Hubert Delany

As we welcome a new year, several laws passed in the 2025 legislative session will take effect on January 1, 2026.

From my family to yours, we wish you a season filled with warmth, rest, and meaningful time with your loved ones. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, this is a time to reflect on generosity, goodwill, and the responsibility we share to look out for one another.

Starting February 1st, 2026, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for air travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or trusted traveler card. Travelers will be charged this fee to use TSA's ConfirmID identification verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day period, so it may cover a return trip within that window.

We passed a $500 million emergency response fund during November's special session to support residents facing harmful federal cutbacks from the Trump administration. We stepped up to protect families and keep health care accessible and affordable.

Now that fund is being put to use. This week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, Governor Lamont announced this week, we are committing  $70 million to offset the cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies. This crucial investment will protect thousands of families covered through Access Health CT (AHCT) — including many right here in Stamford — from the steep premium increases expected when federal subsidies expire at the end of the year.

This week, I want to speak plainly about something I’ve been hearing at the doors, on the phone, and in our inbox: people are worried their health care is about to get more expensive. I’ve talked with dozens of us, parents, small business owners, retirees, who are watching the news out of Washington and wondering if they’ll be the ones left holding the bag.

With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol will go into effect for the first time this year, beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th, through Tuesday, December 9th, at noon.

I hope you and your family are staying safe and warm as winter settles in.

With temperatures dropping, our state’s cold weather protocols are in effect. Consider checking in on seniors, vulnerable neighbors, and anyone you know who may be struggling in these conditions. Also, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you or someone you know needs support.

Though the government shutdown is over and food support benefits were released, Connecticut food banks are still struggling to meet the public’s needs as the holiday season draws closer. Connecticut Foodshare, regional food banks and pantries are seeking donations, including food and monetary gifts, to help support households still experiencing food insecurity. Click here to support Foodshare and here to find local food banks.