I hope this email finds you well. Below, you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns.
The topics covered in this e-newsletter are as follows:
State Update
Community Resources
This Week In Connecticut History
Manchester Community Events and Information
East Hartford Community Events and Information
State Update
This week, the legislature convened in special session to address several important matters, including the need for temporary adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and the appropriation of funds to offset reductions in federal programs such as SNAP, WIC, and others that directly impact Connecticut residents.
House Bill No. HB-8003 is the state's $500 million funding response to cutbacks in federal funding. The funding will cover gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP.
We also took up a number of additional priorities aimed at supporting essential state programs and maintaining fiscal stability.
From retirees looking to downsize, to young professionals and families searching for affordable rentals, Connecticut residents at every stage of life share a common goal: finding a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
This week, during special session, we took a historic step toward making that goal a reality. The House and Senate passedAn Act Concerning Housing Growth; landmark legislation that will expand Connecticut’s housing supply and ensure every community is part of the solution. The bill empowers towns to plan for responsible, data-driven growth using insights from state, local, and regional partners to meet the housing needs of today and tomorrow.
Partnerships are at the heart of this effort. Developed in collaboration with municipal leaders, regional councils, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and Governor Lamont, this legislation creates a collaborative and practical framework through local Housing Growth Plans. Together, we’re making it easier for communities to grow in ways that strengthen local economies, support schools, and keep Connecticut’s future bright.
Connecticut has already made major investments in new housing and rehabilitation projects, and this bill builds on that progress. It’s designed to ensure that everyone, no matter their age, income, or background has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in the communities they love.
The legislation also encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, from aging strip malls to vacant commercial spaces, and promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation. By combining innovation with local control and targeted support, we’re strengthening the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut.
There’s still more work ahead, but An Act Concerning Housing Growth marks a major step forward in our shared effort to expand housing opportunities, support local economies, and ensure every Connecticut resident can find, and afford, a home in a community they’re proud to call their own.
Expanding Early Childhood Education
Connecticut will add up to 1,000 new spaces in the state’s Early Start CT program beginning in January 2026, expanding access to early childhood education and child care for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation.
This expansion is being funded through the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Endowment, which was established earlier this year. The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history.
Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program serving income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
To support this expansion, OEC will soon launch a Request for Applications (RFA) for child care providers interested in offering Early Start CT spaces. The RFA will be open to child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and public school preschool classrooms across the state.
During special session on Wednesday, we passed legislation that continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care. Highlights include:
Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
Insurance companies must now cover autism treatments — including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy — up to age 26
Adding substance abuse treatment providers for children to Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB)
Together, these measures represent a stronger, more coordinated system of care for Connecticut’s children.
On Wednesday, during our special session, we approved legislation preserving access to health care at Waterbury, Bristol and Day Kimball Hospitals. We voted in favor of a deal for the University of Connecticut Health Center to buy the hospitals, preventing a potentially devastating closure for our communities.
This not only ensures that these hospitals remain open, but it also protects existing positions and strengthens the future of health care across the state. By partnering with UConn Health, we are securing long-term stability and expanding access to high-quality care for families who deserve it close to home.
Resources
Volunteer Opportunity!
The event will be on Thursday, December 4th from 4:00-7:00pm. The link to register is here. There is a capacity for about 150 volunteers and there are links on the registration page for people just to donate money or goods as well. Please feel free to share this!
Energy Assistance
The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state. Through this program, GPCT has helped to 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. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. 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. GPCT has upcoming Energy Assistance Application Cycles:
January 2-10
March 2-10
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to:https://gpct.org/gethelp/
Dental Care for Greater Hartford Veterans
Connecticut Oral Health Initiative has received a $25,000 grant to provide free dental services for veterans in need. They are partnering with UConn Health Center and Tunxis Dental Hygiene School, who will be delivering the care. The program is open to veterans living in the Greater Hartford area, but they are flexible about the region as long as participants are willing to travel to Farmington. If you can, please help spread the word to any veterans who could benefit. Follow link for a flyer with a QR code and the registration link:www.ctoralhealth.org/salute.
Mobile Mammography Program
Mental Health
Domestic Violence
This Week In Connecticut History
Invited by celebrated architect and socialite Theodate Pope, and introduced by the equally well-placed and notably outspoken Katherine Houghton Hepburn, a militant English suffragist took the stage at Hartford’s Parson Theatre today in 1913, and delivered what is now regarded as one of the greatest speeches of the twentieth-century. Emmeline Pankhurst, whose unwavering advocacy for women’s right to vote in England had led her to attack government buildings, stone the prime minister’s residence, and spend significant time behind bars – all while building one of the most effective English women’s rights organizations – hearkened back to the spirit of Revolutionary War resistance to tryranny in a speech titled “Freedom or Death. ”
A pin sporting suffragist colors and a small portrait of Emmeline Pankhurst, circa 1909.
Taking the stage in front of a green, white, and purple banner that read “Resistance to Tyranny is Obedience to God,” Pankhurst spoke for an hour and a half, delivering a powerful and eloquent justification for using militant tactics to agitate for women’s rights. “Tonight I am not here to advocate woman suffrage,” she declared; “I am here as a soldier who has temporarily left the field of battle in order to explain what civil war is like when civil war is waged by women.” Giving a detailed history of the trials and tribulations of the women’s movement in England, Pankhurst also made multiple references to the political ideals of the Enlightenment and the American Revolution, repeatedly stressing the intolerable status quo of an entire country of women being governed without their consent: “We have been proving in our own person that government does not rest upon force; it rests upon consent… all of the strange happenings that you have read about over [in England] have been manifestations of a refusal to consent on the part of the women.”
“Women are very slow to rouse, but once they are aroused, once they are determined, nothing on earth and nothing in heaven will make women give way; it is impossible.” – Emmeline Pankhurst, Nov. 13, 1913
Pankhurst used militaristic language throughout her speech, referring to anti-suffragists as “the enemy” and the struggle for women’s voting rights as a “civil war.” Referencing the many cases of suffragists going on hunger strikes, she dramatically declared: “We will put the enemy in the position where they will have to choose between giving us freedom or giving us death.”
The following day, Pankhurst left Hartford by train amid a crowd of well-wishers, taking with her $1,400 in donations (equivalent to over $35,000 in today’s dollars) to help her continue her “trouble-making” in England. Local newspaper coverage of Pankhurst’s speech was lukewarm at best; the Hartford Courant described the speaker as a “notorious militant,” the venue as mostly empty, and concluded “Mrs. Pankhurst argued the suffrage cause of woman… but not with great result.” History would prove that final sentiment wrong, as Pankhurst’s “Freedom or Death” speech is now widely considered one of the greatest political speeches of the 20th century.
A speech for the ages that both defined, defended, and energized the radical women’s movement of the early 20th century, delivered today in Connecticut history.
The Town of Manchester thanks all those that attended the community information session for the Manchester Flood Resiliency Plan! If you were unable to attend, feel free to ask any questions by emailing: manchesterfloodplan@gmail.com.
For information about local food and other resources please visit Senior, Adult and Family Services food resources page here If you need to check your EBT balance call 1-888-328-2666 or use MyDSS.ct.gov. For more comprehensive assistance and resources, please contact 2-1-1
Manchester Youth Commission: Mini Grant Application
The Manchester Youth Commission is requesting proposals for Mini Grants of up to $1000 per application to Manchester community groups which are either led by, or intended to benefit, youth in Manchester. Qualifying candidates must plan to facilitate a project or program which fulfills one of three categories: Out of School Time/After School Initiatives, Service-Learning Initiatives, and Arts and Culture Initiatives. Grant money may not be used for religious instruction or materials, capital expenses, or donations to other organizations.
Applications for the Manchester Youth Commission Mini Grant Program are available online and must be completed and received by the Manchester Youth Services Bureau by no later than 11:59PM on December 5th, 2025. A letter of support or recommendation is also required. Grant recipients whose proposals have been selected for funding will be notified by the end of January. Decisions will be based on recommendations of the Manchester Youth Commission Philanthropy Committee and the availability of funds. Applying does not guarantee selection. Getting funded one year does not guarantee funding another year.
For additional information, please contact Samantha Bell at the Manchester Youth Service Bureau at (959) 221-0780, or e-mail sbell@manchesterct.gov.
Road Race Registration Open
Runners Will Make Strides to Fight Food Insecurity
Registration for the 89th Manchester Road Race opened on September 1st, and race organizers said that the thousands of runners who are expected to compete in it will all be making strides to alleviate hunger in Connecticut.
Dr. Tris Carta, President of the Manchester Road Race Committee, announced that food insecurity will be the primary charitable focus of this year’s road race, which will be held at 10 a.m. in Manchester on Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2025).
According to Carta, the race committee voted to suspend in 2025 its practice of annually awarding grants from the event’s net proceeds to a number of diverse charities and nonprofits. Instead, those funds will be earmarked this year for two organizations that provide food to those in need, Connecticut Foodshare and Manchester Area Conference of Churches Charities.
Connecticut Foodshare is a food bank serving the people of Connecticut, and is a member of Feeding America’s nationwide network. It distributes healthy food through a network of more than 650 food pantries, community kitchens and meal programs and operates mobile food distribution centers across the state.
MACC Charities operates a “Community Kitchen’ serving lunches during the week and an emergency food pantry that distributes groceries.
“There is a pressing need at Connecticut’s food banks right now, and we’re hoping that our road race can make a substantial contribution to address it,” Carta said.
Carta also indicated that the committee has designated MACC Charities as the beneficiary of the road race’s annual Honors Club Program. Each year, the race sets aside bibs for up to 120 runners who each pay $100, instead of the traditional entry fee. All of those funds are donated to a single designated charity, which this year will be MACC Charities.
Registration for the 4.737-mile Thanksgiving Day Run is available on-line at www.manchesterroadrace.com.
This year’s entry fee will remain $32 for runners who sign up on-line at www.manchesterroadrace.comprior to 11:59 pm EST on Sept 30. The entry fee subsequently increases to $37 on October 1st and to $42 on November 22.
Registration for the race will close completely on November 25, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. No entries will be accepted on the day of the race.
Runners will once again have the option to either pick up their bibs in person, or have them delivered. The race committee has scheduled a number of times and dates prior to the race when bibs can be picked up in person at no additional cost. Details about the schedule and locations of the in-person pickup dates, and the fee that will be charged for delivery, will be available at www.manchesterroadrace.com when registration opens on September 1st.
Race officials are reminding runners that there will not be bib pickup on the morning of the race.
“We’ve been working on plans for this year’s race since last winter, and we believe it is going to be another world-class event,” Carta said. “We anticipate another exciting race with a large field, and we are urging everyone to register as soon as they possibly can.
Carta also said that race officials are once again offering a Virtual Manchester Road Race option for those who can’t attend the event in person. Participants can download a GPS-enabled app to their smartphones and have their times recorded as they run the MRR course distance at any location in the world.
On-line registration for the virtual run also begins on Sept. 1st and closes on Nov.25th. The registration fee is $30 and more information is available at www.manchesterroadrace.com.
Approximately 400 volunteers from the Manchester Road Race Committee organize the annual Thanksgiving Day Run, with support from the Town of Manchester. More details are available on the road race website.
Access the DSS SNAP work rules pre-screener. Starting December 1, 2025, all towns in Connecticut will now follow special SNAP work rules for adults. Please use this SNAP Work Rules Pre-screener to understand if these new rules apply to you.
Friendship Soup Kitchen Hot "Grab & Go" (New Covenant United Methodist Church located at 6 Church Street, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm)
The Town of East Hartford began the annual curbside leaf collection program on Monday, November 3, 2025.Leaves will be vacuumed Monday through Saturday starting November 3rd continuously through December 13th, 2025.
The program consists of the vacuuming of leaves placed in piles on a tree belt. Leaves will be vacuumed along each street, weather permitting. The leaf collection program will commence on roads in the northwest corner of town in the area of Pitkin Street and then proceed north and east through the Burnham and Goodwin Street areas. Collection will proceed in a clockwise direction around town.
There will be no leaf collection on two (2) Town-observed holidays—Veterans Day, November 11, 2025 and Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025.
The map will show completed areas as well as the areas where leaf collection is anticipated the following week. Residents should note that the map is tentative and dependent on the weather and the speed of collection and should not be considered a set collection schedule. Progress of the collection is weather-dependent and will be affected by rain or snow. Snowfall before mid-December may cause a suspension or cancellation of leaf collection. The map will be updated with address-specific collection information, such as whether collection has been completed or is anticipated by close of business on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Residents, please look for leaf program lawn signs! Leaf collection lawn signs will be posted in neighborhoods to notify residents that curbside leaf pickup is coming, and to encourage raking to the tree belt and paper leaf bag collection.
Please do not block storm drains and catch basins with leaves to prevent flooding issues.
The Map will show your property- click on it to pull up the anticipated collection week.
To find out if leaf piles collection has already been completed in your area, please click on the road centerline, which will indicate if the street has been completed. Once leaf vacuuming in your neighborhood has been completed, if you still have additional leaf piles, we encourage to bag your leaves. We will make every attempt to come back around, weather permitting. In order to best accommodate for weather disruptions, bagged leaves will increase likelihood of pickup.
Residents also have two (2) additional options for leaf disposal: OPTION 1: Curbside Brown Bag Collection for six (6) weeks
Town crews will pick up leaves placed in biodegradable brown paper bags beginning November 3, 2025 through December 13, 2025 on your regular waste collection day, weather permitting.
Please place your bagged leaves at the curb two (2) days before your regular trash and recycling pickup day.
Leaves must be placed in biodegradable brown paper bags only. No grass clippings, branches or other waste items can be placed in the paper bags nor will the Town collect leaves in plastic bags. We will aim for leaf bags to be collected within two weeks of you placing them on the curb. If you bring them back inside, you may be at risk of missing the collection.
*NEW* for 2025: Once your leaves are bagged and ready, you can submit a ticket through My East Hartford app or website. We will aim for leaf bags to be collected within the week, after the request is received.
OPTION 2: Resident Transport to the Transfer Station for FREE Disposal
Residents may bring their leaves to the Transfer Station on Ecology Drive:
Regularly scheduled transfer station hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 7:15 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. (closed for lunch between 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
First and third Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Additionally, the transfer station will be open for LEAF DROP-OFF ONLY on the following Saturdays: November 8, 22, 29, and December 13
Leaves in plastic bags will not be accepted. For any additional information, please call Public Works Administration (860) 291-7374.
My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email atJason.Rojas@cga.ct.govor by phone at 860-240-8541.
