Maryam Khan

The 2026 Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week is Sunday, August 16th, through Saturday, August 22nd. This week provides a chance for families to save money, whether it is taking children back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

During this week, sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $300 per item are exempt from sales tax.

A new one-time grocery benefit of $300 each is being distributed to low-income Connecticut residents who have been pushed out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to federal changes.

The grocery benefits, through a partnership the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) arranged with Connecticut’s network of community action agencies and with support provided by the Connecticut Association for Community Action (CAFCA), will be distributed as prepaid virtual grocery cards—not loaded onto existing EBT cards.

You will soon be able to shop, compare plans, and enroll in health and dental coverage through the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Access Health CT’s open enrollment period runs from October 23 through December 23, giving residents an early start this year to explore their options and choose the coverage that best fits their needs.

As our youth enjoy these summer months away from school, don't forget that nutritious meals are available at no cost to all children in the state!

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, any child 18 and under may receive meals at participating locations - no application, proof of income, or identification required.

You can use the U.S. DAG's Summer Meals Site Finder or call 2-1-1 to find participating meal sites throughout the state. Please confirm the location and meal service times before visiting to make sure you don't miss out.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we should remember that patriotism isn't about pretending our country has always lived up to its ideals. It's about believing those ideals are worth fighting for. For generations, scores of people have fought to ensure this declaration includes all people. As a teacher and legislator, I have been fighting for equal access to education and an affordable life for Connecticut residents for years. I believe it is just and that it is possible.

To me, being an American means expanding opportunity, defending democracy, and making sure every person- regardless of where they come from or what they look like-has the freedom to belong, to be heard, and to build a better future. I wish you a safe holiday weekend, and encourage you to reflect on how you can do your part in creating a more perfect union.

A reminder that Access Health CT announced that eligible customers can enroll in a health insurance plan with Temporary Premium Assistance through a Special Enrollment Period that will end on June 30th.

The Temporary Premium Assistance has provided over $1.6 million in savings for 10,580 Connecticut residents to date. At the end of 2025, Governor Lamont announced the Temporary Premium Assistance to help customers who lost financial assistance when the federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits expired. The Special Enrollment Period for Temporary Premium Assistance opened on February 1st, and customers can continue to enroll through June 30th.

Friday is Juneteenth, a day of reflection, celebration, and progress.

As we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and celebrate the resilience and contributions of the Black community, let's continue to strive for equality, justice, and freedom for all.

Time is running out to sign up for Access Health CT's health insurance plan with Temporary Premium Assistance!

The Temporary Premium Assistance program was created to help customers who lost all financial assistance when the federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits expired late last year.

The program has provided over $1.6 million in savings for 10,580 Connecticut residents so far.

The Special Enrollment Period for the event will end Tuesday, June 30, and I hope you'll consider applying!