Legislative & Local Updates - December 12

December 12, 2025


 


We're just days away from the start of Hanukkah and two weeks away from Christmas and Kwanzaa. I hope you have a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and just be present. Reflect on the past year and prepare for 2026. 

This week, I had the opportunity to stand alongside a fellow legislator and representatives from United Ways across the state to announce the Emergency Grocery Assistance Fund. The fund is meant to help offset grocery expenses for residents of the state who are experiencing hardship. You can learn more about the fund and how you can contribute to the fund in this e-newsletter.

There's a big step to share with you on Hartford Healthcare's bid to purchase Eastern Connecticut Health Network, which includes both Rockville General Hospital and Manchester Memorial Hospital. You can read more about it in this newsletter.

On December 15, I will be joining two legislators - Rep. Kevin Brown and Rep. Patrick Biggins - for a homeschool conversation at Hall Memorial Library. Rep. Brown is Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, and Rep. Biggins is the Chair of the Homeschool Working Group. 

Wreaths Across America takes place this Saturday around the district. I hope you'll attend the ceremonies at one of the three cemeteries taking part - Windsorville Cemetery in East Windsor (Broadbrook), Ellington Center Cemetery, and Grove Hill Cemetery in Vernon. 

I also share several upcoming events - both holiday and community events - that I hope you'll consider attending. 

I hope you have a great weekend! 

Jaime

In this newsletter, you'll find:

  • Moving Beyond is January 15!
  • Emergency Grocery Assistance Fund
  • Capitol Updates
  • Federal Updates
  • Veteran Updates
  • Ellington Winter Market Dates
  • East Windsor High School Block Party
  • Honoring VPD's Officer Momnie
  • Community Carol Singing with Luann's Bakery on December 12
  • Rockville Public Library Cookie Sale
  • East Windsor Torchlight Parade and Carol Sing on December 20
  • And More!
 

MOVING BEYOND CONFERENCE
 

The third Moving Beyond Implications conference will be on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. (with lunch at 11:30 a.m.)  The networking reception will end at 6 p.m.  Organizers (including myself) hope to make it our biggest and best year. Last year, there were over 150 attendees, 24 presentations, and over 20 briefs.

All members of the Connecticut General Assembly are invited to attend, and leadership from the Governor’s Office, General Assembly, and the many offices that implement Connecticut’s policies and programs will also be invited.

For more information, click HERE. 
 

IN THE NEWS
 

Last month, the legislature was called into a special session to address a number of issues, including the state's housing crisis. In my most recent article in North Central News, I address some of the misconceptions surrounding the bill and what the bill will actually do for Connecticut's residents and our housing stock. 

Click HERE or the graphic below to read part one of the article. 

Click HERE to read page 25 (conclusion of article). 
 

On Tuesday, I joined Representative Leeper and United Ways from across the state to announce a statewide grocery assistance initiative. The support is available through grocery store gift cards distributed by local United Ways across the state.

Members of the public are invited to contribute to the Emergency Grocery Assistance Fund by making a charitable donation at unitedwayinc.org or by texting the keyword SNAPDONATE25 to 41444. The goal of the fund is to offset grocery expenses for Connecticut residents experiencing hardship.

As an expert in food insecurity, I know it’s critically important that people have the food they need to live healthy lives.
 
We don’t want to see anyone in Connecticut go hungry, especially families with young children and our homebound seniors. All donations will be used to purchase grocery store gift cards, which grocers have generously contributed to allow us to purchase in bulk at a discounted rate.

Gift cards valued between $25 and $100 will be available across the state through local United Ways and are expected to be in the hands of individuals experiencing food insecurity by December 31.

The 2025 DataHaven Community Survey reveals that food insecurity rates for adults and children have reached an all-time high; 26 percent of adults living with children run out of money for food. Nearly 58,000 families in Connecticut are predicted to have lost significant SNAP benefits due to the permanent changes as a result of the federal H.R.1. bill signed into law on July 4, 2025.

News Coverage:
CT Newsjunkie article
WTNH Channel 8
CT Public
 
 

This week, the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy (OHS) approved the Certificate of Need (CON) application for Hartford Healthcare to purchase Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN), which is comprised of Rockville General Hospital and Manchester Memorial Hospital. 

I am happy - and relieved - that our local facilities will continue to support our residents' healthcare needs close to home. It allows employees - many of whom are our friends and neighbors - to keep their jobs. This has been a long and arduous process that is finally coming to a close, and a new beginning with Hartford Healthcare.

The decision imposes conditions on the transfer of ownership that are designed to address potential areas of concern OHS identified with the transaction. Among other things, these conditions require the Hartford HealthCare subsidiary purchasing the hospital to:

  • Provide an initial assessment of the condition of Manchester Memorial Hospital and the Rockville campus, as well as a strategic integration plan, within nine months
  • Engage the community in both strategic planning and community health needs assessment (CHNA) processes within nine months
  • Maintain services offered under the Manchester Memorial Hospital license, which includes the Rockville campus, for the later of three years from the closing of the transaction or 90 days after the publication of the second CHNA, including current labor and delivery and intensive care services
  • Maintain service levels unless OHS grants prior approval for reductions
  • Notify OHS within 30 days of any reallocation of inpatient beds or relocation of outpatient services

In addition, the conditions require preservation of a 24/7 Emergency Department in Vernon for at least three years, and maintenance of the full complement of inpatient behavioral health services at or within 30 miles of the Rockville campus.

Click HERE to read more about it in the Hartford Courant (gift link). You can also read the press release from OHS HERE. The OHS decision can be found HERE. 
 

I sat down with CT Examiner reporter Robert Storace this week to discuss plans for the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee in the 2026 session and the committee's greatest accomplishments in the last session. When the article is ready, I'll be sure to share it!
 

CAPITOL UPDATES
 

Please join fellow State Representatives Kevin Brown (D-Vernon, Vice-Chair of Education) and Patrick Biggins (D-East Hartford/Manchester) for a discussion on homeschooling. The meeting will be held at Hall Memorial Library on December 15, 6:30 p.m.
 

The deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026 is fast approaching. If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process. Ensuring you’re covered is one of the most crucial steps you can take to safeguard your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
 
If residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026.

If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026.

This week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, Governor Lamont announced that the state expects to spend approximately $70 million next year to offset the loss. These funds will come from a $500 million contingency reserve we created during last month’s special session to address potential federal cuts to safety-net programs.
 
For individuals earning up to $56,000 a year, health care costs will remain unchanged. Likewise, a family of four with an annual income of up to approximately $128,000 will see little to no change in their costs. Partial subsidies are being considered for those with slightly higher incomes, up to $75,000 for single individuals and $160,000 or more for a family of four who would pay slightly more than they do now.
 
When Washington walks away, Connecticut steps up to protect health care costs for thousands of residents.
 

Admittedly, the recent announcement on the state's payments into retired teachers' and state workers' pension funds isn't likely to get your heart pumping or have you high-fiving your best friends.
 
But the news that the state is making continued progress toward meeting its long-term obligations is incredibly important to every Connecticut resident.
 
First, the numbers: the retired state workers' fund increased by more than $2.3 billion in 2025 due to strong investment performance and additional contributions. The unfunded liability decreased from $19.2 billion to $17.6 billion. The funded ratio increased from 55.2% to 59.6%.
 
Meanwhile, the retired teachers' fund grew by more than $1.6 billion, with its funded ratio increasing to 63.7%.
 
In a vacuum, the ratios may seem low, but consider that in 2018, the ratios were 37% for state retirees and 52% for teachers. That's because, for decades, the state failed to make the full required annual contributions to its pension funds, leading to a huge, compounding debt. Since 2011, however, responsible budgets adopted by the state legislature have fully funded these contributions annually and implemented collaborative reforms with labor and management.
 
What this means is that Connecticut is continuing to keep its financial house in order. One huge knock-on effect in a healthier pension landscape is Connecticut's credit ratings have improved (to Aa2, AA-, AA and AA+ by the various agencies), making it less expensive to borrow money due to lower interest rates.
 
Exciting? Maybe not. But definitely great news for every one of us.
 

Last week, the Appropriations and the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding committees held the annual Fiscal Accountability Meeting with the Office of Policy & Management and the Office of Fiscal Analysis.

The joint hearing is important as committee members examine the state’s long-term fiscal outlook — from projected surpluses and structural pressures to the health of our Budget Reserve Fund.

One of the most urgent issues is the looming structural deficit in the Special Transportation Fund, which is projected to enter significant shortfalls beginning in FY28 and could reach insolvency by FY30 without legislative action.

The STF is the backbone of our state’s transportation system, funding our highways, bridges, and public transit, and its long-term stability is essential for economic growth, safety, and mobility.

Click HERE for the OPM Report and click HERE for the OFA Report. You can also click the graphics below to read each report.
 

From the Office of the Healthcare Advocate: Every Connecticut hospital has different financial assistance policies and income thresholds. Some provide free care at minimum wage levels, while others offer discounts for households earning $80,000 or more. Don't assume you don't qualify - the only way to know is to apply. Click HERE to learn about hospital financial assistance programs across the state.

And don't hesitate to reach out to my office if we can assist.
 

FEDERAL UPDATES
 

H.R. 1, also known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," is changing the rules on SNAP benefits, especially when it pertains to Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs).

Find out if the changes to SNAP impact you by answering a few questions HERE. 
 

I’ve been reading the flurry of reports about the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rolling back the federal minimum nurse staffing standards for nursing homes. I’m struck by how parts of the long-term care industry are praising this change, and by contrast, some advocates are sounding the alarm.

Anyone who has stayed in, worked in, or even visited a long-term care facility in the last decade knows the truth: there is a growing problem. Staffing has been stretched thinner and thinner, residents’ needs have become more complex, and families are already carrying the emotional weight of watching loved ones subsist in systems that are struggling and often failing to keep up.

It is very hard for me to imagine any world in which removing skilled nurse staffing leads to anything other than a decline in quality of care. Minimum staffing standards were not extravagant. They were a baseline. They recognized that safe, dignified care requires actual human beings at the bedside, not just paperwork saying needs are “assessed.”
Declining staffing does not usually result in lower costs. It often results in more falls, more infections, more emergency room trips, more hospitalizations, and more suffering. 

Loosening standards may feel like a win for facilities under financial pressure, but the people who will feel the impact most directly are the residents who need care, the families who love them, and the staff who are already doing more with less every single day.

We should be moving toward safer care, not stepping backward.

Click HERE to read the article or click the graphic below. 
 

CTECS APPLICATIONS OPEN
 

The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is accepting applications for students entering grades 9 and 10 in the 2026-2027 school year.

CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting, NEASC-accredited technical high schools serving approximately 11,500 high school students. Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day program that combines academics with an advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. Students are served by schools located in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, Danielson, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham.

Students can choose from 31 programs of study in areas such as these career clusters:

  • Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
  • Architecture and Construction
  • Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication
  • Health Science
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Human Services
  • Information Technology
  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
  • Manufacturing
  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
  • Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
View Complete List of CTE Programs

Graduates are prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or further education at two- or four-year colleges. There are also opportunities to earn college credit while in high school through College Career Pathways (CCP) partnerships with community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs with universities. In addition to academics and technical training, schools offer athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities.

The CTECS application closes on January 25, 2026. Applications submitted by this deadline will be included in the lottery for on-time placements. Applications submitted after January 25 will be added to the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. No new applications for incoming grade 9 students will be accepted after March 1, 2026.
More Information/Apply Online

NOTE: This application process does not apply to Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) schools: Cheney Tech (Manchester), Goodwin Tech (New Britain), or Prince Tech (Hartford) current grade 8 students. The on-time RSCO application for Cheney Tech, Goodwin Tech, and Prince Tech for the 2026-2027 school year is now open and closes on February 6, 2026.

Visit ChooseYourSchool.org to apply to these three specific schools.
 

VETERAN UPDATES
 

Information that may be useful for veterans:

Veterans can track bills related to military benefits, tax relief, and more using the General Assembly’s Bill Tracking Tool: Track Bills Here

How to Get a Copy of Your DD 214

  • Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
  • Check with your Town Clerk – Many Veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
  • Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
  • Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
  • If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.

Applying for a Discharge Upgrade

Veterans with less than honorable discharges due to PTSD, TBI, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or sexual orientation (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) may be eligible for an upgrade. Learn more and apply online: Discharge Upgrade Instructions

Municipal Veterans Representative Program

Each town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help Veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep

2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for Download

The latest edition of the VA’s "Veterans Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" is now available: Download Here
 

December 7 marked the 84th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. We acknowledge this day each year as it pays tribute to the many American servicemen and women who lost their lives or were injured during the attack on December 7, 1941.

Nationwide, there are 12 survivors left from that fateful day in Hawaii. All are centenarians. 
 

Wreaths Across America 2025 here! This year's event will take place on December 13 at noon. The 2025 theme is "Keep Moving Forward." 

Wreaths will be placed in the following cemeteries in East Windsor, Ellington, and Vernon:

  • East Windsor: Windsorville Cemetery, Broadbrook
  • Ellington: Ellington Center Cemetery
  • Vernon: Grove Hill Cemetery 
 

Join in for some holiday cheer at the Veterans Coffeehouse on December 18! Come meet Ellington's new First Selectman, Laurie Burstein, and enjoy delicious refreshments generously donated by Luann’s Bakery.
 

COMMUNITY UPDATES
 

The mission of the East Windsor Prevention Council is to raise awareness and provide support and education around substance and mental health in the East Windsor community.

The information gathered through this survey will help the Council better understand the feelings, needs of the East Windsor community, and allow us to serve youth and families with targeted local prevention programming and services.

This survey is voluntary and confidential, and takes most people 5-10 minutes to complete. Survey results will be analyzed and summarized by an independent evaluator. At the end of the survey, you will have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for two (2) $25 gift cards. Email addresses will be extracted from the survey before analysis.

To take the survey, click HERE. 
 

An important message from the Vernon Police Department: This holiday season, VPD is proud to partner with Project ChildSafe to help keep the community safe. As part of this initiative, VPD is offering free gun locks along with important educational materials on responsible firearm storage.

Stop by the Vernon Police Department to pick up a free gun lock—while supplies last!
It’s a simple step that helps keep your home safer during the busy holiday season.

Thank you to Project ChildSafe for their continued support and dedication to safer communities.
 

Hall Memorial Library is collecting for Julie’s Safe House until the end of the year.

Julie's Safehouse is a short-term, emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. Their staff is available for individual counseling, women’s and children’s group support, safety planning, and providing information and referrals to local and statewide resources.

HML is collecting items from the organization's wish list this holiday season in memory of Gay, a longtime employee, who passed away. She loved with all her heart, and this was her beloved tradition.

The wish list can be found HERE.
 

Ellington Farmers Winter Market will be held at Ellington High School, 37 Maple St., from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on:

  • December 13
  • December 20
  • January 10
  • January 24
  • February 7
  • February 21
 

The East Windsor Police Department invites you to attend "Coffee with a Cop" on December 23. Join EWPD for a coffee and conversation at Cafe Barista on 12/23 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Last year, EWPD had an incredible time catching up and meeting new town residents (and out-of-town patrons as well).
 

Mark your calendars for January 7, starting at 5 p.m., for the Annual EWHS Block Party!

This fun, family-friendly event is open to children of all ages and gives everyone a chance to explore East Windsor High School, meet the staff, and learn about all the academics, activities, and programs that make the school a place where students thrive. Community partners will attend, food will be available, and the evening wraps up with a home boys basketball game; a great way to show the Panther Pride.
 

Recently, the Vernon Police Department's Officer Cara Momnie was honored with the Law Enforcement Sector All-Star Award from the CT Association for Prevention Professionals.

This recognition highlights her outstanding work with the Vernon ROCKS Coalition and her dedication as the School Resource Officer at Rockville High School. Her commitment to building strong community partnerships and supporting our youth is truly exceptional.
 

HOLIDAY EVENTS
 

What a blast at the Ellington Winterfest on December 6! But first...judging the Gingerbread Houses at Ellington Congregational Church! I joined Lori Spielman, Laura Alberto from The Eyeglass Place of Ellington, and Josh Virkler from Luann's Bakery in making the very difficult decisions. Congratulations to this year's winners!

On Saturday, we bundled up and headed to the Ellington Green for music, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and lighting the Christmas Tree. At the Nellie McKnight Museum, you could pick up some sweet treats and warm up around the fire pit. Then we turned our sights on Main Street to watch the beloved torchlight parade. 

What a beautiful town tradition, going 20+ years strong! 
 

Join Luann's Bakery and Cafe for community caroling on December 12 at Snipsic Village, then back to the cafe for cookies, cocoa, and coffee!

Meet at the bakery at 6. Caroling will last about 30-45 minutes. Singing experience is NOT required!
 

Broadbrook Fire Department's annual Poinsettia sale to support the BBFD Fire Police will be on Saturday, December 13, at 9:30 a.m., at 125 Main St. in Broad Brook.

Plants will be $20 each. 
 

Join Cornerstone for a festive Christmas party open to children aged 2 to 10 years old from Vernon!

NOTE: If your child is signed up for the Vernon Fire Department's "Toys for Tykes" program, they will not be able to sign up for this event. You must pick one or the other.

Register HERE, click the graphic below, or use the QR code on the flier.
 

There’s been a dramatic increase in the number of Vernon families seeking help with holiday gifts from the Town of Vernon Fire Department’s (TVFD) Toys for Tikes campaign and from the Vernon Social Services Department’s program to help teens.

Firefighters have so far been asked to provide gifts for 430 children, 30 percent more than last year. Firefighters are hoping the community will help them achieve their goal of providing several toys for each child. The fire department asks for donations of new, unwrapped toys for infants through 12-year-olds

Vernon Social Services has more requests to assist children ages 13-17 than gift cards to provide to families, and welcomes additional donations so it can help more teens.

  • Firefighters are hosting a Stuff a Truck event on Sunday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rocky’s Ace Hardware, 73 Windsor Ave. in Vernon. People can conveniently drop off toys at the event.
  • Toys for Tikes can also be dropped in boxes at the following locations: Town Hall, the Vernon Police Department, the Rockville Public Library, Vernon Senior Center, the Board of Education, Vernon Center Middle School, Vernon’s five elementary schools, and several area businesses. Donations are accepted through December 19.
  • Vernon Social Services requests cards in $25 denominations for local retailers, such as Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, and Walmart. Donations can be dropped off at the Social Services office at town hall. Gift cards can be dropped in the department's secure drop box, located in front of town hall, at any time. (See photo below for drop box location.)

Families have until Monday, December 15, to sign up to receive toys from TVFD. They can sign up by filling out this form or by calling 860-870-3670.
 

Parents...need a couple of hours to yourselves?? Sign up for next week's Parents' Night Out. Register HERE. 
 

Do you like cookies? Would you like to support the Friends of Rockville Public Library? Contact the library at 860-875-5892 to order your cookie tray today. Pickup will be on Saturday, December 20 (early pick-up on Dec. 19 possible). 
 

Join Warehouse Point Library staff for a flurry of winter wonder as they explore the science—and creativity—behind every unique snowflake! Register online HERE. 
 
 

Broad Brook Fire Department and East Windsor Parks and Recreation present the annual Torchlight Parade and Carol Sing! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 20. The parade begins at 5:50 p.m. on Main Street, ending at the Broad Brook Fire House. 

Non-perishable food donations will be collected to benefit the Five Corner Cupboard and East Windsor Power Pack Program.
 

RESOURCES
 

The application period is open for the "Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program." The program, administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), is designed to support diverse students who graduate from public high schools in priority school districts and enroll in teacher preparation programs.

The program offers up to $10,000 annually for tuition, with the application deadline set for February 6, 2026. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to diversify the educator workforce and address the teacher shortage.

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program:

  • It is available to students who graduated from a public high school in an Alliance School District. You can find the 2025-2026 list of Alliance Districts HERE.
  • Students must be enrolled in an approved educator preparation program in Connecticut
  • Up to $10,000 available annually for undergraduate or graduate programs.
  • Established by the CT Legislature and administered by the CT Department of Education.
  • The application deadline is February 6, 2026.

For more information and to apply, click HERE. 
 

As we've had our first Severe Cold Weather Protocol of the season, please be safe if you're using space heaters to provide additional warmth. Half of all home-heating fires happen in the winter months.

Please note the additional fire safety measures below, including:

  • Smoke Alarms: Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level.
 

Vegetable and fruit growers—registration is now open! Join UConn Extension’s Annual Fruit & Vegetable Conference, where farmers, educators, and industry experts come together to share the latest research, production tips, and tools to strengthen your farm business. The day includes:

  • Educational sessions
  • Pest & disease updates
  • Networking with growers and service providers

Thursday, January 8
UConn Student Union, Storrs

Grow your knowledge, connect with peers, and start the season strong.
REGISTER HERE
 

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) has announced it is accepting applications for the 2026 Agricultural Enhancement (AgE) Grant Program, which supports projects directly impacting or fostering agricultural viability through eligible Connecticut municipalities, groups of municipalities, regional councils of governments, and/or agricultural non-profit organizations.

Projects being sought include enhancing youth agriculture education, urban agriculture, food hubs, farmers' markets, and farmland accessibility.

Applications are due February 2, 2026, at 4 p.m., with a maximum grant award of $49,999. Complete grant guidance, forms, and electronic submission information can be found HERE.
 

A message from the American Job Center - North Central CT: Are you behind on your mortgage payments? Are you looking to increase your earning potential?

The Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program may be a great fit for you! Apply HERE or call 1-866-683-1682.