I share your deep concerns about the ongoing threats to gut the Medicaid program, which millions of Americans rely on for health insurance. Below, you can find a fact sheet detailing the vital role Medicaid serves in our state.
Speaking of healthcare, it’s been 15 years since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Keep scrolling for an interesting conversation about the impact the law still has today.
Windham’s brand new fire chief is ready for the new challenge. I spoke to Chief Ron Palmer Jr. on my radio show about his path to leadership in our community. Click on the video below to listen to the interview!
Here are the sections in today's email:
Let's Talk About It: New Fire Chief
Concerns About Potential Cuts to Medicaid
15 Years Since Signing of Affordable Care Act
Route 6 Bridge Repair Plans
Let's Talk About It: New Fire Chief
The new Windham fire chief joined us on my weekly radio show “Let’s Talk About It” to discuss the state of the Windham Fire Department and his journey to where we are today. Chief Ron Palmer Jr. took the oath of office last week at Town Hall’s Bellingham Auditorium. Palmer is taking on the responsibility after 29 years of service as a firefighter in our community.
Palmer grew up in Windham, just blocks from Town Hall and the fire department. During his childhood, Palmer spent time around the firehouse as his father, Ron Palmer Sr., was also our town's fire chief.
During our conversation, the new fire chief talked about his recent badge pinning ceremony, how he advanced through the fire department, the effect covid had on firefighting, some of the most memorable fires he's battled, and how his relationship with his parents is still influencing his work. Please click on the video below to listen to the full interview.
New Windham Fire Chief Ron Palmer Jr. discusses his path to leadership.
Concerns About Potential Cuts to Medicaid
I remain deeply concerned about the threats from the Trump Administration to slash Medicaid funding. The program provides critical health insurance to 800,000 people across the state, 12,000 of which live in Windham, including seniors, working families, and children enrolled in the HUSKY program. Without Medicaid, millions could lose access to life-saving treatments, preventative care, and essential services that support health, well-being, and economic stability. Cuts to Medicaid would not only jeopardize individuals but place greater strain on hospital, healthcare providers, and the broader community. Medicaid is not just a safety net – it’s a lifeline for millions, and protecting it is a moral and economic duty.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney is fighting to protect the program. Courtney visited the Windham Senior Center to share how Medicaid cuts would have a devastating impact on our community. He explained that Medicaid supports hospitals, nursing homes, home and community based service providers, community health centers, and much more.
The Kennedy Institute hosted a virtual conversation on the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The discussion included a breakdown of the history of the ACA’s passage, its impact, and the challenges that remain around healthcare today.
The Kennedy Institute’s conversation about crafting one of the most consequential healthcare bills in decades.
Route 6 Bridge Repair Plans
The state plans to repair and modernize the bridge on Route 6 over the Route 6 Expressway in Windham. The Connecticut Department of Transportation will complete the design by August. Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2026 if the design is accepted and funding is available.
This project will be part of the state-wide bridge preservation program. CLICK HERE to learn more about the project.
