Kathy Kennedy

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.

Kennedy Supports Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability on Connecticut Earmarks

HARTFORD, CT – State Representative Kathy Kennedy (R-119), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today strongly supported legislation to bring stronger oversight and public transparency to legislatively directed funds, commonly known as earmarks and to restore public trust in state spending. “Taxpayers, especially the people I represent in Milford and Orange, deserve to know exactly where their money is going and whether it’s delivering results,” said Rep. Kennedy. “This bill ends the practice of handing out blank checks and brings real accountability to the earmark process.” The bill requires clear identification of all recipients and intended purposes, prior approval for any subrecipient transfers, and strict reporting requirements to ensure funds are used as intended. The push for earmark reform was first proposed in response to public and political pressure for greater oversight. In 2025, Connecticut House Republicans publicly criticized the earmark process, calling it a “closed-door” system with no application process, public hearings, statutory requirements, or oversight before, during, or after allocation. This came amid FBI investigations into earmark decisions and related corruption cases in Hartford. Key Provisions Include: State agencies cannot award earmarks without naming the specific recipient, address, and exact purpose. Recipients must obtain approval before passing funds to subrecipients, who face the same disclosure rules. OPM must create formal policies for earmark administration and maintain a public online database. Quarterly and annual reporting to legislative committees on all disbursements and fund usage. Enhanced controls and public reporting on Other Expenses (OE) accounts.

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.”