Henry Genga

Women Veterans Recognition Day reflects Connecticut’s commitment to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of the women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Last week, I was honored to attend a meaningful ceremony at the Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus that celebrated the contributions of women veterans and elevated the voices and experiences of those who have served our nation, including current female service members.

This year marked Connecticut’s second observance of Women Veterans Recognition Day since legislation was enacted in 2025 officially designating June 12 as National Women Veterans Recognition Day in our state. The day serves as an important reminder of the vital role women have played, and continue to play, in defending our nation and strengthening our communities.

The ceremony featured the presentation of a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing the service, sacrifice, and achievements of Connecticut’s more than 16,000 women veterans. It also celebrated their enduring contributions to their families, communities, our state, and our country.

I am pictured below with Army veteran Naomi Fucci, recipient of the 2026 Women Veterans Award; National Guard Brigadier General Lesbia Nieves; and Sherri Vogt, a 2026 inductee into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame and Chairwoman and co-founder of the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force. It was a privilege to join these remarkable leaders and honor the extraordinary legacy of Connecticut’s women veterans.

 

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) wants residents to be aware of new work requirements affecting some recipients of SNAP benefits and upcoming changes to HUSKY Health, eligibility rules.

The good news: most people will not lose their benefits. However, it is important to review the new requirements and determine whether they apply to your situation.
 

SNAP Work Requirement Changes that began in November 2025, some SNAP recipients must meet one of the following work rules:

• Work at least 80 hours per month or earn at least $217.60 per week
• Participate in a job training or work program, such as SNAP Employment & Training, for at least 80 hours per month
• Complete at least 80 hours per month of community service or volunteer work
• Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling 80 hours per month

Click here to use the SNAP Work Rules Pre-Screener and find out whether these requirements apply to you.
 

Upcoming HUSKY Health (HUSKY D) Changes

Starting January 1, 2027, some HUSKY D recipients may be subject to new work requirements. To meet the rules, individuals must fulfill at least one of the following:

• Earn at least $580 per month
• Work at least 80 hours per month
• Complete at least 80 hours per month of volunteer work or community service
• Participate in a qualified work or training program for at least 80 hours per month
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an education program
• Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling up to 80 hours per month

Click here to answer a few questions to learn if the new proposed rules apply to you.

These rules do not start until 2027 and may change before then. This tool provides answers based on the current status of the rules.

Connecticut's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) offer free, in-person assistance with SNAP and HUSKY Health benefits, click here to find your local CAA office.

 

New legislation has been signed into law to expand benefits and strengthen support for Connecticut's public safety personnel, including police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and members of the National Guard. The law is designed to help recruit the next generation of public safety professionals while improving retention among those already serving our communities.

The legislation includes a wide range of initiatives and benefits, including college tuition and fee waivers, mortgage assistance programs, expanded survivor health insurance coverage, support for National Guard employment opportunities, and the creation of junior firefighter grant programs. It also establishes several new task forces and working groups focused on recruitment, retention, tax incentives, and career pipeline development for police officers and firefighters.

Additional provisions include studying health insurance options for retired police officers and firefighters, establishing pay rates for state troopers assigned to highway construction projects, providing tax relief for surviving domestic partners of first responders, and strengthening recruitment and retention efforts for UConn's public safety departments.

Together, these measures recognize the critical role public safety professionals play in protecting our communities and help ensure Connecticut can attract, support, and retain a strong and dedicated workforce.

For additional details, click here to read the Governor's news release.

 

The East Hartford Commission on Aging invites all seniors (55+) for a series of seminars and conversations at the Senior Center. These seminars are intended to educate local seniors on a variety of topics, such as public safety, programming, tax assistance, senior services and more.

“Public Programming with Libraries and Parks and Recreation”

•   Wednesday, June 24, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 “Health and Human Services”

•   Wednesday, July 29, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 To register, call the East Hartford Senior Center at (860) 291-7460 ext. 0.