Maria Horn

This is my State Capitol update for the week of January 8.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click the image below to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.

For one thing, it was chilly and the wind was fierce, so I was grateful that we were not being sworn in outdoors, with no friends or family in attendance, as we were in 2020 during the pandemic.  Remembering January 6, 2020, also revived the stark contrast between the CT ceremony and the events in Washington, DC that day, which included a violent insurrection and attack on our US Capitol, its police force, elected leaders, and the peaceful transition of power.  In CT, we emphasized bipartisan cooperation, even amidst disagreements on policy.  Yesterday, it was Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, the senior Republican in the House, who nominated Democratic Representative Matt Ritter to be the Speaker of the House. That says a lot. 

This year was the first time I got to keep the same seat in the chamber, as I will continue chairing the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.  As a committee chair, I get an aisle seat, and as Finance Chair, it’s in the top row.  That turned out to be another thing I was grateful for. As you might notice from the pictures, I’ve got a new pair of accessories: I will be on crutches for the next few months as I recently had knee surgery (remember the MRI I mentioned last month?  Turned out I had a torn meniscus.)  It was also especially nice to have my husband Tom and son Max with me, who did a lot of bag carrying that day (and at home, for that matter).

As I navigated the Capitol from a new perspective, noticing all the little stairs throughout the building, how slow the elevators are, how much more time it takes to crutch than walk, and how useful a backpack might be, I also realized there was something to be gained from the perspective.  Not only the literal lesson in the challenges many people face navigating the world with a disability, but also the metaphor it provides for the political and legislative moment we face in CT.  The incoming federal administration is, to say the least, not completely aligned with our values or policies.  We will have to figure out what kind of hurdles this creates for us, and to look for creative pathways around some of them, while working to dismantle others.  

Opening day is also a great opportunity to catch up with lots of people, including my colleagues and their families.  Our personal bonds to one another are important as we navigate difficult seas ahead, and I’m very grateful to the bipartisan array of colleagues who have offered their help and advice to me as I crutch my way through the building, especially as I’m less able to physically “cross the aisle” in chamber at the moment.  

The week ahead includes many days of 20-minute meetings with advocates, colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders of all kinds on legislative proposals ahead, as well as the introductory meetings for the two other committees I sit on, Environment, and Energy & Technology.  All three committees will have full agendas, and I’ll share more details next week.  

• Access Health Enrollment Deadline Approaching. Click here. 
• Public Information Meeting on Bridge in Norwalk. Click here.
• Connecticut’s 2024 Broadband Report Highlights Major Advancements In Digital Connectivity And Equity. Click here.
• Upcoming Events. Click here.

The deadline to enroll in health and dental coverage starting Feb. 1, 2025 is Jan. 15, 2025. This is the final deadline for the 2025 Open Enrollment Period.  
 
The Open Enrollment Period for Connecticut residents to shop, compare and enroll in health insurance or renew their coverage began Nov. 1, 2024. Customers may enroll in either health or dental coverage, or both.
 
AHCT is the only place state residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of customers received financial assistance last year. Some customers might qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents.
 
There are 22 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) for customers to choose from. Plans are available from Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc. and ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.

There are several ways to get free help in person, online and over the phone.
 
AHCT is hosting five one-day enrollment fairs throughout the state during January. Customers can also visit enrollment locations and Navigator partner locations during regular business hours. For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage on the AHCT website. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations is also listed.
 
Customers can also get help from a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist in their community.
To find a broker near you, go online to AccessHealthCT.com and click ‘Get Help’.
  
For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
 
Live chat is available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Jan. 15, 2025.
 
To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.
 
The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight Jan. 15, 2025.
 
Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

• $28 million in grants to expand internet access: In October 2024, the state announced $28 million in grants to extend broadband access to more than 3,000 unserved and underserved locations. A second round of grant applications is currently underway, reinforcing the state’s commitment to closing service gaps.
• Fewer homes without internet options: Since 2022, the percentage of homes lacking basic broadband speeds (25 Mbps/3 Mbps) has dropped from 1.7% to just 0.4%. This progress has been tracked by six semi-annual data collections and enhanced serviceability insights enabled by state and federal legislation.
• More access to gigabit-speed internet: By mid-2024, nearly 850,000 locations statewide had access to gigabit symmetrical broadband – a dramatic increase from 2022, when few residential and small business locations had access to these speeds and performance quality. The proportion of locations meeting the state’s gigabit-speed goal rose significantly, with only 13% left to reach, compared to 62% in 2022.
• Lower costs, more choice: The number of locations served by a single provider dropped by approximately 60%, from more than 500,000 in 2022 to 202,226 in 2024. Increased competition has contributed to improved service quality and more affordable pricing options for residents.
• More families and businesses getting online: Connecticut’s household internet subscription rate now stands at 92.2%, supported by targeted initiatives to overcome price and nonprice barriers. Community-centered events have been instrumental in addressing disparities, and the state’s comprehensive Digital Equity Plan will continue to drive progress in the coming years.

Connecticut General Statutes § 16-330c originated from Public Act 21-159, An Act Concerning Equitable Access to Broadband. This landmark legislation established a framework to expand broadband access and promote digital equity statewide. It requires the development of a comprehensive broadband map and mandates regular reporting to the governor on grant awards, progress toward universal high-speed internet access, and barriers to adoption such as affordability and digital literacy. This legislation serves as the foundation for Connecticut’s ongoing efforts to close the digital divide and ensure equitable internet access for all residents.
 
The report also highlights the ongoing outreach efforts and anticipated grant funding to support additional connections and foster digital literacy through statewide programs. While challenges remain, the steady progress reflects the strength of Connecticut’s strategic interagency collaboration and targeted investments.
 
For more information on DEEP’s overall broadband deployment efforts, visit portal.ct.gov/deep/energy/broadband-deployment.

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Maria Horn
State Representative