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Warming Centers
The forecast indicates that bitterly cold weather will persist for an extended period, with temperatures remaining well below seasonal averages through the middle of next week. This prolonged cold spell is unlike anything Connecticut has experienced in many years, raising concerns about public safety and infrastructure impacts. In response to these conditions, Governor Ned Lamont has extended Connecticut’s Severe Weather Protocol through noon on Thursday, February 5.
Please be reminded that warming centers throughout the area are available for individuals and families in need. You can search for them here. These locations provide a safe, heated space during extreme cold conditions.
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Access Health CT Deadline
Reminder: Access Health CT’s extended enrollment deadline runs through Saturday, January 31. Customers who register or renew by this date will have health and dental coverage beginning February 1.
Connecticut is stepping up by offering financial assistance despite recent federal cuts. Some customers may 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).
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Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them, including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair. Help is available in over 100 languages.
Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.
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February 4: Back in Session
Next week, the 2026 legislative session will officially get underway at the state Capitol. My legislative colleagues and I will begin several months of debate, deliberation, and decision-making on a wide range of key policy issues that will shape our state in the year ahead.
Watch the 2026 legislative session live on CT-N beginning Wednesday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m., with coverage of opening day. Live streams of subsequent session days and committee meetings are also available at any time.
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Fair Rent, Fair Treatment
From The Day:New London — The city’s Fair Rent Commission on Wednesday ruled a new corporate landlord cannot increase the rents for a trio of local unionized tenants until the end of July — a much longer reprieve than even the tenants’ lawyer expected.
The commission, which by state statute is empowered to order reductions in rent and freeze proposed increases in some cases, unanimously ordered a slate of rent-related directives against the Alpha Capital Funds group, which last year purchased several New London apartment buildings.
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Fighting for Our Climate
This week, my colleagues, advocates, and everyday people stood outside the Hartford Capitol demanding accountability. Our state, our country, and our planet are already feeling the real effects of climate change, and we cannot keep allowing working families to shoulder the cost while polluters walk away without responsibility.
That’s why we’re pushing for a Climate Superfund and a “polluters pay” approach—so the corporations that caused and continue to cause this damage are held accountable, not the people just trying to get by.
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Corrections Advisory Committee
I had the opportunity to be present during the Corrections Advisory Committee public discussion, led by the Correction Ombudsman Attorney DeVaughn Ward, and I want to recognize the hard work of the Connecticut Office of the Correction Ombudsman for its thorough examination of our state’s correctional facilities in the 2025 Conditions of Confinement Report. The report reviewed critical issues ranging from food service and sanitation to medical care, staffing, and overall living conditions.
During the discussion, the community heard directly from people with lived experience, advocates, and family members about these conditions and what must be done to address them. The concerns raised—unsanitary environments, inadequate medical care, delayed treatment, and systemic failures that impact health, safety, and dignity—require action now, not later. The administration and the legislature must take responsibility and move with urgency to fix these issues, ensure accountability, and protect basic human dignity within our correctional system.
Thank you to all the advocates that came out, I also want to recognize and thank Barbara Fair, who has been a steadfast advocate for the rights and dignity of those behind the walls. Barbara truly walks the walk, often doing more than many of us who hold positions of authority, and her commitment continues to push this work forward.
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Connecticut Port Authority BriefingHad the opportunity to attend a briefing with State Representative Aundré Bumgardner and the Connecticut Port Authority. We received an overview of recent activities, current initiatives, and priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Members also focus on port infrastructure, economic development, and maritime related investments that are critical to Connecticut’s economy and coastal communities. I look forward to having the Port Authority come back to New London and share information to inform our community of what's being done.
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Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony
Although I was unable to attend in person, I want to take a moment to recognize and honor the 14 newest inductees into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
Each of these veterans represents courage, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to service—both to our country and to our communities here in Connecticut. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed, and this recognition is well deserved.
I extend my sincere congratulations to:
- Thomas M. Brockett – U.S. Air Force – Branford
- Adele E. Hodges – U.S. Marine Corps – Stratford
- Kenneth W. Korsu – U.S. Army – Southbury
- Dennis F. Lisee – U.S. Air Force & U.S. Army – Norwich
- Michael D. Monaco – U.S. Marine Corps – Glastonbury
- William J. Newman – U.S. Army – Avon
- Charles M. Pickett – U.S. Army – New Haven
- Alex J. Plitsas – U.S. Army – Fairfield
- Michael A. Rogalsky – U.S. Army – Middletown
- Everett G. Shepard III – U.S. Army – Woodstock
- Juliet A. Taylor – U.S. Army – Bridgeport
- Pamela A. Townsend – U.S. Army – Enfield
- Russell E. Vibberts, Jr. – U.S. Army – Stafford Springs
- Sherri L. Vogt – U.S. Army – Brooklyn
Thank you for your service, your leadership, and the legacy you continue to leave for future generations.
Connecticut is better because of you. Big thank you to Connecticut Veterans Affairs for the amazing work you put in to recognize the Class of 2025. Photo credit to CVA Facebook page
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Housing Needs in Eastern Connecticut
I’m sharing a new set of fact sheets for every town and city in New London County that highlight a growing mismatch between how people live, what they earn, and what housing costs in our region.
The data shows several trends we can’t ignore:
- Households are changing, but the types of homes being built have not kept pace.
- The number of households continues to grow, even as the overall population declines.
- Single-family home prices have risen significantly, while annual home production has slowed.
- The result is that many residents are being priced out or pushed into housing that doesn’t match their needs.
- These fact sheets break the information down community by community so we can have honest, informed conversations about affordability and planning for the future.
- This is also where advocacy matters. Data alone doesn’t create change—people do. I encourage residents, community leaders, and organizations to reach out to their local and state legislators and push harder for policies that address housing supply, affordability, and smart development across our region.
- Understanding the facts is the first step. Speaking up and holding decision-makers accountable is how we start fixing the problem.
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Women's Business Development Council Grants
The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from February 3rd through March 18th. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from February 1st through February 28th. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.
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2026 OLR Major Issues Report
The 2026 Office of Legislative Research Major Issues Report provides concise summaries of key topics anticipated to come before the General Assembly during the upcoming legislative session.
You can click here to access the report.
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Seasonal Opportunities at the CT Department of Transportation
Below is a message from the CT Department of Transportation:
Looking for more than just a paycheck?
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is hiring for seasonal roles in Architecture, GIS, Ferry Operations, and more.
Get real hands-on experience, strengthen your resume, and make a real impact across our state.
Spots are limited—apply before they’re gone!
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
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