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While the regular session doesn't start until February 2026, we were called into a special session to address several issues, including the housing crisis and approving an emergency response fund to address federal funding cutbacks. The House passed the bills on Wednesday, and the Senate took them up on Thursday.
Last week was Veterans Day, and I spent time in East Windsor, Ellington, Hartford, and Rocky Hill to honor our veterans. I'm thankful for the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve our country. We owe you - and your families - a debt of gratitude.
I hope you'll take some time to read through my newsletter - I have a lot of information to share with you.
Jaime |
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In this newsletter, you'll find:
- Mark Your Calendars for Moving Beyond!
- Special Session/Capitol Updates
- Access Health CT is Available to Help You Shop for Insurance Plans
- Honoring Our Veterans
- Wreaths Across America Coming Soon!
- Ellington Winter Market Starts November 22
- Vernon Historical Society Holiday Craft Fair
- Vernon & Ellington Winterfests
- Broad Brook FD Poinsettia Sale
- Friends of Rockville Library Cookie Sale
- Celebrating Skinner Road School's Mr. K.!
- And More!
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3RD ANNUAL MOVING BEYOND CONFERENCE
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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. |
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Last week, the House and Senate were called in for a special session on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, to address several issues, including the state's housing crisis, an emergency budget reserve to address possible federal cutbacks, and more. You can read more about what we passed below.
From retirees looking to downsize, to young professionals and families searching for affordable rentals, Connecticut residents at every stage of life share a common goal: finding a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
Partnerships are at the heart of this effort. The bill empowers towns to plan for responsible, data-driven growth using insights from state, local, and regional partners to meet the housing needs of today and tomorrow. Developed in partnership with municipal leaders, regional councils, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and Governor Lamont, this legislation creates a collaborative and practical framework through local Housing Growth Plans.
The legislation also encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, from aging strip malls to vacant commercial spaces, and promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation. By combining innovation with local control and targeted support, we’re strengthening the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut.
There’s still more work ahead, but An Act Concerning Housing Growth marks a major step forward in our shared effort to expand housing opportunities, support local economies, and ensure every Connecticut resident can find, and afford, a home in a community they’re proud to call their own. |
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The legislature also convened in special session to address several important matters, including the need for temporary adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and the appropriation of funds to offset reductions in federal programs such as SNAP, WIC, and others that directly impact Connecticut residents. We took up additional priorities aimed at supporting essential state programs and maintaining fiscal stability. House Bill No. HB-8003 is the state's $500 million funding response to cutbacks in federal funding.
The funding will cover gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. Connecticut will not sit by idly as the federal government attacks middle and low-income families.
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On Wednesday, we passed legislation that continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care.
Highlights include:
- Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
- New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
- Insurance companies must now cover autism treatments — including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy — up to age 26
- Adding substance abuse treatment providers for children to the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB)
Together, these measures represent a stronger, more coordinated system of care for Connecticut’s children.
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Thanks to the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an initiative that was passed by the General Assembly in the 2025 legislative session, the expansion of the Early Start CT program in 2026 marks an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care and education across Connecticut.
Beginning in January 2026, up to 1,000 new spaces will be added to the state’s Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation. The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history. We are thrilled about this program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state.
Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program serving income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
To support this expansion, OEC will soon launch a Request for Applications (RFA) for childcare providers interested in offering Early Start CT spaces. The RFA will be open to childcare centers, group childcare homes, family childcare homes, and public-school preschool classrooms throughout the state.
Click HERE for more information on Early Start CT. |
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Even though the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are still up in the air (and if Congress does vote on an extension, the vote wouldn't happen until mid-December), Access Health CT is available to answer any questions you may have as you shop for health and dental plans.
Access Health CT call centers are open to help residents understand their options. If customers enroll on or before December 15, their coverage will commence on January 1, 2026. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will start February 1, 2026.
- AHCT offers free expert help online, in-person, and over the phone to help customers with the process of enrolling.
- 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.
- There is also a list of Certified Brokers available, and it is free to work with a broker. They are trained to help customers find a plan.
- Customers can also contact the AHCT call center at 1-855-805-4325 with questions. Help is available in over 100 languages.
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On Friday, I had the privilege of standing alongside excited, passionate, fierce women dedicated to elevating the voices of Connecticut’s women veterans. The stories shared were both inspiring and deeply tragic—powerful reminders of the work ahead.
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Wreaths Across America 2025 is fast approaching. 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 (accepting grave-specific) - 25 wreaths OVER goal! Sponsor a wreath HERE. Wreath placement immediately following the ceremony.
- Ellington: Ellington Center Cemetery (not accepting grave-specific) - need 228 wreaths. Sponsor a wreath HERE. Wreath placement immediately following the ceremony.
- Vernon: Grove Hill Cemetery (no accepting grave-specific) - need 129 wreaths. Sponsor a wreath HERE. Wreath placement immediately following the ceremony.
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| I attended the 250th Birthday Ceremony for the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10 at the Capitol with several members of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. |
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| On Monday, I attended East Windsor’s Veterans Day Lunch. |
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| On Tuesday, I attended Ellington's Veterans Day assembly. |
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Would you like to honor an East Windsor veteran with a Hometown Hero banner? The East Windsor Arts and Culture Committee and the East Windsor Veterans Commission are hoping to initiate a "Hometown Hero Banner Program" as a living tribute for East Windsor to honor past and present members of the Armed Forces.
If you are interested in nominating an East Windsor veteran for a Hometown Heroes banner, and/or sponsoring a banner, please email ewartsandculture@gmail.com
For more information about the project, click HERE. |
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The Vernon Board of Education's Ad Hoc 10-Year Facility Study and Master Plan Committee is holding "Listening Tours" on the following dates at these locations:
- November 18th at Lake Street School
- November 19th at Maple Street School
- November 20th at Northeast School
Email dritchotte@vernon-ct.gov to RSVP if you plan to attend a listening tour. For more information, click HERE.
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Ellington Farmers Market Winter Market is almost here! The Winter Market will be held at Ellington High School, 37 Maple St., from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on:
- November 22
- December 6
- December 13
- December 20
- January 10
- January 24
- February 7
- February 21
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A few of the Ellington Cadette Girl Scouts are planning a cleanup at Tedford Memorial Park on Sunday, November 23, as a part of their Silver Award Project. Please consider signing up to help out!
Help keep Robert Tedford Park looking great! Join us in picking up trash at the park from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the pavilion. Garbage bags will be provided. Please bring a water bottle and gloves.
Snacks provided!
Rain date will be Sunday, November 30, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sign up HERE.
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The Tolland County Agricultural Center's craft fair is on November 29! Crafters and vendors of all types bringing their jewelry, holiday decor, cards, knitted and crocheted items, and so much more!
Where: Tolland County Agricultural Center, 24 Hyde Avenue
When: November 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
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| The Town of Vernon's "Winterfest" will take place on December 5. |
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| Ellington's Winterfest is Saturday, December 6! Would your child like to help Santa light the Christmas Tree? To be considered, click HERE by November 30. |
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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. |
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| Do you like cookies? Would you like to support the Friends of Rockville Public Library? Contact the library at 860-875-5892 to reserve your cookie tray today. Pickup will be on Saturday, December 20. |
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On November 5, CT Elementary Principal of the Year, Bryan Kerachsky, was honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools’ Celebration of School Leadership Night at St. Clements Castle. Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph Macary and many of the Skinner Road School staff members attended to support Mr. K.!
Congratulations, Mr. K! |
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Ellington has named the 2025 Scarecrow Contest winners!
The following were selected by the beautification team:
- Little Scribbles Childcare & Learning Center (Fan Favorite)
- Homestead Comfort
- Brownie Troop 10732
- Ellington Animal Control (Honorable Mention)
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