NCSL’s 2026 Opioid Policy Fellows Program selection, Access Health CT Deadline Extension, Energy Assistance, and SNAP work rule changes

January 8, 2026


I hope this email finds you and your family well. As the new year begins, may 2026 be filled with renewed hope, good health, happiness, and success.

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

  • NCSL's Opioid Policy Fellows Program
  • Access Health CT Deadline Extension
  • Department of Aging Health Insurance Assistance
  • Emergency Energy Assistance
  • Understanding New SNAP Work Rules
  • Fair Rent Commission
  • Free Radon Tests
  • Community Events

2026 NCSL's Opioid Policy Fellows Program

I am honored and privileged to have been selected for NCSL’s 2026 Opioid Policy Fellows Program. This program is designed to support legislators who are experienced or emerging leaders on opioid addiction and overdose issues. Through this fellowship, I will collaborate with legislators from across the country to identify effective, evidence-based policies and practices that can be brought back to Connecticut.

NCSL, the National Conference of State Legislatures, is a bipartisan, non-governmental organization that serves state legislators and their staff by providing research, training, and a forum for sharing best practices. Its work strengthens state government operations, policy, and effectiveness, while also advocating for state interests at the federal level.

Access Health CT Extension

Access Health CT has extended the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 to Saturday, January 31. Customers who enroll or renew now will have coverage starting February 1.
 
Recent federal changes mean the amount of financial help available and who is eligible has changed. However, Connecticut has stepped up which means that financial assistance is still available.
 
Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
 
Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them, including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair. Help is available in over 100 languages.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.

CT State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Emergency Energy Assistance

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications through Saturday, January 10. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
 
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
 
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season from March 2-10.

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.

Understanding New SNAP Changes

The state is reminding those with SNAP benefits that new, federal legislation has changed eligibility standards. The Connecticut Department of Social Services asks that SNAP recipients answer a few questions to find out if they're affected.

Click here to take the evaluation.

Fair Rent Commission

The Branford Fair Rent Commission will hold its next meeting on Monday, January 26, at 5:00 p.m. at the Joe Trapasso Community House (46 Church Street).

Click here to read more about the commission.

Rental complaints can be submitted by completing the Town of Branford Fair Rent Commission Complaint form and submitting the form by one of the three methods below:

  • Email: Fairrent@branford-ct.gov
  • Mail: Town of Branford Attention: Fair Rent Commission 1019 Main Street Branford, CT 06405
  • Hand delivery: Fair Rent Commission c/o Town Clerk’s Office Attn: Renee Arenas 1019 Main Street Branford, CT 06405

Click here to access the form, and click here for more information on the process.

Free Radon Test for Residents

January is Radon Action Month! Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. Over time, it can build up in your home and increase the risk of serious health problems, including lung cancer.

Branford residents can pick up a free radon test in the lobby of the East Shore District Health Department (688 East Main Street) while supplies last. Limit one test kit per household.

Click here to learn more about radon, how it can affect your health, and how you can take action.

Community Events

Our planet’s tomorrow starts with today’s choices. On Saturday, January 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Willoughby Wallace Library (146 Thimble Islands Road) hear Professor Susan Mayne discuss how food policy impacts kids, communities, and global well-being.

Click here for access to the zoom link to join the presentation on Wednesday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m. 

The 41st annual MLK Day Breakfast will be held on Monday, January 19 at 8:30 a.m. at Branford High School (185 East Main Street).

The breakfast has become an annual tradition, bringing together hundreds of community members for an incredible morning of food, music, and inspiration. Guest speaker is renowned civil rights Attorney Preston Tisdale.

Click here to buy tickets ($20) that include a full breakfast! Student tickets are just $5.