Dominique Johnson

Dear Neighbor,
 

Governor Ned Lamont has announced $3 million in emergency state funding for Connecticut Foodshare, the state’s largest food bank, to assist residents expected to lose access to federal food assistance due to the shutdown of the federal government.
The Trump administration, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has stated it will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the shutdown, nor will it reimburse states that attempt to cover the cost. As a result:

• No new SNAP benefits will be distributed after November 1.
• If you have a balance from previous months, it is expected that those carryover benefits already on EBT cards will remain accessible after November 1.
• DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications. If someone is approved for benefits for October, those benefits will appear on their card when the federal government reopens.

This cut in federal aid will affect an estimated 42 million low-income Americans, including about 360,000 Connecticut residents, many of whom are children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

While the $3 million in state aid will not replace the full scope of lost federal benefits, it reflects Connecticut’s commitment to supporting residents facing food insecurity during the shutdown. The Department of Social Services (DSS) and other state agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and consider additional measures to assist affected households.

Open Enrollment for Access Health CT's (AHCT) health and dental insurance remains on track to begin Saturday, Nov. 1 and end Monday, Dec. 15 for plans beginning 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 as the debate continues over those price increases. If you are able, 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 deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (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.

Norwalk's 5th annual Gun Buyback and Gun  Safe Giveaway Day is scheduled for this Saturday,  November 1 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Norwalk Police Headquarters. 

The voluntary gun buyback and safe firearm storage event offers gun owners the opportunity to safely remove their unwanted weapons from their homes and the community in exchange for gift cards. The event aims to promote gun safety and safe firearm storage.

The following weapons can be exchanged for gift cards:
$200: Assault weapons
$100: Pistols and revolvers (handguns)
$50: Rifles and shotguns
$25: Single and double shot (Derringer-Style) handguns and any type of black powder guns

Please see the flyer below for more information. 

As a reminder, early voting for Norwalk and Westport's municipal election is now underway.  Voters can cast their ballot in person through November 2. Norwalk's early voting location is the City Hall Community Room. Westport's location is the Town Hall auditorium. The early voting polling hours are as follows: 

• Friday, October 31, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Sunday, November 2, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

If you miss out on voting early, you can also cast your ballot on Election Day, which is next Tuesday, November 4.

Please visit the Secretary of the State's website if you have any additional questions. 

Monday marked National Civics Day, a time to recognize the importance of civics education and commemorate the anniversary of the first release of the Federalist Papers in 1787.

Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas just launched the new “Power of Civics” online learning course, an initiative designed to help residents learn more about government and civic engagement.

The course is designed to help residents better understand how government works, how laws are made, and how individuals can participate effectively in democracy. It includes interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes covering topics like voting, the Constitution, and the role of local and state government.

Click here to access the new "Power of Civics" platform.

As you prepare to celebrate Halloween, please consider the importance of reducing waste. 

If you’re not sure what to do with your leftover Halloween pumpkins, consider bringing them to one of the following Norwalk Food Scrap drop-off sites:

• The Norwalk Transfer Station at 61 Crescent St. Drop-offs can be made Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 3:00pm and Saturdays from 7:30 am - 2:00 pm.
• Cranbury Park at 300 Grumman Ave (from the main entrance, the bins are located past the Mansion to the right of the parking area). Drop-offs can be made any day of the week, from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.
• The Rowayton Community Center at 33 Highland Ave. Drop-offs can be made on Mondays from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm.

Please make sure to follow these steps before composting your pumpkins:

• Candles, plastic decorations, and lights must be removed before drop-off.
• Pumpkins with paint or glitter cannot be accepted for composting.
• Please do not put pumpkins in plastic bags.

For more information and hours of operation of these locations, please click here.

For more tips on how to reduce waste while you celebrate Halloween, check out the flyer below.