Candidate Profile: Kate Farrar, 20th House District

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Kate Farrar, a West Hartford resident is running for the state House of Representatives seat in District 20.

Age: 40

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: Married to Chan with dog Lizzie

Occupation: Former Executive Director of CT Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) (4 years)

Previous elected experience: Town Council Alternate on Zoning (Appointed)

Family members in government: No

Campaign website: kateforct.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: The single most pressing issue facing our state is to build a fair economy as we recover from COVID-19. State government must act boldly to minimize the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 -- both on people and on our future growth as a state. This is an opportunity to demand a re-set of priorities, address long-standing economic inequities, and put working families first in our economy.

To stave off a deep recession and position Connecticut for a swift recovery, I will be a strong advocate to maintain public services, reduce economic burdens on working families and seniors with a fair tax system and affordable healthcare. I will also work to invest in our infrastructure and seek increased federal investments in our recovery.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am a proven progressive who has dedicated my career to fighting for working families and women. I bring new energy to the challenges we face in our state and in our community with a commitment to equity and fairness.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have a 20-year non-profit career of creating positive change for working families. Most recently, as Executive Director of the CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF), I led the passage of Paid Family Medical Leave legislation and important laws to increase family economic security -- including equal pay and raising the minimum wage. I’ve also expanded STEM education and leadership programs for thousands of middle-school girls and college women. My experiences and skills at building coalitions and consensus prepare me for the role of State Representative.

My endorsements from teachers, to nurses, to firefighters, and from the Alliance for Retired Americans to the Sierra Club to Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) make clear that I’ll be a State Representative who is a progressive champion for all of the 20th District. During my campaign for State Representative, I’ve continually focused on helping our community and listening to its needs. At the start of COVID-19, I personally called hundreds of seniors across the district as wellness checks. I also volunteer several times a month at Foodshare to support immediate needs of food insecurity.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken? Connecticut does need continued reform for utility oversight to protect consumers -- not just for electricity, but all vital utilities. The recent “Take Back Our Grid” legislation passed by the state legislature is a start. CT PURA must ensure that utilities meet obligations (capital improvement investments, mitigate loss of service and improve emergency response), keep rates reasonable, and end executive salary excess.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses? Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and an essential part of our vibrant West Hartford community. Our economy can only recover if our state continues to make decisions based in science and with public health experts.

CT small businesses need additional federal and state financial support to weather lower revenues. Our state government also needs to protect frontline workers, invest in proven high school-to-career pipeline and retraining programs, and support affordable health care and childcare (both of which make it possible for businesses to be healthy and strong.)

Now that more workers and businesses are seeking more physical space and work-from-home opportunities, CT is well-poised to attract new residents and recruit/grow new businesses. Here in the 20th District, there is opportunity to partner with our local small businesses to bring new state investment to re-envision the Elmwood, Park Road, and New Park Avenue/Home Design District corridors.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: As State Representative, I will champion economic security for working families and seniors, affordable and accessible healthcare, protections for our environment and comprehensive reforms for racial justice.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Equity, optimism and collaboration are the values I’ve always lived by and the values I will bring to the role of State Representative for the 20th District. This is a time of monumental challenges for all of us. I want to get started on solutions for our community together and welcome your questions and ideas. Email kate@kateforct.com or call me at (860) 249-1684.

Kate Farrar. (Cara Paiuk)