State Capitol Update For The Week of December 5

December 5, 2025



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Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of December 4.

Click the image below to view my video on this week’s events.
 

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 

  • Severe Cold Weather Protocol. Click here.
  • CTECS is Now Accepting Applications. Click here.
  • Apply to be a Sustainable CT Fellow. Click here.
  • ICYMI - Federal Railroad Administration. Click here.
  • Northwest Corner Events. Click here

Severe Cold Weather Protocol

With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol will be in effect through Tuesday, December 9.

Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.
 
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
 
Click HERE to learn more.

CTECS is Now Accepting Applications

The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is now accepting applications for students entering grade 9 and 10 in the 2026-2027 school year.

CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting, NEASC-accredited technical high schools serving approximately 11,500 high school students, including many from your communities. Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day program that combines academics with an advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. 

Students can choose from 31 programs of study in areas such as Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM); and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. 

A hallmark of the technical high school experience is the hands-on career development and production work students complete through partnerships with local companies via the Work-Based Learning program.

Graduates of CTECS are well-prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or further education at two- or four-year colleges. Students also have opportunities to earn college credit while in high school through College Career Pathways (CCP) partnerships with community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs with universities. In addition to academics and technical training, schools offer athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities.

The CTECS application closes on January 25, 2026. Applications submitted by this deadline will be included in the lottery for on-time placements. Applications submitted after January 25 will be added to the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. No new applications for incoming grade 9 students will be accepted after March 1, 2026. For more information or to apply online, visit the CTECS admissions webpage.

Apply to be a Sustainable CT Fellow

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Sustainable CT Fellowship Program.

The Sustainable CT Fellowship Program is a paid, full-time summer position for students who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary degree program or who will graduate during the 2025–2026 academic year. Fellows gain hands-on experience supporting municipalities in implementing Sustainable CT actions, tracking progress toward certification, and fostering community engagement in sustainability initiatives.

All applications must be submitted by Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Click here to learn more. 

Click here to explore disposal options near you. 

ICYMI - Federal Railroad Administration Grant

The National Railroad Partnership Program is now open. Over $5 billion is available for communities looking to improve rail crossings or other passenger rail infrastructure. Applications are due Jan. 7, 2026. Click here to learn more. 

Northwest Corner Events

The Merry & Bright Holiday Concert will be held on Saturday, December 6 at the Congregational Church of Salisbury. 

 Doors open at 3:30 PM. Seating is limited - click here to receive your space. 

ICYMI 
 

It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.

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Sincerely,


Maria Horn
State Representative

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