Anne Hughes

This week, Comptroller Sean Scanlon released the 2026 Healthcare Cabinet Report at the State Capitol — a comprehensive, 42-page roadmap outlining 27 policy recommendations to strengthen and protect Connecticut’s healthcare system.

The Healthcare Cabinet, formed in 2023, brings together experts and community leaders across eight focus areas: children, LGBTQIA+, mental health, rural access, urban accessibility and affordability, urban equity and disparities, women, and workforce. Their work continues to shape meaningful legislative proposals.

Importantly, this effort is producing real results. Last year’s report included 38 recommendations. Fifteen received public hearings, and seven were ultimately passed into law — including:

• A new tuition reimbursement and loan repayment program for healthcare workers (Senate Bill 1450), and

• Increased Medicaid reimbursement rates (House Bill 7287).

This year’s report builds on that progress.

Among the key proposals:

• Creating a Healthcare Innovation Fund — modeled after the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund — with an initial $100 million investment over three years to grow and sustain Connecticut’s healthcare workforce.

• Expanding CHESLA lending capacity to help undergraduate and graduate students afford health profession programs, especially in light of upcoming federal policy changes.

• Establishing a permanent, inflation-indexed Workforce Innovation & Sustainability (WISE) Fund, with approximately 40% directed to urban communities for workforce training and student loan repayment.

• Supporting a permanent $600 per child Child Tax Credit to help families manage rising costs.

• Extending the state’s federal response reserve for another fiscal year to protect against uncertainty at the federal level.

As Comptroller Scanlon noted, access to healthcare is facing serious challenges. These recommendations are designed to ensure Connecticut remains proactive — strengthening our workforce, supporting families, and protecting access to quality, affordable care in every community.

I will continue reviewing these proposals carefully and working with my colleagues to advance solutions that support patients, providers, and families across our state.

Access Health CT is hosting a free Broker Academy training program.

Participants will receive comprehensive training, have their exam fees covered, and be paired with a mentor, ensuring support at every step of the journey.

Minimum requirements to apply:

• 18 years or older
• High school diploma or GED
• 1-3 recommendation letters Community service experience
• Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas

Click here for more information and to sign up for notifications.
For questions, email  AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov
Click here to sign up for a virtual Broker Academy Info Session, multiple dates available.

Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year.

Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.

Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.

Eligible applicants may qualify if they:

• Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
• Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
• Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
• Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
• Completed required community service or qualify for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances

Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.

Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

Knitting Without Needles on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2:30 p.m. at the Easton Public Library. Certified knitting instructor Dawn (The Stitching Coach) will lead a class on arm knitting. You will be able to cast on, knit, and bind off an infinity scarf. This program is open to adults and teens. Registration is recommended.

Join Troop 25 and Troop 66 for Scouting Ice Cream Social on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Easton Community Center. Come enjoy FREE ice cream, fun games and learn about the adventures of Scouting! All Youth ages 10-17 are welcome.

To qualify for any of Weston’s elderly tax relief programs, homeowners must be 65 or older by Dec. 31 of the preceding year and have paid real estate taxes for a minimum of one year prior to applying (10 years for Tax Freeze). In addition, applicants must present a copy of their completed IRS Form 1040 and supporting documentation to the Weston Tax Collector. 

• Tax Abatement: Applicant’s household income (if married, includes spouse’s income) must be under $56,500 from all sources and net worth cannot exceed $1.25 million (including the value of the home less any mortgages and/or loans). The amount abated applies to the first $400,000 of the assessed value of the home.
• Tax Deferment: Applicant’s household income (if married, includes spouse’s income) must be under $125,000 from all sources, there is no net worth ceiling. The deferred amount is based on the first $400,000 of the assessed value and a vj lien will be placed on applicant’s property until the deferred amount has been paid in full (must be within 14 years or sale of the home, whichever comes first). The interest rate for taxes deferred on the Grand List 2025 is 7.25%.
• Tax Freeze: Applicant’s household income (if married, includes spouse’s income) must be under $100,000 from all sources, applicant must be a resident for at least 10 years to qualify, and there is no net worth ceiling. The freeze is based on the first $800,000 of the assessed value and a lien will be placed on applicant’s property until the balance has been paid in full (must be within 14 years or sale of the home, whichever comes first). This program is interest free.

The Weston Police Department is launching a new story time program at the Weston Public Library on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 3:30 p.m. 

Kids can meet a police officer and enjoy a short kindness-themed story. 

This month’s story is from "Paw Patrol: 5-Minute Kindness Stories," perfect for young readers and listeners.
Storytime Dates (all at 3:30 p.m.):

• Wednesday, February 18
• Wednesday, March 18
• Wednesday, April 22
• Wednesday, May 20