Susan Johnson

The bitter cold is sticking around, and the state is extending its Severe Weather Protocol. Please keep reading to find the vital warming shelters available in our community.

Our longtime sponsor, Gates Nissan, joined my radio show to talk about today's car market but also the charitable work the small business does in Eastern Connecticut. Scroll below to learn more from our delightful conversation!

Time is running out to register for health or dental insurance through Access Health CT. I'll break down how much time you have left to sign up!

Here are the sections in today's email:

• Extension to Cold Weather Protocol
• Returning to Session Next Week
• Let's Talk About It: Denny Gates
• Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline

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 through Thursday, February 5 at noon, 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. The Windham Senior Center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Project Hope is open overnight from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., offering warm beverages and showers. If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay, visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation assistance is also available when needed.

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!

Let's Talk About It: Gates Nissan

My co-host Dennis O'Brien and I recently welcomed our longtime sponsor, Gates Nissan, to Let's Talk About It for a conversation about today's car market and the company's deep commitment to giving back to the community. Executive Manager Denny Gates shared how consumers now have more choices than ever, from hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles to powerful traditional engines, making it easier for families to find a care that first their needs and lifestyle.

We also discussed the many ways Gates Nissan supports local causes, including Little League teams, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Jolly John's, a charitable fund created by the Gates family after losing a family member to cancer. Through private donations, Jolly John's helps ease the financial burden on families caring for a loved one by assisting with mortgages, utilities, food, and other essential expenses. You can learn more here. Finally, Gates shared a heartwarming plan for Mother's Day. He planted a large garden so children can receive free flowers to give to their mothers and make the day extra special. Please click on the video below to listen to our entire conversation.

Denny Gates from Gates Nissan talks about his charitable causes in the community.

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. Connecticut is stepping up by offering financial assistance despite recent federal cuts. Some customers may qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

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. 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.