Jennifer Leeper

I hope you'll join me, Reps. McCarthy Vahey and Keitt, and state and local leaders on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7pm in the BOE Conference Room (501 Kings Hwy E, Fairfield) for a housing forum to discuss the impact and implementation of the recently passed An Act Concerning Housing Growth. 

I know how important issues around housing, development, and zoning are to our community. This is complex and challenging work and this bill had many components. There has been a great deal of misinformation shared and I hope you will join us for a conversation with nonpartisan experts in the space of housing and planning. With our moratorium from 8-30g development, and new focus on planning from our local TPZ, this is the perfect time to take advantage of new resources and funding streams enabled by this legislation and determine, proactively, our community's future. I hope to see you there. 

A reminder that Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, announced the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, January 31. The original deadline was Jan. 15. Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting Feb. 1. Customers can also renew their coverage.

Recent state and federal changes mean the amount of financial help available and who is eligible have changed. However, financial assistance is still available.

Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.

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).

The state subsidies will fully fund the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for consumers with incomes between 100-200% of the federal poverty level and who are not enrolled in the Covered CT program.

The state subsidies will also replace 50% of the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for those with income over 400% of the federal poverty level and up to 500% of the federal poverty level.

AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial assistance to pay for their health insurance.

I was so excited to see Fairfield chosen as one of five Connecticut communities to be part of the Connecticut Main Street Center's (CMSC) 2026 Main Street Accelerator Cohort! 

The CMSC's goal is helping communities implement small-scale, high-impact projects that help their downtown. In Fairfield, we will bolster our Cultural District by increasing awareness, foot traffic, and economic activity.

I love the programs like these that put a focus on what makes our towns special, and works with local community leaders to make it even more meaningful. I cannot wait to see what they come up with to enhance our Cultural District!

A reminder that the Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program is open and will run through Saturday, January 10th. This 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, but 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. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season:

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/