennedy, the Ranking Member of the legislature's Transportation Committee along with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Wednesday highlighted that traffic fatalities in the state fell 12% in 2025 compared with the previous year. Preliminary data from CTDOT’s Highway Safety Office show 274 roadway deaths in 2025, down from 312 in 2024 during a press conference at the Connecticut State Police Troop H Barracks in Hartford. “The decline in overall traffic fatalities shows that education, enforcement, and smart safety investments are making a difference,” said State Representative Kathy Kennedy, Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee . “But the rise in pedestrian and bicycle deaths is deeply concerning and reminds us that we must do more to protect our most vulnerable road users. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to continue strengthening safety measures, addressing speeding, and designing roadways that work for everyone—whether you’re driving, walking, or biking.” While the overall number of traffic fatalities declined, data show troubling trends for vulnerable road users. In 2025, bicycle fatalities increased 67% and pedestrian deaths rose 6% compared with the five-year average, with speeding remaining a leading factor in serious crashes. Early 2026 data show 12 traffic fatalities statewide through January 27, compared with 23 during the same period in 2025 and 21 in 2024. “While we are encouraged by the reduction in fatalities, even one death on our roadways is too many,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto . “We remain focused on improving safety for everyone who uses Connecticut roads.” “Since I arrived on the job in late 2023, reducing highway fatalities has been one of our top priorities at the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection,” said Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins . “Our targeted enforcement has helped to decrease fatal collisions on roadways patrolled by the Connecticut State Police by 26 percent. We will continue to work closely with our state and municipal partners to reduce fatalities in the weeks and months to come.” Officials noted pedestrian fatalities remain a concern despite the overall decline. “Traffic safety requires a shared commitment,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police . “Enforcement, education, and responsible driving all play a role in preventing serious crashes.” “Even with overall fatalities down, our work isn’t done,” said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee . “Police across the state remain committed to keeping our roadways safe by addressing behaviors that lead to serious crashes, including speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving. Everyone has a role to play in preventing tragedies on our roadways.” The figures are preliminary and subject to revision as crash investigations are completed. Some incidents initially classified as traffic fatalities may later be excluded if they do not meet federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System criteria. Fatality data are compiled by the Highway Safety Office, with analysis support from the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center at the University of Connecticut. More information on Connecticut roadway safety initiatives is available at portal.ct.gov/dot .