New Session Starts Soon & Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline

January 28, 2026

Dear Neighbor,
 

Here are the sections in today's email:
  • Extension to Cold Weather Protocol
  • Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline
  • Returning to Session Next Week
  • Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 

Extension to Cold Weather Protocol
If you have taken one step outside over the past few days, you know just how dangerously cold it has been with icy conditions making travel difficult and dangerous. In response, the governor has extended the state's Severe Cold Weather Protocol until noon on Thursday, February 5, marking the longest activation of this protocol in more than a decade.
 

Forecasts now show that bitterly cold weather will persist even longer than expected, with well below normal temperatures continuing into the middle of next week. Overnight lows over the next 10 days are projected to fall into the single digits with several nights dipping below zero.

During the protocol, warming centers are welcoming those in need and providing relief from the cold. They include:

Bridgeport Public Library: Beardsley Branch at 2536 East Main Street

  • Open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Monday
  • Open from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday
  • Open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Wednesday & Thursday
  • Open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday & Saturday

East Side Senior Center at 268 Putnam Street

  • Open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. from Monday-Friday

The Greater Bridgeport Transit Station at 710 Water Street

  • Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. from Monday-Friday

South End Community Center at 650 Park Avenue

  • Open 24/7

If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay, click here, visit 211ct.org, or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation assistance is also available when needed.
 

Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline

I want to remind you that Access Health CT’s extended enrollment deadline runs through Saturday, January 31. Customers who register or renew by this date will have health and dental coverage beginning February 1.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone.

You can reach the call center at 1-855-805-4325. Operators will be taking calls from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. from now through January 30. On Saturday, January 31, the line will be open until midnight.

Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them, including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair. Help is available in more than 100 languages.
 

Returning to Session Next Week
The House is back in session starting Wednesday, February 4 at the State Capitol. My colleagues and I are gearing up for a busy legislative season to pass critical bills through May 6. During the short session, individual legislators are limited to proposing bills related to budget, revenue, or finance, while committees can raise bills on any topic. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned here for updates!
 

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington in 1963 for jobs, freedom, civil rights, and an end to racism.
 
We've made progress, no doubt, but we still have a long way to go. Each new day brings opportunities to come together and move closer to justice.

We recognize January 19th as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We are reminded of his inspiring words and to keep striving for fairness and equality for all. This year will be no different here, except that some of my colleagues will do the honors in reliving the moment.
 
Please click on the video below to hear their voices continue Dr. King's legacy.