Kathy Kennedy

Kennedy Visits Tutor Time of Milford, Highlights Importance of Early Childhood Education

MILFORD — State Representative Kathy Kennedy (R-119) recently visited Tutor Time of Milford to meet with teachers, staff, and students and discuss the important role childcare providers play in supporting local families. During the visit, Rep. Kennedy toured the facility, learned more about the programs offered at Tutor Time, and spent time reading “Moo Hoo” to a Pre-K classroom. “Any day you get to sit down and read with these precious little kids it’s a good day,” said Rep. Kennedy. “I want to thank the wonderful teachers and staff at Tutor Time of Milford for welcoming me into their classroom and showing me firsthand the care, creativity, and dedication that goes into early childhood education.” Kennedy also met with representatives from Learning Care Group to discuss issues facing childcare providers, including access, affordability, workforce challenges, and the importance of ensuring families have quality childcare options. “As a mom, I understand how important it is for parents to have confidence that their children are learning, growing, and being cared for in a safe and nurturing environment,” Kennedy said. “Childcare providers are partners with our families, and it’s important that lawmakers listen directly to those doing this work every day.” “As we saw during the pandemic, childcare was an essential and necessary pillar in the three-legged stool for families and our state economy, which also includes parents and employers. Without a thriving childcare system, the stool collapses,” added Rep. Kennedy. Since being elected to state office, Rep. Kennedy has supported initiatives focused on strengthening educational opportunities for children, assisting families, and ensuring childcare providers have a voice in the policymaking process.

Kennedy Wraps Up 2026 Legislative Session with Community Conversations in Milford

MILFORD/ORANGE – State Representative Kathy Kennedy (R-119) spent the Thursday meeting with Milford and Orange residents during two community events aimed at discussing the session, answering questions, and hearing directly from constituents about the issues impacting their lives. Kennedy hosted a morning "Coffee and Conversation" at Duck Donuts before concluding the day with "Popsicles and Politics" at Gulf Beach, where residents stopped by to share their concerns and discuss legislation approved during the session. While the evening gathering was informal, Kennedy took time to walk the beach and speak with residents, relaxing along the shoreline and in the parking area. Conversations centered on public safety, housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Milford's Historic District, and immigration enforcement. One resident shared her experience as the victim of both a home invasion and a purse theft, underscoring the concerns many participants expressed about crime and community safety. "I always appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from the people I represent," Kennedy said. "The legislative session may be over, but my work doesn't stop when we adjourn. These conversations help me better understand the challenges facing Milford and Orange families and allow me to explain how new laws passed this year may affect them." Throughout the discussions, Kennedy reviewed several of the new public acts approved during the 2026 legislative session, answered questions about state policies, and listened to feedback from residents about priorities they hope lawmakers will address in future sessions. "Constituents want practical solutions that make our communities safer, protect our neighborhoods, and preserve the character of Milford," Kennedy said. "Whether we're talking about crime, housing, or other state issues, I remain committed to bringing those concerns back to Hartford and advocating for common-sense policies on behalf of our community." Kennedy thanked everyone who attended the events and said she plans to continue hosting community conversations throughout the year to ensure residents have regular opportunities to share their ideas, ask questions, and stay informed about state government by following www.cga.ct.gov .

Rep. Kathy Kennedy Collects Student Artwork for America’s 250 Coloring Project

MILFORD – State Representative Kathy Kennedy recently visited Calf Pen Elementary School in Milford to collect student artwork for her America’s 250 Coloring Project, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. During her visit, Kennedy stopped by Ms. Steinau’s kindergarten classroom to thank students for participating and to see their patriotic artwork firsthand. The project encourages young learners to explore their creativity while recognizing this historic milestone in our nation’s history. Representative Kennedy is displaying the student artwork in her legislative office, where the art will be showcased. “What a wonderful way for our youngest students to learn about America’s 250th birthday while expressing their amazing creativity,” Kennedy said. “I’m grateful to the students, teachers, and staff for making this project such a success, and I look forward to displaying their artwork in my office.” The America’s 250 Coloring Project is part of ongoing efforts to engage students in civic education and celebrate the nation’s 250 th Birthday in a fun and meaningful way.

Kennedy pushes for House passage of bill to ban female genital mutilation/cutting

HARTFORD- State Representative Kathy Kennedy, a member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, along with fellow female lawmakers and advocates are urging swift final action after the Connecticut State Senate approved legislation, Senate Bill 259 , to ban female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Connecticut. “Today, I once again stood alongside advocates, survivors, and partners including Sahiyo and the Connecticut Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation for a powerful panel discussion focused on ending FGM/C,” said Rep. Kennedy . “With the Senate’s passage of this bill, we are now closer than ever to finally putting this critical protection into law—and we must get it over the finish line.” Female genital mutilation/cutting is most often carried out on young girls and involves the cutting or removal of external female genitalia. The practice can result in severe immediate complications, including excessive bleeding, infection, and even death. Long-term consequences may include chronic pain, complications during childbirth, increased risk of infections such as HIV and hepatitis, and lasting psychological trauma. In cases where the clitoris is removed, it can also permanently impact a woman’s ability to experience sexual pleasure. “FGM/C is a clear violation of human rights and a form of violence against women and girls,” Kennedy added, citing the World Health Organization, which has condemned the practice as an extreme form of gender-based discrimination with no medical benefit. “There is no justification for this practice—cultural or otherwise—and it has no place in Connecticut.” Currently, 41 states have laws banning FGM/C. Kennedy emphasized that Connecticut must join them without delay. “As a member of the Public Health Committee, today I am calling on my colleagues in the House to act now,” she said. “We have a responsibility to protect vulnerable girls and women, and this legislation is an important step in ensuring their safety, dignity, and fundamental rights are upheld.”

Kennedy Backs “Pathway to Affordability” Plan Delivering Relief for Milford and Orange

HARTFORD—State Rep. Kathy Kennedy (R-Milford, Orange), a member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, is supporting the House Republican “ Pathway to Affordability ” budget adjustment plan, highlighting its direct impact on lowering costs for families and easing property tax pressure in Milford and Orange. “This plan delivers meaningful, sustainable relief for the residents of Milford and Orange who are struggling with the high cost of living,” said Rep. Kennedy. “By increasing the property tax credit, investing in local schools, and cutting everyday expenses like healthcare premiums and vehicle taxes, we’re putting real money back into people’s pockets while supporting our communities.” A central component of the proposal—the School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan (STRAP)—would direct a significant share of new education funding to municipalities like Milford and Orange, helping offset rising school costs and reducing reliance on local property taxes. Additional provisions in the plan would: Expand the property tax credit, benefiting hundreds of thousands of Connecticut taxpayers, including many in Milford and Orange Lower healthcare costs by reducing state-imposed insurance fees Eliminate the tax on Social Security income, providing relief to seniors Reduce the sales tax on vehicles, helping working families afford reliable transportation Remove fees like the “Passport to Parks,” cutting unnecessary costs for residents “Families in our shoreline communities are feeling squeezed from every direction,” Kennedy added. “This plan focuses on affordability, fiscal responsibility, and long-term stability—without raising taxes. It’s the kind of approach Milford and Orange taxpayers deserve.