State Capitol Update For The Week of December 18
December 18, 2025
Dear Friend,
This is my State Capitol update for the week of December 18.
Click the image below to view my video on this week’s events.
Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- State Uses Budget Reserve to Protect Key Services. Click here.
- State Protects Health Care Subsidies. Click here.
- Access Health Enrollment Deadline Extended. Click here.
- ICYMI - Federal Railroad Administration. Click here.
- CT Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Enhancement Grants Available. Click here.
- Northwest Corner Events. Click here.
State Uses Budget Reserve Funds to Protect Key Services
During November's special session, the General Assembly passed a $500 million emergency response fund 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 use. His proposal calls for the following:
- 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 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.
State Protects Health Care Subsidies
Last week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, Governor Lamont announced that the state expects to spend roughly $70 million next year to make up for the loss. These funds will come from a $500 million contingency reserve we created during last month’s special session to address potential federal cuts to safety-net programs.
For individuals earning up to $56,000 a year, health care costs will remain unchanged. Likewise, a family of four with an annual income of up to approximately $128,000 will see little to no change in their costs. Partial subsidies are being considered for those with slightly higher incomes, up to $75,000 for single individuals and $160,000 or more for a family of four who would pay slightly more than they do now.
Access Health Enrollment Deadline Extended
Due to a system outage that may have prevented many customers from enrolling in health and dental coverage by the December 15, 2025 deadline for coverage effective January 1, 2026, Access Health CT is extending the enrollment deadline. Customers now have until Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. to enroll in coverage beginning January 1, 2026.
To receive coverage effective January 1, 2026, enrollment must be completed by contacting the Access Health CT Call Center. Applications completed on the website will result in coverage beginning February 1, 2026.
Call: 1-855-805-4325 or TTY: 1-855-789-2428
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Customers should expect longer-than-normal hold times and are encouraged to call before 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20 to ensure enrollment is completed. Assistance is available in more than 100 languages.
If you work with a Certified Broker, please contact your broker for assistance enrolling by Saturday, December 20.
Open Enrollment ends January 15, 2026. You may continue to enroll online at AccessHealthCT.com, but coverage will begin February 1, 2026.
CT Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Enhancement Grants Available
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant Program, which supports projects that strengthen agricultural viability across the state.
Eligible municipalities, regional councils of governments, and agricultural nonprofits may apply for grants ranging from $500 to $49,999, with applications due February 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Priority areas include youth and urban agriculture, food hubs and supply chain improvements, and farmland access. Grant details, application materials, and webinar information are available on the Agricultural Enhancement Grant website.
ICYMI - Federal Railroad Administration Grant
The National Railroad Partnership Program is now open. Over $5 billion is available for communities looking to improve rail crossings or other passenger rail infrastructure. Applications are due Jan. 7, 2026. Click here to learn more.
Crescendo, a community-based choral and ensemble music organization founded 22 years ago at Trinity Church in Lime Rock, presents its holiday concert, A Baroque Portrait: Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre.
The program features sonatas, suites, and chamber works performed by local and visiting artists, including Baroque violinist Edson Scheid and Artistic Director Christine Gevert on harpsichord. Concerts will take place December 27 at 4:00 PM in Great Barrington, MA, and December 28 at 4:00 PM at Trinity Lime Rock.
ICYMI
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It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.
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Sincerely,
Maria Horn
State Representative
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