John Santanella

Juneteenth – June 19 – commemorates and celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, but the important history of this now state and federal holiday was not widely known for many years.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) wants residents to be aware of new work requirements affecting some recipients of SNAP benefits and upcoming changes to HUSKY Health eligibility rules.

The good news: most people will not lose their benefits. However, it is important to review the new requirements and determine whether they apply to your situation.

Medical debt can place a significant financial burden on families in communities across Connecticut, which can result in severe economic hardship or bankruptcy.

With Memorial Day marking the unofficial kick off to summer, we hope you get a chance to enjoy the many parks, beaches, and attractions our beautiful state has to offer.

Whether it's our first responders, veterans, nurses, teachers, or other skilled workers, it is important that we continue to invest in and protect the people who keep our communities safe and running.

The bill requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to develop successor programs for the RRES, NRES and SCEF programs, requires a study of consumer protections for solar photovoltaic system leasing and sales, allows the use of portable solar photovoltaic systems, requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to implement an agrivoltaics program, and requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to establish a pilot program concerning the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in environmental justice communities.

Bipartisan state budget adjustments were passed by the legislature that make historical investments in our cities and towns to help stabilize property taxes and enhance local public education.

Please join me for an end of session wrap up discussion on May 13, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Enfield Town Hall.