State Capitol Update For The Week of January 22
January 22, 2026
Dear Friend,
This is my State Capitol update for the week of January 22.
Click the image below to view my video on this week’s events.
Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- Forum on Tobacco Policy. Click here.
- ICYMI - Access Health Enrollment Deadline Extended. Click here.
- ICYMI - CAS Heart of the Arts Submissions. Click here.
- ICYMI - CT Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Enhancement Grants Available. Click here.
- Northwest Corner Events. Click here.
Earlier this week, State Representative Moira Rader held a forum called "Our Lungs, Our Lives", a discussion on youth advocacy, tobacco policy, and public health leadership. Rep. Rader was joined by a panel of experts from several organizations, including the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association.
We had a wonderful conversation - I greatly enjoyed hearing from experts who were able to diagnose the issue and offer helpful solutions for the future.
Click here to watch the forum.
ICYMI - Access Health Enrollment Deadline Extended
Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, has announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, January 31. Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting February 1. Customers can also renew their coverage.
Visit Access Health CT's website for more information.
ICYMI - CT Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Enhancement Grants Available
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant Program, which supports projects that strengthen agricultural viability across the state.
Eligible municipalities, regional councils of governments, and agricultural nonprofits may apply for grants ranging from $500 to $49,999, with applications due February 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Priority areas include youth and urban agriculture, food hubs and supply chain improvements, and farmland access. Grant details, application materials, and webinar information are available on the Agricultural Enhancement Grant website.
The Kent Sustainability Team and the Kent Memorial Library will host Here Comes the Sun, a free public forum on solar energy, on Saturday, January 24 at 2:00 p.m. at Kent Town Hall. The event will explore how solar power offers an affordable, accessible response to the climate crisis and what opportunities are available locally.
The program begins with a video conversation featuring climate activist and author Bill McKibben discussing his new book, Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization. A panel discussion will follow, moderated by Lynn Mellis Worthington, Chair of the Kent Sustainability Team, with speakers including representatives from the Connecticut Green Bank, People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE), State Representative Maria Horn, and a Kent resident who recently installed solar panels.
Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more about recent solar developments, and bring questions. Registration is free at www.kentmemoriallibrary.org
The Sharon Energy and Environment Commission invites residents and business owners to a free public information session on Thursday, February 5, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Sharon Town Hall (63 Main Street).
Learn how to save money and energy with a no-cost Home Energy Solutions assessment, which can help households save an average of $180 per year. The session will cover available services, eligibility, and how to get started.
All Sharon residents and business owners are welcome. Questions? Contact seecct@gmail.com
ICYMI
The Sharon Energy & Environment Commission, Sharon Land Trust, and the Sharon Audubon Center are hosting a free, three-part lecture and workshop series focused on the role native and invasive plants play in shaping our local landscapes.
Led by organic land care expert Michael Nadeau, the series is designed for homeowners, landowners, and professional landscapers seeking practical, science-based guidance on managing invasive species and supporting native plants.
Participants may attend one, two, or all three sessions—each workshop stands alone, while together they provide a deeper understanding of how land care choices can improve habitat, biodiversity, and long-term landscape health.
Click here to learn more.
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It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.
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Sincerely,
Maria Horn
State Representative
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