Kate Farrar

Thank you to everyone who joined me, the West Hartford delegation and the West Hartford Human Rights Commission on Tuesday night for the Know Your Rights: Immigration Panel.

We had an incredibly valuable conversation on immigration with invited experts, sharing important information to help individuals and families better understand their rights. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with community members and highlight the many resources available.

We truly appreciate your engagement and look forward to continuing these vital conversations. Please watch the full event on West Hartford Community Interactive here.

On Wednesday, I joined State Senator Jorge Cabrera, fellow colleagues, advocates, and community members to stand up for affordable health care. This week, 150,000 Access Health CT customers received letters warning that their health insurance costs could rise dramatically starting January 1, 2026, if Congress does not act.

The expiration of federal subsidies for Access Health CT, passed in H.R. 1 this July by Congress and signed by President Trump, will increase health insurance costs for everyday people while delivering tax cuts to billionaires.

These changes will mean higher premiums and reduced financial assistance, making coverage less affordable for many Connecticut residents already struggling to make ends meet.

We came together to make one thing clear: Connecticut must act now. We need to establish a significant emergency fund during the special session this November to offset these harmful federal cuts and ensure that health insurance remains affordable and accessible for all.

If you received a letter from Access Health CT please visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Compare Plans. Click “Get Help” for a list of places to get free, in-person help or call 1-855-805-4325; help is available in over 100 languages.

Also, since last week, with the government shutdown there are further important updates for SNAP recipients.

All 50 states have been notified that funding for SNAP will not be issued for November (and perhaps beyond) if the shutdown continues into November.

Nearly 1 in 10 people in CT utilize these funds to pay for groceries. Grocery stores count on these dollars as part of their profits and as we have already seen a 3% rise in grocery prices, not having SNAP will drive grocery prices even higher. You don’t have to utilize SNAP benefits to be affected. For every dollar of SNAP, $1.54 to $1.80 is generated in economic activity. That generation supports farmers, local grocery stores, and the rest of the supply chain.

Any SNAP benefits loaded onto your EBT card will be good through October 31, but most likely, not beyond that until further guidance is received and/or the shutdown ends. The Department of Social Services is recommending everyone to use their balance by October 31.

United Way of Connecticut has published a list of resources to help here: https://uwc.211ct.org/ or you can find a pantry or mobile pantry at Connecticut Foodshare’s website here: https://www.ctfoodshare.org/find-food

Here in Connecticut we are working across government and community organizations to consider every way possible to support our hungry neighbors so please stay tuned for updates and share this information widely.

Saturday, October 25th is National DEA Drug Take-Back Day. This is an opportunity to drop off expired, unwanted or unused controlled substances that you may have in your home.  

Officials will collect pills, tablets, capsules, and other solid forms of prescription drug. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

Drop off from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the following locations:

• Newington: Sam's Club, 3465 Berlin Turnpike
• West Hartford: West Hartford Police Department, Charter Oak International Academy (425 Oakwood Ave)

In addition to local law enforcement agencies collecting medicines, MyOldMeds.com offers an easy-to-use locator tool that connects residents to the 354 year-round disposal sites across the state. Click here to access the locator tool.