Susan Johnson

The state is taking action because of a looming and unprecedented federal cuts. I'll let you know how we are supporting those in need with food, health care, housing, and much more.

Access Health CT extended its deadline to sign up for insurance due to an outage. I'll let you know how much time you have left to get coverage in the new year.

The owner of the Willimantic Brewing Company joined my radio show after winning a big award. Keep scrolling to learn why Willibrew was recognized!

Here are the sections in today's email:

• Emergency Response Fund Put To Use
• New Access Health Enrollment Deadline
• Advocating to Keep Windham Tech in Town
• Let's Talk About It: Willimantic Brewing Co.

Emergency Response Fund Put To Use

We passed a $500 million emergency response fund during November's special session to support residents facing harmful federal cutbacks from the Trump administration. Now, Governor Ned Lamont is putting a plan in motion to put that fund to good use. His $170 million proposal calls for committing:

• Tens of millions to offset cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies
• $24.5 million to support community food banks and pantries
• Nearly $7 million to combat homelessness
• $4.7 million for 2-1-1 to increase call volume and to Community Action Agencies to support outreach and assistance for SNAP recipients

CLICK HERE to see the entire proposal, which still needs approval from legislative leaders. 

New Access Health Enrollment Deadline

Due to a system outage, Access Health CT (AHCT) is extending its deadline to enroll in health and dental plans until Saturday, December 20 at 3 p.m. to ensure you have coverage starting in the new year. You must contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325. The call center is open:

• Friday until 7 p.m.
• Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

If you complete an application on the AHCT website, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2026.
 
AHCT appreciates your patience and understanding as it works through this unexpected system outage.

Advocating to Keep Windham Tech in Town

The Town of Windham continues to work tirelessly to keep Windham Technical High School right here in our community. Recently, I joined Windham elected officials and town staff to meet with Governor Ned Lamont to pitch our bold plan to revitalize the school at a new location. 

Under the proposal, Windham would donate 46 acres to the state to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art school. This site is ideally suited for geothermal heating and cooling and offers strong potential for hydroelectric power due to its proximity to our rivers – positioning Windham Tech to become one of the most sustainable tech schools across Connecticut.

Director of Windham Taxing District Board Dennis O'Brien, Town Manager Rob Zarnetske, Rep. Susan Johnson, Council Member Suzanne Blancaflor, Town Planner Matt Vertefeuille, Council Member Joshua Holman

I am grateful to everyone who continues to advocate for this important project. Keeping Windham Tech in Windham will strengthen our community, expand opportunities for students who want to learn close to home, and provide hands-on experience in green energy fields that prepare them for the jobs of the future.

Let's Talk About It: Willimantic Brewing Co.

David Wollner, the owner of the Willimantic Brewing Company – better known as Willibrew – joined my weekly radio show after a major achievement. Willibrew recently earned a Crazies Award in the Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame category from the Connecticut Restaurant Association, a prestigious honor recognizing its long-standing commitment to excellence and community impact.

The brewery is located in an old U.S. Post Office building at 967 Main Street. Wollner and his team made extensive renovations to offer outstanding locally brewed beer, a diverse menu, and stellar desserts.  During our conversation, we also discussed the rising costs of operating a restaurant, the need for increased downtown parking, the diversity of dining options in downtown Willimantic, and much more.

Please click on the video below to listen to our entire conversation

The owner of Willibrew discusses winning a Crazies award for hospitality.