Jennifer Leeper

Due to a system outage that may have prevented many customers from enrolling in health and dental coverage by the December 15, 2025 deadline for coverage effective January 1, 2026, Access Health CT is extending the enrollment deadline. Customers now have until Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. to enroll in coverage beginning January 1, 2026,

To receive coverage effective January 1, 2026, enrollment must be completed by contacting the Access Health CT Call Center. Applications completed on the website will result in coverage beginning February 1, 2026.

The deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026 is fast approaching. If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process. Making sure you’re covered is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

If residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026.

If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026.

The CT Department of Transportation is currently holding a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study on I-95 Stamford - a route I know many of you take that has long been plagued with traffic.

The study aims to improve safety and mobility on I-95 between Interchanges 7-9 and to develop concepts to replace the I-95 bridge over Metro-North Railroad and Myrtle Avenue.

This week, the DOT is holding two public information meetings for people to engage with project team members, review the conceptual alternatives, and receive a presentation on the study's progress, alternatives screening process, and next steps.

With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year, beginning yesterday through Tuesday, December 9, at noon.

Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with warmth and moments of gratitude, surrounded by friends and loved ones - and good food.

While the $500 million emergency fund plans to cover the lack of funding for the national Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), there are other state resources available now.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and Eversource offer resources for those in need to help to cover the cost of their home energy bills this winter. Visit ct.gov/dss or the Eversource website for more information.

This week the State House and Senate met for a special session to pass a number of critical bills, including a bill that sets money aside to keep vital federal programs afloat.

In honor of Veterans Day next Tuesday, I want to say thank you to those who have served in the United States military. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifices are the backbone to our freedom.

We enjoy the freedoms and safety that define our country because of your service. I’m deeply grateful for everything you’ve done, and continue to do, to protect and uphold those values.