Jennifer Leeper

Happy Friday!

I want to share the latest development on United Illuminating's monopole transmission line plan (this one is encouraging!).

On Thursday, the Connecticut Siting Council chose to delay their vote on the plan until October 16. This decision comes after a difficult but critical meeting that I, along with other leaders, had with Governor Lamont's office and UI officials.

Following the meeting, Governor Lamont called for a delay to "see a better way to do this," saying "we're not going to let UI rush into a bad decision."

I am grateful Gov. Lamont recognized how disastrous United Illuminating's proposed route through Fairfield, Southport, and Bridgeport would have been to our communities, and requested a delay in the Siting Council vote that was scheduled for today. I appreciate him calling UI to come to the table to negotiate with our communities.  

With the vote delayed until Oct. 16, now is the time for UI to meaningfully negotiate with Fairfield and Bridgeport. While the fight isn't over, I am hopeful this represents a new phase in this process where the parties can work together collaboratively to avoid the most disastrous components of UI's proposed route. 

If you are able, please donate to the continuing legal fight.

I'll be sure to keep you updated. 

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about automatic admissions to some CT colleges and universities, voter registration day, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.

• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Access Health CT Benefits Change
• Automatic Admission to Some CT Colleges and Universities
• National Voter Registration Day
• Events this Weekend
• Halloween Season in Fairfield!

This week marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. From music and food to science, business, and public service—Hispanic and Latino communities shape Connecticut and our nation every day!

Let’s honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions that continue to inspire generations.

If you're insured through the Access Health CT exchange, you may have recently received a postcard in the mail—and it's worth paying attention to.

People who receive tax credits or subsidies for their affordable health care plans could see those benefits change or even disappear. This small piece of mail could be alerting you to major changes coming to your health insurance costs.

It’s important to review your current plan now because what you’re paying this year might not be the same next year.

Visit AccessHealthCT.com/get-help to make sure your information is up to date. You can also sign up for text updates or call Access Health CT directly at 1-855-901-2428.

More information will be coming soon—so keep an eye out and stay informed.

Governor Ned Lamont is reminding Connecticut high school students that earning good grades can lead to automatic admission to several public and private colleges and universities through a new state initiative that makes applying to college easier.

Launched in 2022, the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) is available to all graduating seniors in the state who have at least:

• A 3.0 weighted GPA or
• A 2.75 unweighted GPA

With just one application, students are automatically admitted to 10 participating colleges and universities, and the program eliminates common barriers by waiving application fees, essays, and recommendation letters. CAAP is administered by the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system in partnership with the nonprofit organization Common App, which helps streamline the college application process for eligible students.

Participating colleges and universities include:

• Central Connecticut State University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Southern Connecticut State University
• Western Connecticut State University
• Albertus Magnus College
• Goodwin University
• Mitchell College
• University of Bridgeport
• University of Hartford
• University of New Haven

After students apply through the Common App, eligible applicants will receive acceptance letters notifying them of their admission and encouraging them to enroll in one of the participating schools. The process requires only one application form and has no application fees.

The application period for Connecticut high school seniors planning to start college in the 2026-2027 academic year is currently open and will remain so until May 1, 2026.

All high school students in Connecticut are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Click here for more details and application instructions.