Legislative & Local Updates - February 6

February 6, 2026


 


The 2026 legislative session is officially underway! It's a short session, so we need to conclude our work by May 6. It'll be fast-paced, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I want to take this time to introduce you to my new staff members. I have a new legislative aide (CEC) and a sessional intern. You can learn more about both of them below. I'm happy to have two of my veteran staff members by my side as well.

I've included federal updates regarding changes to the SNAP that may impact recipients here in the state, as well as a state update on benefit loading date changes coming in March.

In January, we celebrated and welcomed 14 new inductees to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. It was an honor, as House Chair of the Veterans Committee, to be in attendance at the ceremony in Rocky Hill.

Saturday is "Take Your Child to the Library Day," and all of our local libraries are taking part. More information on what each is doing can be found in this e-newsletter. 

I hope you have a great weekend! Stay warm!

Jaime

In this newsletter, you'll find:

  • 2026 Legislative Session is Underway!
  • Meet New Team Foster Staff Members
  • Successful MBI Conference
  • Capitol Updates
  • Federal Updates
  • Veteran Updates
  • Vernon Public Schools Honored by DALI
  • Ellington Winter Market Dates
  • Take Your Child to the Library Day in the 57th District
  • Penguin Plunge in Ellington & Panther Plunge in East Windsor
  • East Windsor PD's Citizens' Policy Academy Starts in March
  • Free Tax Preparation for Eligible Vernon Residents
  • And More!
 

 Black History Month
 

Black History Month is a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember that Black history is American history.  

In Connecticut, we have a rich history of Black Americans shaping our communities. I encourage you to explore the following resources to learn more about Black history in Connecticut, and to attend local events taking place over the next month:

The State of Connecticut published a piece about why we celebrate Black History Month, resources to learn more about this history, and events.

The Connecticut Tourism Office detailed the various landmarks and museums you can visit to explore Black History in Connecticut, along with events throughout the month.

Black History is something to be celebrated by all Connecticut residents, and I hope you'll look through these wonderful resources.
 

2026 Session Underway
 

We are officially in our Session era! The 2026 legislative session started on February 4, and I'm looking forward to the work we'll do during this short session. We have a lot to do between now and May 6.

On Thursday, I joined the General Assembly in approving legislation to continue using the Emergency State Response Reserve through the end of the 2027 fiscal year. We passed the bipartisan $500 million fund, created during a special session, to help offset federal cuts to vital services that protect our most vulnerable residents.

So far, the state has allocated more than $185 million to backfill unexpected cuts from Washington.

I want to introduce you to my newest staff members. Maya will serve as my new Constituent Engagement Coordinator (CEC), and Laila will be an intern in my office this session. Jess and Max are still with me, as my press aide and outreach coordinator, respectively.

Maya (below, right) graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Human Rights and Political Science, along with a minor in Social Responsibility and Impact in Business. While at UConn, she gained valuable experience as a legal intern at a civil litigation firm and as a legislative intern at the Connecticut General Assembly. As a CEC, Maya looks forward to contributing to efforts to elevate the voices of constituents through community engagement and thoughtful policymaking.

Outside of the office, Maya enjoys staying active, cooking and baking, reading, and listening to music. She's excited for the upcoming short session and is honored to be part of Team Foster!

Laila (below, left) is currently a senior at the Coast Guard Academy studying Government, with a concentration in Politics, Policy, and Law. Upon graduation in May, she will commission as an Ensign in the US Coast Guard. Her desire to pursue a career in public service began at a young age when she joined the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Laila enjoys performing on the stage as a member of the Cadet Glee Club, Drama Club, and musical. These creative outlets provide her with the opportunity to continue her passion for the performing arts. She looks forward to learning from the team.
 

MOVING BEYOND CONFERENCE
 

I want to thank everyone who came to the third annual Moving Beyond Implications conference on January 15. We had over 250 participants. We're already looking forward to the next one, which will take place ahead of the 2027 session. 

Below, you can read an opinion piece that Kerri Raissian and I submitted to the CT Mirror's Viewpoints section on the Moving Beyond Implications event and the need to connect research and lawmaking. Click on the graphic below to read it.
 

IN THE NEWS
 

As we prepared for the 2026 legislative session, my colleagues and I were in "pre-session crunch time." Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. You can read January's North Central News article by clicking the graphic below. 
 

This month's North Central News article focuses on Public Act 490, which is the state's current-use tax law for farmland and open space. In mid-January, Governor Lamont announced that he was taking immediate action to prevent dramatic increases in property tax assessments on Connecticut farmland, open space, and maritime heritage land that could force the conversion of these lands to more intensive uses.

He directed the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Interim Secretary Joshua Wojcik and OPM to reinstate the 2020 recommended land use values under PA 490.

While several boisterous press conferences made a lot of noise, people were working quietly behind the scenes to get things done. 

You can read my full column by clicking the graphic below.
 

CAPITOL UPDATES
 

Recently, I joined several of my fellow legislators (including members of the Veterans Committee) for a Civil Leader Travel Tour at the Connecticut National Guard in Windsor Locks. We were briefed by Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, the Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, then took a ride on a UH-60 Blackhawk to the 1109th TASMG-Connecticut Army National Guard in New London, where we learned how Connecticut Guardsmen keep the Army's fleet of helicopters flying. This is one of four locations in the U.S. that repair, test, and rebuild these giant birds.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in our visit!
 

It was great to attend the Friends of Agriculture Legislative Breakfast, hosted by the Tolland County Farm Bureau and Rockville High School, on January 31. It was a great opportunity to learn about important issues to the Tolland County Farm Bureau and share perspectives. The event also included a tour of the Agriculture, Science and Technology program, and remarks by Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt, Congressman Joe Courtney, and Ellington's own Seth Bahler for Oakridge Dairy.
 
 

Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope Program is about ensuring that everyday interactions are safer and more respectful for people with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Beginning this year, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles will begin providing Yellow Envelopes as part of a larger education and training effort for first responders across the state. 

This program helps bridge gaps in high-stress moments, when some individuals may need additional tools for disabilities that are not immediately visible. In doing so, the program promotes understanding, patience, and safer outcomes for everyone involved.
 
The Yellow Envelope was modeled after the already-established blue envelope initiative, which started in 2020 and was aimed exclusively to support people with autism. Connecticut also has a green envelopes program, started in 2005, for drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For more information, please click HERE.
 

Access Health CT will offer a special enrollment period for eligible customers to enroll in health coverage with the new state subsidy, which started February 1. The special enrollment period end date will be determined.

This special enrollment is separate from the open enrollment period, which ended Saturday.

Customers who qualify for this include: 

  • Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
  • Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.  

Eligible customers who have already enrolled or plan to enroll in a 2026 health plan will see a credit applied to their carrier bill.

It’s important to note that while customers will not see the state subsidy amount in AHCT’s online system until all updates have been made in the coming weeks, all eligible customers will soon receive a notice in the mail from AHCT with the amount of their state subsidy.

Insurance companies will send consumers updated premium bills with the credit for the state subsidy amount. This manual process will begin soon, in advance of the system updates to be implemented in the coming weeks.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone.
 
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 working with a Certified Broker in their area.
 
AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment, available in English and Spanish.

To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.
 
Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
 

Connecticut passed legislation requiring DSS to spread out SNAP benefit issuance dates throughout the month rather than concentrating them in the first few days. This change will help reduce congestion at retailers and improve the overall client experience.
 

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. 
 

VETERAN UPDATES
 

I want to take a moment to congratulate the 14 newest inductees of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established to increase awareness of the lifetime contributions of Veterans after completion of honorable military service. The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is not a military hall of fame; instead, it seeks to recognize veterans for their countless contributions to society after their service.

On January 22, the 14 honorees were selected for their achievements in areas such as public service, community leadership, education, nonprofit work, and advocacy on behalf of fellow veterans.

The 14 honorees are:

  • Thomas M. Brockett of Branford – U.S. Air Force
  • Adele E. Hodges of Stratford – U.S. Marine Corps
  • Kenneth W. Korsu of Southbury – U.S. Army
  • Dennis F. Lisee of Norwich – U.S. Air Force
  • Michael D. Monaco of Glastonbury – U.S. Marine Corps
  • William J. Newman of Avon – U.S. Army
  • Charles M. Pickett of New Haven – U.S. Army
  • Alex J. Plitsas of Fairfield – U.S. Army
  • Michael A. Rogalsky of Middletown – U.S. Army
  • Everett G. Shepard III of Woodstock – U.S. Army
  • Juliet A. Taylor of Bridgeport – U.S. Army
  • Pamela A. Townsend of Enfield – U.S. Army
  • Russell E. Vibberts, Jr. of Stafford Springs – U.S. Army
  • Sherri L. Vogt of Brooklyn – U.S. Army

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to formally recognize veterans who have made significant post-military contributions, honoring individuals whose lives exemplify continued service. It is administered and sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut Military Department, on behalf of the Office of the Governor.
 
 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Ellington Veterans “A Salute in Banners” program!

These banners, displayed in Arbor Park and in front of Ellington Town Hall, serve as a beautiful and meaningful tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. Last year’s display was truly inspiring, honoring Ellington veterans and sharing their stories with the entire community.

If you have a veteran you would like to recognize, now is the time to apply.

Application deadline: April 1.

For application details, please contact Ellington Human Services at 860-870-3128.
 

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
 

COMMUNITY UPDATES
 

Congratulations to the Vernon Public Schools for this national recognition from the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI). Vernon is the only school district in Connecticut to receive it!

Click the graphic below to watch the news segment featuring Vernon Public Schools on Fox61. 
 

February brings two can’t-miss markets. February 7 is Super Saturday, packed with vendors offering everything you need for your Super Bowl celebration. The winter season wraps up on February 21 with the Final Winter Stock Up Market, the perfect chance to fill your pantry before the market returns outdoors.

As always, the Ellington Farmers Market is proud to continue doubling SNAP benefits, making fresh, healthy food more accessible for everyone in our community.

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

  • February 7
  • February 21
 

Take Your Child to the Library Day is on February 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Rockville Public Library!

Gather around for enchanting stories and folktales with our local storyteller extraordinaire, Judi Stoughton! (10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.).

Join in the crafty chaos at a community maker event between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.! Unleash your inner artisan and weave your very own yarn basket. Free book bags, stickers, and temporary tattoos available while supplies last!
 

Nile, the giant inflatable whale, (the Whalemobile) is coming to Hall Memorial Library!

Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
AGES 5-12 ONLY
REGISTER AT tinyurl.com/HMLWHALE
Registration is REQUIRED

Do you love marine life, but don’t have time to make it to the ocean this summer? Have no fear, Nile is here! This 43-foot life-sized inflatable humpback whale is swimming to your local library for a fun, educational experience. Discover the remarkable similarities between whales and humans and have the hands-on-experience of touching real whale artifacts!
 

Visit Warehouse Point Library on Saturday, February 7, for a day full of fun, learning, and discovery! Meet Sarge the Python and Fitch the Rabbit from the Lutz Museum at 1 p.m. You must register for this program. This program is recommended for children ages 1-12.

All-day activities include:  

  • Making Valentine cards for local nursing home residents
  • A library scavenger hunt
  • Sign up for a brand-new library card! Take a new read home!
 

The Ellington Penguin Plunge, sponsored by Ellington Police Officers and Connecticut State Police - Ellington Resident Troopers’ Office, is coming to Crystal Lake on Saturday, February 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This community event isn’t just about braving the cold; it’s about coming together for a cause that truly matters. All proceeds raised will benefit the Connecticut Special Olympics, supporting incredible athletes and the spirit of inclusion, determination, and joy they bring to our state.

Register yourselves, your families, or form your own teams. For more information or to register, click HERE. 
 

Help support the East Windsor Fuel Bank at the Panther Plunge on February 28 at East Windsor Reservoir. Prizes for the largest donation by a team, the largest donation by an individual, and the best costumes. On-site registration at noon, and the plunge takes place at 1 p.m. $25 per person or $100 for a team. Register at EastWindsorRec.com.
 

East Windsor Parks and Recreation is accepting submissions for this year's Limerick Contest! The theme for 2026 is America's 250th Birthday!!

Submissions can be emailed to dwilliams@eastwindsor-ct.gov or completed online at www.EastWindsorRec.com. Paper submissions will also be accepted at the Parks and Recreation Office during business hours.
 

There are still seats available for this year's EWPD Citizens' Police Academy.

This eight-week academy will commence on Monday, March 23, and conclude on May 11. All classes will be conducted at the East Windsor Police Department - Annex (25 School Street) every Monday from 6 p.m. - 830 p.m. Academy seats are reserved for East Windsor residents first; however, an exception may be made if an out-of-town resident is interested (who resides in a town that doesn't offer this program).

Attendees will be provided with all necessary educational resources. Instruction on police operations, detective work, training, education/academy, police accountability, and much more. 

If you have questions, please reach out to Deputy Chief Murphy at Murphyb@Eastwindsor-ct.gov. You can sign up HERE. 
 
 

Free income tax preparation is available to eligible Vernon residents. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides IRS-certified volunteers to help income-eligible residents complete and file their income tax returns. If you are entitled to a refund, you get to keep your full refund.

For more information about the program, call Vernon Social Services at 860-870-3661. Residents must have all necessary tax documents before scheduling an appointment.

VITA volunteers will be at Vernon Town Hall, 14 Park Place, on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., through April 6.

To be eligible for this free assistance, including e-file and direct deposit, you have to have earned $69,000 or less in 2025.

There are some limitations and exclusions to what services volunteers can provide. Please take a look at the attached flyers.

More information about tax preparation can be found at the Internal Revenue Service website HERE. 
 

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. 
 

Ellington Police Officers, along with the Resident State Troopers, hosted a Clothing Drive in January, focusing on helping our most vulnerable neighbors — those experiencing homelessness.

The police are working with Community Partners in Action at Hartford Community Court and the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office to ensure donated items reach those who need them most during these harsh winter months.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the residents of Ellington who have generously donated clothing and hygiene items. 
 

Mark your calendars for the Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest on April 25 at Vernon Center Middle School. 
 
 

RESOURCES
 

February is Heart Month, which helps raise awareness about heart disease, educate on its commonality, and promote healthy lifestyle choices to improve cardiovascular health. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States, as well as the leading cause of death among most racial and ethnic groups, according to the CDC.

In every cardiac emergency, the real first responder is not always a uniformed professional but often an everyday bystander. Cardiac arrest can strike anywhere - at the gym, in the grocery store, or during a child’s soccer game. However, bystanders only intervene about 40% of the time. That means too many lives are lost, not because people don’t care, but because they aren’t prepared.

CPR can save lives. For teens and adults, hands-only CPR can double or even triple the chance of survival. Infants and children need CPR including breaths. 

To take a CPR course, either in-person or online, click HERE. 

Four health behaviors and four health factors can help you improve and maintain your cardiovascular health. These include:

Health Behaviors: 

  • Eat Better
  • Be More Active
  • If You Smoke, Quit
  • Get Plenty of Sleep

Health Factors:

  • Manage Weight
  • Control Cholesterol
  • Manage Blood Sugar
  • Mange Blood Pressure

You can learn more about each of the behaviors and factors by clicking HERE. 
 
 

The National Lieutenant Governors Association annually awards a scholarship to 12 different schools for STEM-related projects in the classroom.  The first scholarships were awarded in 2022. 

Teachers or project advisors in state-accredited public, private, or tribal pre-K – 12th grade schools may apply to further STEM education through a project, equipment, program, or curriculum.  Eight schools across the country will be awarded $1,000 each, and four schools will be awarded $500 each. 

Applications will be accepted until March 6. More details can be found HERE.
 

Grant opportunities for elder service programs! 2027 North Central Area Agency on Aging's Older Americans Act grant process is OPEN!

The NCAAA is soliciting proposals for programs that serve older persons (age 60 and older) and their families in the North Central Connecticut Region. The funding process is open for towns in Hartford and Tolland counties - or organizations serving residents in those towns.

For more details, click HERE. 
 

Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) has opened applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Aspiring scholars can apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to support their education, paving the way for greater career opportunities and higher earnings. The scholarship program is open to students of all backgrounds and stages of life, and it supports a wide range of educational pathways, including traditional college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certifications.

Since 2022, CSF has provided $7 million in scholarship funding to over 1,000 students.

Applications for the CSF scholarship program are now open through March 31. For more information and to apply, visit the Chime Scholars Foundation website.
 

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs through March 18. You can find additional information on Ignite HERE.

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through February 28. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants HERE.

Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session HERE.