Happy Independence Day!

July 2, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Saturday is Independence Day. The 4th of July is an opportunity to celebrate a land shaped by its immigrants and dreamers. Let’s keep moving forward until everyone shares in the promise of liberty and justice.

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The state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol has been activated and will remain in effect through Sunday, July 5. Over the next few days, temperatures are expected to climb into the high 90s. If you are outside during the day, please take precautions to keep yourself safe - drink plenty of water, avoid the sun when possible, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to high temperatures.

Click here for more information on cooling centers in Norwalk.

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Getting around Connecticut this Independence Day weekend will be easier and more affordable thanks to special fare discounts. On Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, riders can travel free on all CTtransit bus routes statewide and enjoy a special $2.50 fare on the CTrail Hartford Line and Shore Line East, making it easier to attend Fourth of July celebrations.

The free CTtransit promotion includes CTfastrak and ADA paratransit services. Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule both days, with some expanded service available. No tickets or passes are required—simply hop on board and ride.

Adults traveling on the CTrail Hartford Line and Shore Line East can ride between any two stations on each rail line for just $2.50. Children can ride for free on the Shore Line East Line, and for $1 on the Hartford Line. These special fares do not apply to Metro-North's New Haven Line.

To commemorate America's 250th anniversary, riders will also see buses featuring special CT250-themed designs and trains decorated with red, white, and blue striping, flags, and CT250 logos. Commemorative tickets will also be available throughout the holiday weekend.

Whether you're heading to a fireworks display, a parade, Hartford Bonanza 2026, or spending time with family and friends, take advantage of these special fares and enjoy a safe, convenient, and festive way to travel this holiday weekend.

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The Early Childhood Education Endowment’s Advisory Board voted to approve the new early childhood educator health insurance subsidy program beginning in 2027 and available through Access Health CT’s Open Enrollment starting October 23.

Established into law in 2025, the state's historic Early Childhood Education Endowment has already created up to 1,000 new child care spaces, supported an 8% increase in Early Start CT reimbursement rates, expanded Smart Start preschool classrooms, and invested in operational grants for providers across the state. As specified in Public Act 25-93, $10 million of the FY27 Endowment spend is dedicated to a health insurance subsidy program for early childhood educators. Early childhood educators often struggle with access to affordable health insurance, and this subsidy program can help retain and recruit essential workers for our early childhood system to work for families, employers and our economy.

The subsidy will allow educators to access qualified health plans through Access Health CT and receive a subsidy toward their cost for health insurance through either an individual plan through Access Health CT, an employer’s small employer group plan through Access Health CT or in conjunction with an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) offered by their employer. Eligible early childcare educators must not be eligible for Medicaid or the Covered Connecticut program.

The subsidy program is income-based and provide a flat subsidy for covered options regardless of which option through which an individual receives their health insurance. Early childhood educators earning between 175% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will receive a subsidy of $1,200 per year; those earning between 250% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level will receive $1,100 subsidies; and those earning over 400% will receive $1,000.

Approximately 7,200 to 8,800 early child care workers will be eligible for the program. Access Health CT will also receive funding from the Endowment to promote and advertise the program to early childhood educators and providers.

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