Federal Cuts on Medicaid and SNAP Community Conversation Coming Up. Information on Connecticut's Automatic Admission Program and more on the launch of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative

September 26, 2025


 


I hope this email finds you and your family well. Good news for Connecticut high school seniors. Earning good grades may lead to automatic admission to several public and private colleges and universities through a new state initiative that makes applying to college easier. Keep reading to find out eligibility.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on: 

  • Medicaid and Snap Discussion
  • CT Automatic Admission Program
  • Northeast Public Health Collaborative
  • Operation Safe Crossing
  • Child Passenger Safety Week
  • Community Events

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.

Please join me and Rep. Jillian Gilchrest on Wednesday, October 1 from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. for an important conversation on the impacts of federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Launched in 2022, the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) is available to all graduating seniors in the state who have at least:

  • A 3.0 weighted GPA or
  • A 2.75 unweighted GPA

With just one application, students are automatically admitted to 10 participating colleges and universities, and the program eliminates common barriers by waiving application fees, essays, and recommendation letters. CAAP is administered by the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system in partnership with the nonprofit organization Common App, which helps streamline the college application process for eligible students.

Participating colleges and universities include:

  • Central Connecticut State University
  • Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • Albertus Magnus College
  • Goodwin University
  • Mitchell College
  • University of Bridgeport
  • University of Hartford
  • University of New Haven

After students apply through the Common App, eligible applicants will receive acceptance letters notifying them of their admission and encouraging them to enroll in one of the participating schools. The process requires only one application form and has no application fees.

The application period for Connecticut high school seniors planning to start college in the 2026-2027 academic year is currently open and will remain so until May 1, 2026.

All high school students in Connecticut are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Click here for more details and application instructions.

Several Northeastern states and New York City have formally launched the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a voluntary regional coalition aimed at improving coordination, sharing resources, and strengthening public health capacity and emergency preparedness.

Purpose & Goals:

  • Promote evidence-based public health
  • Build trust in vaccines and science
  • Ensure equitable access to services
  • Protect public health through data-driven decisions
  • Joint planning on emergency preparedness, vaccines, data, labs, and workforce
  • Coordinated guidance for healthcare workers during respiratory virus season
  • Collaboration for 2026 FIFA World Cup public health readiness

The first in-person meeting was held this past August in Rhode Island. The states retain independence and may adapt initiatives to local needs. This collaborative aims to reimagine public health through shared innovation while respecting local autonomy.

Click here for more information.

The Bristol Police Department has a Traffic Safety Reminder to both drivers and pedestrians to follow Connecticut laws regarding crosswalks and road use.

Please remain alert and exercise caution when approaching crosswalks. Ensuring the safety of all road users is a shared responsibility.

As part of an ongoing initiative, officers will be increasing enforcement efforts in the coming weeks to promote compliance and improve public safety.

Let's keep our community safe.


The Annual 2025 Mum Festival (70 Memorial Boulevard) runs from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28.


Attractions, music and food vary by day. Enjoy Amusement Rides and Midway Games, Food Trucks, Headliner Bands including Soul Sound Revue, BPD and BFD K9s, a Car Show, Fire Spinners at Dusk, a Kids Zone, Train Rides and so much MORE!

Click here for a full list of events, general information, and the Mum Festival Parade Details and Route.  Mum Festival parking is free.

2025 Mum Festival Dates and Times:

  • Friday, September 26th from 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
  • Saturday, September 27th from 12:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
  • Sunday, September 28th from 12:00 P.M.– 6:00 P.M.
  • The Parade on Sunday steps off on West Street at 1:30 P.M.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the TDL Expo & Career Fair on Wednesday, October 1 from 9:00 A.M. to 2 P.M. at New Britain Stadium. A Community event connecting local talent to resources, education, and careers with CT’s leading Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics businesses.

Click here to learn more and register.

Save the date
 
Join me on Saturday, October 18 at Rockwell Park in Bristol and on Sunday October 19 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford for the Walk to end Alzheimer's.

Click here to register and to join our Aging Committee Team, I look forward to seeing you there!