Celebrating Juneteenth and a Renewed Commitment to Public Safety Personnel

June 22, 2026

I hope this email finds you and your family well. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This historic day celebrates freedom while honoring the resilience, strength, and countless contributions of African Americans throughout our nation's history. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality, justice, and opportunity for all.

As we reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, we honor those who endured the injustices of slavery, recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, and recommit ourselves to building stronger, more inclusive communities. By learning from our history and embracing the values of freedom and equality, we can continue working toward a future that lives up to our nation's highest ideals.

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

  • Letter to PURA, Eversource Rate Hike Proposal
  • SNAP & Husky Work Rule Changes
  • Renewed Commitment to Public Safety Personnel
  • Community Events

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.

I have joined a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers committed to opposing Eversource’s proposed 11% rate hike—an increase of approximately $503 million. At a time when families, seniors, and small businesses are already struggling with rising costs, this massive increase would place an even greater financial burden on ratepayers across our state. We are working together across party lines to demand greater accountability, transparency, and affordability for the people we represent.

In our letter to PURA, we urge the agency to hold public hearings in accessible locations throughout Eversource’s service territory, ensuring that residents have a meaningful opportunity to weigh in on a proposal that could significantly impact household budgets. We also make clear that this extraordinary rate increase request is excessive, unsustainable, and unjustified given the financial pressures Connecticut residents already face.

We are calling on PURA to subject every aspect of this proposal to the highest level of scrutiny and to reject any increase that cannot be fully justified. Connecticut families deserve reliable energy service at reasonable and affordable rates, and we will continue fighting to protect consumers from unnecessary cost increases.

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.
 

SNAP Work Requirement Changes that began in November 2025, some SNAP recipients must meet one of the following work rules:

  • Work at least 80 hours per month or earn at least $217.60 per week
  • Participate in a job training or work program, such as SNAP Employment & Training, for at least 80 hours per month
  • Complete at least 80 hours per month of community service or volunteer work
  • Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling 80 hours per month

Click here to use the SNAP Work Rules Pre-Screener and find out whether these requirements apply to you.
 

Upcoming HUSKY Health (HUSKY D) Changes

Starting January 1, 2027, some HUSKY D recipients may be subject to new work requirements. To meet the rules, individuals must fulfill at least one of the following:

Click here to answer a few questions to learn if the new proposed rules apply to you.

These rules do not start until 2027 and may change before then. This tool provides answers based on the current status of the rules.

Connecticut's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) offer free, in-person assistance with SNAP and HUSKY Health benefits, click here to find your local CAA office.

New legislation has been signed into law to expand benefits and strengthen support for Connecticut's public safety personnel, including police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and members of the National Guard. The law is designed to help recruit the next generation of public safety professionals while improving retention among those already serving our communities.

The legislation includes a wide range of initiatives and benefits, including college tuition and fee waivers, mortgage assistance programs, expanded survivor health insurance coverage, support for National Guard employment opportunities, and the creation of junior firefighter grant programs. It also establishes several new task forces and working groups focused on recruitment, retention, tax incentives, and career pipeline development for police officers and firefighters.

Additional provisions include studying health insurance options for retired police officers and firefighters, establishing pay rates for state troopers assigned to highway construction projects, providing tax relief for surviving domestic partners of first responders, and strengthening recruitment and retention efforts for UConn's public safety departments.

Together, these measures recognize the critical role public safety professionals play in protecting our communities and help ensure Connecticut can attract, support, and retain a strong and dedicated workforce.

For additional details, click here to read the Governor's news release.

Opening day for the Bristol Farmers Market is Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. One location for parking and shopping, enter the parking lot by way of Willis Street off of South Street.

Click here for more information and for a complete list of vendors.

The Bristol Bazaar is home to over 75 local makers, unique gifts, creative workshops, and Yellow King Bristol.

Shop small, support local and explore thousands of handmade treasures in our one-of-a-kind indoor market space. Open 6 days a week (67 Race Street), click here for more information.