Legislative Update 11.5

November 5, 2025




 

View this email in your browser

Greetings Community,

Winter Coat Shopping Night hosted by West Haven Public Schools starts tonight! New or gently used winter coats will be available, and donations for them will be greatly appreciated. Please see the flyer below for more details.

I also wanted to make sure you are aware of some of the resources available to you as we trudge our way through the federal government shutdown. I have also included information on food assistance options for those in need in West Haven. 

Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period has begun, and ends on Monday, December 15th. Scroll down for more details.

There's one last mobile shower opportunity for those in need. Please see more below.

Lastly, we'll be in a Special Session next Wednesday. We have work to do for Connecticut residents now,

Please feel free to contact me at the Capitol at 1-800-842-8267 or by email at Trenee.McGee@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Trenee McGee

 
WHPS Winter Coat Shopping Nights Begins

West Haven Public Schools is hosting Winter Coat Shopping Nights tonight and tomorrow, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bailey Middle School, located at 106 Morgan Lane.

These coats are new or gently used (and donations of new and gently used coats are appreciated). This event is open to West Haven students, and the student must be present to receive a coat. 
 
Government Shutdown Resources

The United Way of Connecticut has published a list of resources to help here.

You can find a pantry or mobile pantry at Connecticut Foodshare’s website here. 

Please see the Connecticut Foodshare Program partners in West Haven below, including:
 

  • Christian Union Church, 426 Washington Avenue
  • West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce (WHEAT) Pantry, 674 Washington Avenue
  • Vertical Church, 225 Meloy Road
  • Errera Community Center, 114 Boston Post Road
  • Dream Center Pantry Store, 263 Center Street
  • University of New Haven Food Pantry, Ruden Street Building 19, Room 005


If you are able, please consider donating to your local pantry or to Connecticut Foodshare.

 
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment 

Open Enrollment for Access Health CT (AHCT) health and dental insurance began on Saturday and ends on Monday, December 15, for plans effective at the start of next year. 

Residents can enroll until Thursday, Jan. 15, for plans beginning in February.

You may have received a letter in the mail warning of healthcare premium price increases starting Jan. 1 due to legislation passed in the U.S. Congress this year. Currently, the federal government is shut down as those price increases are debated and negotiated.

As it stands, state officials in Connecticut are encouraging residents to hold off on enrolling in the AHCT plan while the debate over those price increases continues. If you can, please wait to enroll until the issue is fully resolved.

For those looking to enroll, please have the following information and documents prepared for you and anyone else in your household, even if they don't need coverage:

  • Dates of Birth
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Visa, green card, or immigration documents
  • Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, 1099 
  • Pay-stubs, Profit & Loss Statements or other employment information
  • Current insurance coverage (policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household)

You can click here to view the enrollment checklist.

Access Health CT's staff remains a valuable resource to guide you through this process and to tell you what to expect during open enrollment. To get in contact, you can :

  • Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” for a list of places to get free, in-person help.
  • If you do not have a broker, find one on the Access Health CT website. Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” and “Find Certified Broker.” Brokers are free to work with, and they are trained 
    and certified to help you find a plan that works best for you and your family.
  • Call at 1-855-805-4325 - help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm (Holiday hours may vary, check website for details)
  • Live Chat available at AccessHealthCT.com
  • Visit one of their Enrollment Locations  

To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
 
Need Help With Your Heating Bill?

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with energy bills, now is the time to connect with Eversource to get assistance this winter heating season. 

There are options for everyone!

Please click HERE or find your local Community Action Agency at www.211ct.org to get started.
 
COVID-19 Vaccines
 
A Final Mobile Shower Opportunity 

West Haven Health Department and WHEAT of West Haven invite anyone in need to utilize the mobile showers that will be on-site at WHEAT at 674 Washington Avenue. Clothing, hygiene kits, and social worker services are available.

The next, and final mobile showers opportunity will be on Monday, November 17th.
 
OLR Summary of 2025 Public Acts

The Public Act Summary Book contains concise summaries of all public acts we passed during the 2025 Regular Session. Please click on the image below to review.

Twitter
Twitter

YouTube
YouTube

Website
Website

Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences