Passing Key Laws, Student Loan Help Available, and Changes to SNAP Benefits

March 3, 2026

Last week, the House and Senate passed wide-ranging legislation affecting our elections, law enforcement, workers' rights, and much more. Please read below for some of the highlights that touch our community.

The state is providing much-needed assistance for those with student loan debt. Please read below to learn whether you qualify for the reimbursement program.

A new law has changed the way the state distributes SNAP benefits. I'll break down what to expect and how this change will make a positive difference.

Here are the sections in this email:

  • Highlights From Session
  • Student Loan Help Available
  • Changes to SNAP Benefits
  • Funding for Fresh Foods
  • Understanding Roof Insurance Risk
  • Simsbury Firefighters Honored
  • Simsbury Police Dog Visits Capitol
  • Community Events

 

Highlights From Session

On Thursday, my colleagues and I passed legislation that now heads to the governor's desk for his approval. These measures represent meaningful progress, especially because they fell short of final passage last year. Moving them across the finish line this session reflects our commitment to getting important work done for Connecticut residents.

Here are some of the key reforms:
 
Strengthening Our Election Laws

We took important steps to protect the integrity and security of our elections by:

  • Safeguarding private voter data
  • Requiring that ballots cast early be securely stored in a voting tabulator
  • Preventing individuals convicted of election-related crimes from serving as elections moderators

Supporting Law Enforcement and First Responders

  • Strengthening support for the Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund
  • Updating police training standards to improve interactions with individuals with disabilities

Protecting Workers 

  • Enhancing protections for employees in warehouses and fulfillment centers
  • Requiring employers to provide clear, written quota descriptions that cannot interfere with basic rights like meal breaks and bathroom access

Environmental and Consumer Protections

  • Increasing fines for violating the state's bottle bill law after a surge in out-of-state redemption fraud
  • Requiring redemption centers to record anyone seeking to redeem more than 1,000 bottles and cans in a day

These measures reflect a balanced approach focused on transparency, protection, and practical solutions that strengthen our state.
 

Student Loan Help Available

Simsbury residents who made student loan payments last year are encouraged to apply now for financial assistance through the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program. A new round of grants is now open to help eligible Connecticut residents reduce the cost of student loan repayment. 

Qualified applicants may receive reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum of $20,000 over four years. Each year, the program opens a new grant cycle to reimburse student loan payments made during the previous calendar year 
Click here to view eligibility requirements

By helping offset student loan costs, this program eases financial pressure on individuals and families, supports long-term financial stability, and helps residents put down roots. Just as importantly, it plays a key role in retaining talented, homegrown professionals here in Connecticut, including right here in Simsbury.

Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars Portal, along with required documentation. CLICK HERE for step-by-step application instructions.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Connecticut Office of Higher Education at OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis through December 2026, or until available funds are exhausted.
 

Changes To SNAP Benefits

This week, the state changed how it issues SNAP benefits, staggering the distribution throughout the first eight days of the month, rather than loading them primarily the first few days. This change is designed to:

  • reduce congestion at grocery stores and retailers
  • improve access to food
  • create a smoother, more dignified experience for SNAP recipients

You will find additional details about the new schedule in the graphic below.
Click here to learn more
 

Funding for Fresh Foods
Connecticut is making $1.55 million of state funding available to support the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant. The program aims to increase access to locally grown farm products for distribution to food-insecure populations, while also supporting the operations of Connecticut farmers and the state’s overall agricultural economy.
 

Understanding Roof Insurance Risk

With one of the coldest, snowiest winters in recent memory still upon us, many homeowners are thinking about how this season’s heavy snow, ice dams, and storm stress can affect their roofs and their insurance coverage.

Understanding what your insurer looks at when evaluating a roof, including age, condition, and weather-related wear, can help you make informed decisions before filing a claim or scheduling maintenance. Learn more here.
 

Simsbury Firefighters Honored

It was a privilege to join the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company and the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary for their annual awards banquet. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers for their outstanding service and dedication to our safety.
 

Simsbury Police Dog Visits Capitol

Several incredible K9s visited the State Capitol on the opening day of the legislative session, including Officer Jaime Ball and K9 Clifton from the Simsbury Police Department. Their presence brought smiles, comfort, and calm to legislators, staff, and visitors during a busy and energetic day.
Clifton may have been a little tuckered out on the Senate floor after saying hi to so many people!

We are grateful to the Connecticut State Capitol Police and the many local police departments who made it possible for their K9 teams to participate. Their service and dedication are truly appreciated.
 

Community Events

It's trivia night at Simsbury Public Library! Your team will play against others, including a team of librarians on Thursday, March 5 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Some of the categories include history, music, geography, literature, and TV/movies. Click here to learn more and register.
 

You're invited to attend "The Seat Beside Her 3: Stories of the Revolution," a 75-minute production recounting tales of patriotism during a time when women's roles were very much in the background. Characters share how their work secured America's freedom despite the danger. The show will be held at the Garmany Performing Arts Center within McLean Retirement Community at 75 Great Pond Road.

Showtimes:

  • Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m.

Tickets start at $20. CLICK HERE to get yours.
 
 

The Theatre Guild of Simsbury presents "Puffs," a production detailing seven increasingly eventful years at a certain school of magic and magic. The shows will be held March 13-15 & March 20-22 at Eno Memorial Hall.

The venue will offer table seating in a dinner theater-style experience.  You are welcome to bring a picnic meal or your favorite takeaway dinner, plus beverages.
Click here to buy tickets