Christie Carpino

Rep. Carpino & Sen. Lesser Secure $200k for Pierson Park

Today, State Representative Christie Carpino and State Senator Matt Lesser announced they secured $200,000 for upgrades to Cromwell’s Pierson Park. The funds will be used for urgently needed upgrades to the PBA building. Upgrades will be made to the kitchen area which is used for concessions for the varsity high school football games, Sunday youth football games, and other functions. It will also be used for upgrades to the bathrooms and generally refreshing the building. The funding will also be used for upgrades to the playground to ensure ADA compliance. “Pierson Park is a great community resource and I’m proud to have delivered these funds to refresh the PBA area, upgrade equipment and ensure that the playground is safe and welcoming for all children,” said Sen. Lesser . “At the end of the legislative session I reached out to town leaders to identify opportunities for a local-state partnership and I’m pleased we were able to secure funding for these time sensitive and critical upgrades in the state budget." "Pierson Park really is the heart of Cromwell," said Rep. Carpino . "This money will provide much needed updates to our inclusive playground so that all of our kids have the opportunity to be kids. It will also fund immediate needs in the PBA building-which will benefit multiple volunteer organizations that work hard to support Cromwell. It's always a good day when we can work together at the state and local level to do good." “On behalf of the town, I am thankful to Representative Carpino and Senator Lesser for securing these vital funds to make substantial infrastructure improvements to our community,” said Cromwell Mayor James Demetriades . “These investments will ensure Cromwell is positioned proactively to face tomorrow’s challenges and relieve pressure on the property taxpayers for these projects.” ###

Rep. Carpino Hosts Yellow Envelope Event to Raise Awareness

Earlier this month, State Representative Christie Carpino hosted T.J. Nuccio of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity, and Ashley McClain of Linked – Autism Speaks to share information about Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope program. This event helped to bring awareness to the program and the importance of safety for both first responders and those with disabilities, making sure both feel comfortable if ever needing to interact in what could be a high stress situation. “The Yellow Envelope is a voluntary program that helps drivers and passengers with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments communicate with first responders, reducing miscommunication and sharing vital information in quick and safe ways,” said Rep. Carpino. The Yellow Envelope should be kept in a location that is easy to access in the vehicle. In the event there is an interaction with first responders, the Yellow Envelope can be shared, and it will contain important information about the individuals involved, how to improve communication, and key medical information the individuals want to share. In 2025, Rep. Christie Carpino supported the Yellow Envelope Law. The program helps to bring awareness and trust across communities, creating a safe and calm process for both sides. "Safety and preparation matter at every stage of life. In my work with older adults, I see how having important medical information readily available helps first responders act quickly when every second counts,” said Sarah Elliott-Caratasios, Director of the Portland Senior Center. “I want to thank Sarah and the Portland Senior Center for their partnership and willingness to help get information about this important program to community members in Portland,” said Rep. Carpino.

Carpino & Rutigliano Applaud Vote to Ban “Gas Station Heroin” Kratom

HARTFORD —State Representatives Christie Carpino (32) and David Rutigliano (123) hailed the bipartisan Regulations Review Committee for their vote to approve regulations banning the sale of kratom in Connecticut, citing serious public health and safety concerns. Kratom, sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin,” is an unregulated substance often sold in Connecticut convenience stores and smoke shops, with little oversight regarding potency, purity, or marketing. “Last year, we raised serious concerns in the General Law Committee about the unchecked sale of kratom in gas stations and smoke shops across Connecticut,” said Rep. David Rutigliano, House Republican Deputy Leader. “This is about protecting consumers — especially young people — from a product that is marketed as harmless but carries real risks. I appreciate the Regulations Review Committee taking action to address this threat.” “Connecticut cannot afford to look the other way while an addictive and potentially dangerous substance, like Kratom, is sold over the counter with no meaningful consumer protections, especially for our kids,” said Rep. Carpino, the House Co-chair of the Regulations Review Committee. “These regulations put public health first and close a dangerous loophole that has allowed kratom products to proliferate in our communities.” The approved regulations will prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom products in the state, aligning Connecticut with growing national scrutiny over the substance.

Carpino Highlights Connecticut’s New Yellow Envelope Law

HARTFORD, CT – State Representative Christie Carpino recently attended a symposium on Connecticut’s new Yellow Envelope Law , hosted by the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, and several partner organizations, including the Council on Developmental Disabilities. The event focused on how the Yellow Envelope Program can help residents with cognitive or physical disabilities have safer, less stressful interactions with first responders during traffic stops or emergencies. In 2025, Carpino supported the Yellow Envelope Law, a bipartisan public safety measure aimed at making everyday encounters a little easier and a lot safer for individuals who may need additional time, support, or different communication strategies. Effective January 1, 2026, the law officially established Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope Program. Through a partnership between the DMV, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, and first responder organizations, the state is now distributing yellow envelopes and public education materials to help first responders quickly recognize when someone may need accommodations. The yellow envelope is designed to hold essential documents, such as a driver’s license, registration, and insurance card, along with information about a person’s disability or communication needs. Clear instructions printed on the outside help police officers, firefighters, and EMTs understand how best to interact respectfully and safely. “Stressful situations are hard enough on their own,” said Rep. Christie Carpino . “The Yellow Envelope is a simple, common-sense tool. It helps first responders better understand how to communicate with community members. It can ease anxiety, prevent misunderstandings, and make these moments safer for everyone involved.” Carpino added, “It’s easy to use — just keep the envelope in your glove box or on your visor and hand it to a first responder if you’re pulled over or need help. That small step can make a big difference in how the situation unfolds.” According to the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, yellow envelopes will be available at no cost through Connecticut DMV offices, local police, fire, and EMS departments, as well as at community events across the state.

Carpino New Laws January 1st 2026

New Laws... Several new laws take effect January 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some of them below. An expanded list of those new laws, along with summaries, can be accessed here . A summary of some new laws includes: AN ACT CONCERNING PROGRAMMING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND OTHER FARMING AND AGRICULTURE RELATED PROVISIONS Among other things, this bill increases the mandatory property tax exemption for farm machinery, other than motor vehicles, from $100,000 to $250,000 in assessed value. It also creates a 20% refundable business tax credit for farmers’ investments in eligible machinery, equipment, and buildings that may be applied against the corporation business or personal property income taxes; sets eligibility criteria; requires all or part of the credit to be repaid under certain conditions for five years after the property is acquired. AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA TASK FORCE, REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BIOMARKER TESTING The provision of the bill taking effect January 1 requires certain individual and group health insurance policies to cover biomarker testing to diagnose, treat, manage, or monitor an insured’s disease or condition AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES This is an omnibus bill covering many topics, but the section taking effect implements the Yellow Envelopes Program. The DMV, in consultation with the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity and other specified entities, must develop yellow envelopes and related public awareness materials for people with cognitive impairments or physical disabilities. Among other things, the envelopes must have written information on how first responders can accommodate and effectively interact with these individuals. Other major acts include: An Act Concerning Housing Growth ( H.B. 8002 ) An Act Concerning Various Measures Recognizing and Honoring the Military Service of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces in Connecticut An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Office of Higher Education, Expanding Dual Credit Opportunities and Concerning College Readiness and Remedial Support Programs at the CT State Colleges and Universities and Information Reported to the Credential Database An Act Concerning the Department of Consumer Protection's Recommendations Regarding Lottery and Gaming Regulations Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit from it.