Hubert Delany

Connecticut passed new legislation requiring the Department of Social Services 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. SNAP users can expect this change to begin on March 1st, 2026.  

The storm and low temperatures over the next few days will cause dangerous weather conditions. During any urgent situation and emergency, contact 9-1-1. 

A major snowstorm is expected this weekend, with forecasts calling for the most significant snowfall we’ve seen in recent years across Connecticut.

In response to the severe conditions, the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol will go into effect today, Friday, January 23, at 12:00 PM, and will remain in effect through Wednesday, January 28, at 12:00 PM. We are expecting an exceptionally frigid stretch with dangerously low temperatures especially overnight.

The state plans to use the $500 Million Emergency Response Fund approved by the legislature during November's special session to combat homelessness. According to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, one in every 1,000 state residents is experiencing homelessness. The federal government has suspended its primary homelessness prevention and support services grant program, exacerbating the issue.

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.