Corey P. Paris

The state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year on Thursday afternoon and will go through Tuesday at noon.

We are thankful to call the great State of Connecticut home. I am thankful for you and grateful for your support!

We had a long, productive special session in Hartford on Wednesday. We addressed our housing crisis, created a budget reserve fund in response to federal funding gaps, strengthened children's behavioral health care, and more.

We'll be gathering next Wednesday for a much-needed Special Session to address some of the funding holes created by the federal government. Food assistance, heating assistance, and housing are the headlines on the list.

As the federal government shutdown reaches the one-month mark, there are real concerns about programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps keep children and families, the elderly, and many veterans fed.

I hope you're well and taking advantage of the early voting period currently underway in Connecticut.

The Fall season, one of my favorites, is officially here. You have to get out and see some of the foliage that makes Connecticut stand out. This may not be the best weekend to do that, but you will have plenty of opportunities.

October is right around the corner. In addition to the beautiful foliage we're treated to statewide this time of year, we also expect new laws to kick in, too.