Robin Comey

Thursday marks 24 years since nearly 3,000 lives were lost on September 11, 2001. Thousands have died since due to exposure to toxic chemicals, and countless lives have been forever changed. May we never forget those who perished through this act of terror, and the courage of the first responders, construction crews, service members, and everyday citizens who ran toward danger to save others, and who worked tirelessly in the days and years that followed to help our country rebuild.

Though we move further away from that fateful day each year, we must continue to honor those Americans we lost and never stop the fight against terror and for peace.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
• Around Town
• Legislative Business
• Kelsey Island Swim
• Access Health CT
• CT Veterans Hall of Fame
• Federal Clean Energy Tax Credits Ending This Year
• Book Sale Extravaganza
• Community Events

Over the past several weeks, the two neighborhoods on either side of Branford—Short Beach and Stony Creek—held their annual events. I always enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship these celebrations bring to our community.

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who helped make these events so special!

My family recently went for a hike at the Beacon Hill Preserve—a hidden gem right here in Branford. The trailhead is located at the end of Pent Road, and you can also access it via Dominican Road.

Beacon Hill Preserve is a 60-acre public space owned by the State of Connecticut and managed by the Town of Branford. The trails lead to a 100-foot-high traprock ridge, offering a unique glimpse into our local geology and history. The southern tip of the ridge was quarried between 1894 and 1914, creating a dramatic cliff face and a hollowed-out basin below.

The views from the top are stunning—overlooking the salt marshes with the historic trolley line cutting through the landscape. And if hiking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the scenery aboard a relaxing ride offered by The Shore Line Trolley Museum.

August was a month full of valuable learning opportunities. I had the opportunity to attend the National Meeting of State Health & Human Services Committee Chairs, hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). State leaders from across the country came together to discuss pressing issues such as Medicaid, drug pricing, data systems and AI, workforce development, and a wide range of health-related policies.

One key takeaway was that state policy leaders are grappling with many of the same challenges, particularly as the federal policy landscape continues to evolve. Implementing the necessary system and operational changes will be both costly and labor-intensive, underscoring the need for strategic collaboration and long-term planning.

The Human Services Committee recently hosted an Informational Hearing on the impact of HR1 on Medicaid and SNAP. Our committee has been closely examining the unprecedented work requirements imposed on Medicaid recipients. Under HR1, adults aged 19 to 64 would be required to complete at least 80 hours per month of work or community engagement to maintain their eligibility for Medicaid coverage.

We are also evaluating the significant changes to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), particularly shifts in eligibility criteria and the state’s funding responsibilities. The required state contribution is set to increase from 50% to 75%, with initial cost estimates indicating an additional $32.5 million in 2027 and $43 million in 2028.

Even more concerning, the administration is mandating cuts to Medicaid coverage for many individuals who are currently eligible, including some of our most vulnerable populations—such as refugees, certain victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, and children from undocumented families. These policy changes raise significant ethical and fiscal concerns for our state and demand thoughtful, data-informed responses.

Finally, HR1 places the state in an especially difficult position when it comes to caring for our nursing home residents. Staffing levels in nursing homes are already under strain, and our state has been working diligently to enforce laws that ensure safe and appropriate patient-to-direct care staff ratios. Under HR1, we will no longer be able to fully implement these critical protections.

Further, changes to the grace period for new nursing home residents applying for Medicaid are deeply concerning. Retroactive coverage beyond 30 days will be eliminated, leaving a significant gap during a complex and often lengthy application process. Anyone familiar with this transition knows it regularly exceeds 30 days. As a result, our health care providers—already stretched thin—will bear the financial and operational burden of this policy change. This undermines both resident care and the sustainability of our long-term care system.

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame honors veterans from Connecticut who have made a positive impact in their community after the conclusion of their military service. 

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or lived in the state for at least five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large. The focus of this honor is on the veteran’s service to their community after leaving the military.
 
Click here to download the nomination package. You can find detailed instructions and information on eligibility criteria within the nomination package.
 
You must submit a completed nomination package to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. You should deliver them either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mail through the U.S. Postal Service to:

 
Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

If you're insured through the Access Health CT exchange, you may have recently received a postcard in the mail—and it's worth paying attention to.

People who receive tax credits or subsidies for their affordable health care plans could see those benefits change or even disappear. This small piece of mail could be alerting you to major changes coming to your health insurance costs.

It’s important to review your current plan now, because what you’re paying this year might not be the same next year. Visit AccessHealthCT.com/get-help to make sure your information is up to date. You can also sign up for text updates or call them directly at 1-855-901-2428.

More information will be coming soon—so keep an eye out and stay informed.

If you’ve been thinking about going solar, buying an electric vehicle, or upgrading your home with cleaner, more affordable energy — now is the time to act! 

Thousands of dollars in clean energy incentives are about to expire. Here's how you can still utilize them.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Credits:

Find out which new and used EVs still qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 until September 30, 2025.

Residential Clean Energy Credits:

Claim 30% of the total cost of solar panels, battery storage, and geothermal systems if you buy by December 31, 2025. 

Energy Efficient Home Upgrade Credits:

Make home energy upgrades, like insulation, windows, or efficient electric appliances, by December 31, 2025, to claim the credit.

Click here to view the full credit timeline of tax credits. 

Friends of the Blackstone Library Annual Fall Book Sale Extravaganza!

Join the Friends of the Blackstone under the tent on the Branford Green for an incredible book sale event! With over 60,000 items, including books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, and sheet music, all sorted into more than 100 categories, you're sure to find something you love.

Sunday, September 21 is $10 Fill a Bag Day! 

Their selection features a vast array of children's books and puzzles, perfect for young readers and families. Plus, the prices are unbeatable:

• Mass Market Paperbacks: $0.50
• Trade Paperbacks: $2.00
• Hardcovers: $3.00
• Coffee Table Books: $5.00
• Specially Priced Items

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to shop for your favorite books and more, all at incredibly affordable prices. Come and enjoy the thrill of the hunt under the tent!