Updates from State Rep. Travis Simms for Jan. 16, 2026

January 16, 2026



 

 

My heart goes out to the family of the woman killed in Minnesota. While we may not yet have all the facts, what is certain is this: a life was lost. And I am outraged by that.

I’m outraged that heavy-handed tactics have once again led to fear, trauma, and now death. People should never be afraid of their government, yet too many families are living with that fear right now.

When the line is crossed from duty to cruelty, a life is lost, and families are forever changed. It should be treated as the outrage it is.

Our country needs to rebalance itself. We can do better. We should expect better. And we must keep fighting for a system that protects human life and doesn’t lose sight of the families caught in the middle.

 
 

Access Health CT Enrollment Extended

Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, announced the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for coverage beginning on February 1st, 2026, has been extended to Saturday, January 31.

Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.

Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

 

Honoring MLK

Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington in 1963 for jobs, freedom, civil rights, and an end to racism.
 
We've made progress, no doubt. But today, sadly, it’s our own federal government that reminds us that we still have a long way to go. Nevertheless, each new day brings opportunities to come together and move closer to justice. We recognize January 19 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We are reminded of his inspiring words and to keep striving for fairness and equality for all. 

The multi-event celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place in Norwalk on Jan. 19. 

A community breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, located at 17 West Ave. in Norwalk, in the Church Hall. Breakfast is $15. Tickets for the community breakfast can be ordered by calling 203-838-3176. All proceeds will benefit the MLK Scholarship Fund.

The Norwalk Public School Student and Staff Program will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Norwalk High School in the auditorium. Norwalk Mayor Barbara Smyth will serve as the keynote speaker. The free program will also include NPS student performances and artwork as well as presentations of the Dr. King Service Award to high school seniors.

The celebration will conclude with a free evening program at Norwalk City Hall, starting at 5 p.m. Dannel P. Malloy, the Chancellor of the University of Maine System, will deliver the keynote address.

Details in the graphic below.


With Respect and Gratitude,
Travis Simms
State Representative

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