UI Decision, SNAP Information, and more

October 23, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

The leaves are displaying their Fall glory and there are many community activity events happening in Fairfield and Bridgeport. You can find information below about some of those events, Early Voting, changes in SNAP food benefits policy, and a bit about what I have been up to in recent days.
UI Monopole Decision

By now you have likely heard that the Connecticut Siting Council turned down United Illuminating’s monopole plans for Bridgeport and Fairfield. I am grateful to all of the community members, local leaders, including First Selectman Vitale and Mayor Ganim, and my fellow legislators, led by Representatives Leeper and Stafstrom, for their successful leadership in defeating this proposal.

In the days since, there have been comments that this decision was just about aesthetics and will drive up rates for consumers around the state, perspectives I disagree with. Our collective opposition was rooted in the economic impact to local businesses, losses to historical and religious sites, disagreements regarding the estimated costs, and more. United Illuminating has submitted a Freedom of Information Request for all of my communication regarding the matter during recent weeks, as well as the communication of my colleagues. I am happy to share that communication and remain steadfast in my hope that UI will enter into real negotiations with the city and the town for a compromise solution.
 
SNAP Food Benefits

Legislators were notified this week that constituents who utilize federal SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries should plan for no benefits beginning November 1st. The following information is what the CT Department of Social Services released:

  • If the federal shutdown keeps going, SNAP benefits for November will not be sent out.
  • If the federal shutdown continues past Oct. 31, your constituents may not be able to use any SNAP benefits left over from previous months until the federal government reopens.
  • November federal SNAP benefits cannot be issued until the federal shutdown ends or new guidance is provided by FNS.
  • At this time, SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards remain available for use to purchase food through Oct. 31.

I will be sure to stay in touch as new information becomes available.
 
Early Voting Information

The early voting period has arrived for the 2025 municipal elections. You can vote early now through Nov. 2nd 10am - 6pm with extended hours on Oct. 28 & 30 from 8am - 8:00pm. 

In Fairfield, the early voting location is at the Fairfield University Bookstore (1499 Post Rd, Fairfield).

In Bridgeport, you can vote early at the Margaret Morton Government Center (999 Broad Street).

If you prefer to vote on election day, I will see you on November 4th!! Click here to check if you are eligible to vote.

Then, click here to access the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System (CVRS) to register online.

Same Day Registration (SDR) is also available during the early voting period.
 
Legislative Activities

Over these past weeks, I have attended a number of both community and legislative events, including: 

  • The Center for Family Justice’s annual domestic violence vigil
  • The First Selectman’s coffee with Districts 3&6
  • The Fairfield Chamber Coffee and Connect and Harvest Market
  • The League of Conservation Voters’ 25th Anniversary at Penfield Pavilion
  • Bridgeport Pride Center’s Gala
  • Trunk or Treat sponsored by the Fairfield Police Department
  • CIRI’s annual event recognizing leaders in the state who support our immigrants and refugees.
  • I participated in a targeted violence workshop, hearing from Max Schachter, parent of one of the Parkland shooting victims
  • The Alcohol and Drug Policy Council
  • The Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health meeting
  • Visited Lincoln Tech to talk about nursing training
  • Joined our Public Health Commissioner Juthani at Yale New Haven to encourage residents to get their COVID and Flu shots.

And yesterday, I joined Bridgeport colleagues for an exciting groundbreaking for a new residence at Steelpointe in Bridgeport. Part of an exciting revitalization and economic development effort in the city, the 142 room hotel will sit immediately adjacent to the 420 apartment units currently under construction. Hundreds more apartments are planned for the future, along with retail space that is currently under construction.

Dozens of residents joined Governor Lamont, city and state officials, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and Steelepointe Harbor developer Bobby Christoph to celebrate the occasion.
Upcoming Local Events
 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. As always, please feel free to reach out directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns. You can reach me by phone at (860) 240-8585 or (203) 522-3037.

Take care,


Cristin McCarthy Vahey

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