Note Changes to SNAP, HUSKY Health, Free Summer Meals, CEA Legislator Report Card

July 15, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

You may have noticed that we are covered in an orange haze right now as a result of the wildfires in Canada. I was outside very briefly earlier today, and my throat started hurting almost immediately. 
 
We need to take this health risk seriously because the particulate matter in the air is risky for seniors, kids, those with asthma and other respiratory issues, and even if you don’t fit one of those categories, it’s pretty gross out there.

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 100, you should wear a mask, and if it exceeds 151, health officials recommend staying inside. Please be careful as this smoke lasts at least through tomorrow (Thursday).
 
Included today is a lot of information on changes to SNAP and HUSKY. As always, if you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. As a reminder, the Connecticut Foodshare Mobile Pantry is available every other Tuesday at the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center, and the next day they will be there is Tuesday, July 28 at 10 a.m.
 
Free Summer Meals are available as part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program, and any child under 18 can access those meals at participating locations (see section below).
 
Looking to change careers or start a new career path? Check out the CT Career Paths report provided by our CT Department of Labor. 
 
Stay safe out there and have a good week, 
 
Eleni

Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative

 

Note Changes to SNAP, HUSKY Health 

A new federal law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is changing eligibility and work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Some Connecticut residents may need to provide additional information to continue receiving benefits. These changes may affect you if you are:

  • Between the ages of 18 and 64
  • Living with a child over the age of 14
  • Pregnant or physically or mentally unable to work
  • Caring for someone who is ill or has a disability
  • Receiving disability benefits such as SSI, SSDI, or VA
  • Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program

The Connecticut Department of Social Services encourages SNAP recipients to review the new requirements and determine whether they apply to their household. CLICK HERE to answer a few questions and learn more.

You may need to provide additional documentation to keep your SNAP benefits. Submit your documents, such as proof of pregnancy, household size, a medical condition, employment, volunteer service, or participation in an education or training program.

The quickest way to submit documents is by taking a picture with your phone and submitting it through MyDSS or ConneCT.
If you do not have a MyDSS or ConneCT account, you can also:

  • Use the chat feature at ct.gov/dss
  • Mail your documents to the DSS ConneCT Scanning Center, P.O. Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045
  • Visit your local DSS office, including Willimantic Resource Center, 1320 Main Street/Tyler Square, Willimantic, CT 06226 (Click here for other locations)  Portal.ct.gov/dss/office-locator

If you have questions about your SNAP benefits, don't wait until your case is reviewed. Taking a few minutes now to check your status and submit any required documents can help prevent interruptions in your benefits.
 

Free Summer Meals for Kids 18 & Under

As our youth enjoy these summer months away from school, don't forget that nutritious meals are available at no cost to all children in the state!

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, any child 18 and under may receive meals at participating locations - no application, proof of income, or identification required.
 
You can use the U.S. DAG's Summer Meals Site Finder or call 2-1-1 to find participating meal sites throughout the state. Please confirm the location and meal service times before visiting to make sure you don't miss out.
 
Whether they're in the classroom or enjoying vacation, a healthy meal is critical to a child's physical and mental development. I encourage you and your family to take advantage of this great opportunity!
 

It's in: CEA Legislator Report Card

The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) Report Card system evaluates legislators’ voting records, advocacy, and efforts to advance CEA priorities.

These priorities include enhancing the teaching profession, protecting pensions and benefits, preserving collective bargaining, and supporting sound education policy that enhances public education. Please click on the image below to see how I achieved my score.

The report card score also includes a holistic view of legislators’ overall support of teachers and public education, advocacy of CEA priorities, and responsiveness to requests to meet with educators and CEA staff.

For a look at how all state lawmakers fared, please click HERE.
 

Slow Down This Summer  

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, is reminding drivers to slow down this summer as speed enforcement efforts increase across Connecticut during July.

The statewide effort combines education, awareness, and enforcement to address one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the state. 
 
In 2024, the last year of verifiable data, Connecticut recorded 126 fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. 
  
As part of this effort, CTDOT has launched its new "Speeding is Killing All of Us" public awareness campaign, designed to encourage drivers to think about the real-life consequences of speeding and make safer choices behind the wheel. Through television, digital, social media, and outdoor advertising, the campaign delivers an urgent message: speeding puts every road user at risk. 
 

Why slowing down matters: 

  • A pedestrian struck at higher speeds is significantly less likely to survive.  
  • Speeding reduces the time drivers must react to unexpected hazards.  
  • Even familiar roads can become deadly when drivers exceed the speed limit.  
  • Choosing to slow down protects everyone sharing Connecticut's roads. 

  For more information about the dangers of speeding, visit nhtsa.gov. 
 

CT Career Paths Guide

The Connecticut Department of Labor has released its latest resource guide, 2025 Connecticut Career Paths, providing tools, strategies, and insights to help individuals explore career opportunities and make informed decisions.

Published by the Department's Office of Research in partnership with the Connecticut Career Resource Network (CCRN), the guide serves as a valuable resource for students, career explorers, and job seekers across Connecticut.

Designed as a quick-reference resource, the guide includes locations and contact information for American Job Centers, the Department of Labor's job bank, career and educational resources, and key government programs. It also features articles on apprenticeships, student success planning, resume design basics, and other career development topics.

In addition, the guide provides detailed information on more than 360 occupations in Connecticut, including job descriptions, current employment figures, projected annual openings, salary ranges, required education and training, and the essential skills employers are seeking.

Click here to access the guide.
Questions about the guide may be directed to the Office of Research at ccrn@ct.gov.
 

Main Street Farmers' Market 2026

The Canton Main Street Farmers' Market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And it's always a good time.

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