Hilda E. Santiago

The next Emergency Energy Assistance cycle will be open from September 1st-15th. Generation Power CT (GPCT) has (3) application cycles: September 1-15, 2026; December 1-15, 2026; March 1-15, 2027. Applications are only open during these specific timeframes.

Connecticut residents are encouraged to recognize veterans who continue to make lasting contributions in their communities by nominating them for the 2026 Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates veterans who, after their military service, have shown exceptional leadership and community service.

The 2026 Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week starts Sunday, August 16th, through Saturday, August 22nd. This week provides a chance for families to save money, whether it is taking children back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

Passport Day presented by the office of Sen. Richard Blumenthal is Friday, August 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Old State House (800 Main Street, Hartford). The CT Passport Agency will be on-site, and attendees can apply for TSA PreCheck and, if conditionally approved, complete an interview for Global Entry.

Connecticut’s minimum wage will adjust to $17.48 per hour beginning January 1, 2027—an increase from the 2026 rate of $16.94 per hour.

August is Black Business Month, when we celebrate the entrepreneurs whose innovation, hard work, and dedication strengthen our economy and enrich our community.

I'm grateful to receive an A rating from the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) in recognition of my legislative work during the 2025–26 session.

Families across Connecticut are receiving extra help putting food on the table this summer through the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (S-EBT) program.