Anne Hughes

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the most prominent civil rights leaders to emerge after Martin Luther King Jr., died Tuesday after a lifetime fighting for racial justice, voting rights, and the poor.

I had the honor of speaking alongside the Rev. Jesse Jackson as a college education and social justice student at a Bronx high school in the 1980s. He asked the student body audience, with a show of hands, how many students would tell an adult, teacher, if they saw a fellow student displaying and sharing KKK, white supremacy symbols and materials, maybe in their school locker, backpack, or on their bus, etc?  A smattering of hands went up. Then even more hands shot up.

Then the Rev. asked, with a show of hands, if any students saw another student in possession of a firearm, showing the gun they brought to school, would tell a trusted adult or school staff? No hands went up.

He asked them, if you are willing to stand up for each other to protect one another from white supremacy from peers, why are you not willing to stand up to protect each other from gun violence?

I will never forget his reflection to a group of young students in the Bronx, of the power we all have, that we make a choice about how and when to use, and how we must use our peer and collective power in the face of seemingly overwhelming systemic threats.

I remember his decades of advocacy that shaped how we dared to hope, and what we can be as a people  Not only a gifted organizer and orator, he was an educator, gun violence prevention champion who helped carry the unfinished work of the civil rights movement from the streets into national politics, including landmark presidential campaigns.

Rest in peace.

As Rep. Steinberg noted, there is currently no aid-in-dying bill on the legislative calendar this session, but there is still time to propose one.

Such a bill would apply exclusively to individuals with a terminal diagnosis of less than six months to live who are able to self-administer the prescribed medication.

I continue to support allowing terminally ill individuals to have a dignified death with medical support, just as strongly as I support dignified medical support in birth.

More coverage from CT News Junkie is available here.

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. 

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.