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Dear Friend,
This is my State Capitol update for the week of January 15.
Click the image below to view my video on this week’s events. |
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Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- Housatonic State Forest Timber Harvest Update. Click here.
- Local Schools Receive Statewide Honor. Click here.
- ICYMI - Access Health Enrollment Deadline Extended. Click here.
- ICYMI - CAS Heart of the Arts Submissions. Click here.
- ICYMI - CT Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Enhancement Grants Available. Click here.
- Northwest Corner Events. Click here.
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced that a timber harvest at Housatonic State Forest, located at the end of Swaller Hill Road in Sharon, is expected to begin shortly.
The project is designed to improve forest health by removing dead and declining trees affected by spongy moth defoliation and oak decline, helping regenerate a more diverse mix of tree species and ages.
The timber harvest contract was awarded to Cersosimo Lumber Company, Inc., which is currently completing a nearby DEEP timber harvest off Swaller Hill Road. The logging crew is expected to move to the Housatonic site within the next one to three weeks and continue work through April 1.
Preparatory work, including road and log landing improvements along Blount Road, is expected to begin this week. This may require temporary closures of the parking area and portions of Blount Road to the public.
Residents with questions or concerns may contact State Lands Forester Jeremy Clark at 860-324-4885. |
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The Connecticut State Department of Education has released results from the 2024–25 Next Generation Accountability System, and the news is encouraging: students across the state are making meaningful progress.
The accountability system looks beyond test scores to measure how well schools support student success across 12 indicators, including academic growth, attendance, graduation rates, college readiness, physical fitness, and arts participation. This year’s results show improvement in most areas statewide.
One standout success is dual credit expansion. Thanks to recent state investments, the percentage of 11th and 12th grade students earning three or more college credits before graduation has jumped from 22.3% in 2021–22 to 30.7% in 2024–25—a nearly 40% increase.
Each year, schools that demonstrate strong performance, academic growth, and supportive learning environments are recognized as Schools of Distinction. In 2024–25, 140 schools statewide earned this honor, including 34 schools in Alliance Districts, reflecting progress across communities large and small.
I am proud to share that the following local schools were recognized as Schools of Distinction:
- Cornwall Consolidated School
- Goshen Center School (Regional School District 20)
- Litchfield Center School (Regional School District 20)
- Sharon Center School
- The Burnham School (Regional School District 12)
- Warren School (Regional School District 20)
These results highlight the impact of strong educators, engaged students, and continued investment in public education.
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Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, has announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, January 31. Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting February 1. Customers can also renew their coverage.
Visit Access Health CT's website for more information. |
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It is not too late to submit nominations for the CAS 2026 Heart of the Arts Award. This prestigious award honors students, adults, or groups involved in high school performing or visual arts who exemplify the core values of education-based activities—integrity, citizenship, courage, and good character.
If you know someone who has shown exceptional "Heart,” gone above and beyond to support others in the school community, or overcome significant challenges, nominate them for this award! The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 16.
Click here for more information. |
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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. |
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The Sharon Energy & Environment Commission, Sharon Land Trust, and the Sharon Audubon Center are hosting a free, three-part lecture and workshop series focused on the role native and invasive plants play in shaping our local landscapes.
Led by organic land care expert Michael Nadeau, the series is designed for homeowners, landowners, and professional landscapers seeking practical, science-based guidance on managing invasive species and supporting native plants.
Participants may attend one, two, or all three sessions—each workshop stands alone, while together they provide a deeper understanding of how land care choices can improve habitat, biodiversity, and long-term landscape health.
Click here to learn more. |
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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.
Click here to forward to forward this email to a friend. |
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Sincerely,
Maria Horn
State Representative |
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