Public Safety Informational Forum on Feb. 23rd, It's Time to End Homelessness in CT

February 11, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

As a short session is underway, I want to remind you that there are multiple ways you can "follow along." First, you can always tune in to public hearings, committee meetings, working groups, and task forces, to name a few, at our version of public broadcasting, CT-N.com. Some people find it most effective if they are suffering from insomnia. Kidding!

You can also register at our website, CGA.ct.gov, where you can follow specific bill numbers through the legislative process. You will receive updates anytime the status of a bill changes. It's a good way to know when the bill you want to testify on is headed to a public hearing. There's a handy chart included in today's newsletter to help you get started.

A few weeks ago, I shared that Representative Exum, Senator Honig, and I have been working with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection regarding online safety and specifically, the 764 network. That event will take place on Monday, February 23^rd, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and there are more details below.

Once again, the Student Loan Reimbursement Program is open for applications. The qualifications remain the same as they have been for the last two years, and you can find all of that information included today.

On Saturday, February 28^th, I'll be participating in the Coldest Night of the Year Walk to end homelessness. The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness held a press conference to draw attention to the fact that, though we have warming centers open and though the news isn't covering it, we have multiple people who have frozen to death already this year. I've included my remarks from that presser today as well.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day this weekend and a good week ahead,

Eleni

Public Safety Informational Forum on Feb. 23rd

Last fall, I was made aware of a growing online threat against our children, the “764 network.” These online predators find children on platforms like Roblox and Discord and then move them to a second location, like Signal, because of the end-to-end encryption.

From ABC News: “Authorities say that one of the main goals of 764 and its many affiliates is to sow chaos and destroy society. Its members find vulnerable children online, elicit private information and intimate sexual images from them, and then use that sensitive material to blackmail victims into mutilating themselves or taking other violent action -- all while streaming it on social media so others can watch and torment the victims too.”

Unfortunately, we have even had a case here in Connecticut, and there are hundreds of cases across the United States being investigated by the FBI.
That’s why I reached out to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to put together a panel of experts to help parents understand what is happening and how we can protect our kids online and in real life.

State Representative Tammy Exum, State Senator Paul Honig, and I invite you to join us at Avon High School on February 23 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

This event is strictly for parents because the discussion will contain disturbing information not intended for children.

You can learn more about the 764 network HERE.

Relief Fund Extension? Good to Go

We voted to extend the state’s Emergency Response Fund that shields Connecticut from federal funding cuts and protects vital health and human services for our communities.

Amid chaos and uncertainty, this fund will be available through the end of the next fiscal year to quickly respond to additional federal funding reductions.

CT SLR Program Good News

The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year.

Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.

Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.

Eligible applicants may qualify if they:

Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
Completed required community service or qualified for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances

Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.

Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.

Tracking Bills on the CGA Website

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:

The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language.
You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website.
Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates.
Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change.
Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard.

Access Health CT's Broker Academy

Access Health CT is committed to reducing health disparities across Connecticut.

To support this mission, a free Broker Academy training program is being offered to empower community members and organizations to drive positive change.

Participants will receive comprehensive training, have their exam fees covered, and be paired with a mentor, ensuring support at every step of the journey.

Minimum requirements to apply:

18 years or older
High school diploma or GED
1-3 recommendation letters, Community service experience
Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas

Click here for more information and to sign up for notifications.
For questions, email AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov
Click here to sign up for a virtual Broker Academy Info Session, multiple dates available.

It's Time to End Homelessness in CT

It’s hard to overstate that we are in the middle of a housing and eviction crisis that is causing our homeless numbers to rise, and ultimately, the death of those living outside this winter.

When I first started sharing numbers with you several years ago, we had around 5,000 people experiencing homelessness, and now that number is over 8,000. We can do more, we should do more, and I truly hope this is the year we do more to address homelessness.

Click on the picture below for a closer look from CT Public Radio.