Juan R. Candelaria

The House is BACK IN SESSION Feb. 26th. Our representatives are gearing up to pass critical legislation through May 6th. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned for updates!

The public hearing schedule for the week of February 23rd is below. Show up, stay informed, have your voice heard!

A record number of people enrolled in health and dental plans through Access Health CT for the third consecutive year. More than 157,000 residents signed up for coverage during open enrollment, which ran from November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026, marking a 4% increase over last year.

Enrollment in dental coverage also reached a new high. Access Health CT now provides dental insurance to more than 19,000 people, representing a 9% increase compared to 2025.

This Open Enrollment Period occurred amid several changes at both the state and federal levels. Despite those shifts, Connecticut achieved record-breaking enrollment, thanks in large part to expanded outreach and education efforts that helped connect more residents with the coverage they need.

The results underscore Connecticut's continued commitment to expanding access to affordable, quality health care for individuals and a families across the state.

CT is making $1.55 million of state funding available to support the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant. The program aims to increase access to locally grown farm products for distribution to food-insecure populations, while also supporting the operations of Connecticut farmers and the state’s overall agricultural economy.

Access Health CT is committed to reducing health disparities across Connecticut. To support this mission, a free Broker Academy training program is being offered to empower community members and organizations to drive positive change. Participants will receive comprehensive training, have their exam fees covered, and be paired with a mentor, ensuring support at every step of the journey.

Minimum requirements to apply:

• 18 years or older
• High school diploma or GED
• 1-3 recommendation letters Community service experience
• Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas

Click here for more information and to sign up for notifications.

For questions, email AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov

Click here to sign up for a virtual Broker Academy Info Session, multiple dates available.

A program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.

Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.

Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.