Farley Santos

My heart goes out to the family of the woman killed in Minnesota. While we may not yet have all the facts, what is certain is this: a life was lost. And I am outraged by that.

I’m outraged that heavy-handed tactics have once again led to fear, trauma, and now death. People should never be afraid of their government, yet too many families are living with that fear right now. While I grew up undocumented, I never experienced the level of fear that so many community members and neighbors are feeling right now. I know what it means to grow up in a family shaped by uncertainty, and I know how deeply those moments stay with you.

When the line is crossed from duty to cruelty, a life is lost, and families are forever changed. It should be treated as the outrage it is.

Our country needs to rebalance itself. We can do better. We should expect better. And we must keep fighting for a system that protects human life and doesn’t lose sight of the families caught in the middle.

A reminder that Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, announced the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, Jan. 31. The original deadline was Jan. 15. Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting Feb. 1. Customers can also renew their coverage.

Recent state and federal changes mean the amount of financial help available and who is eligible have changed. However, financial assistance is still available.

Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.

Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The state subsidies will fully fund the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for consumers with incomes between 100-200% of the federal poverty level and who are not enrolled in the Covered CT program.

The state subsidies will also replace 50% of the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for those with income over 400% of the federal poverty level and up to 500% of the federal poverty level.

AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial assistance to pay for their health insurance.

A reminder that the Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program is open and will run through Saturday, Jan. 10. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses. 
 
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
 
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season:

• March 2 to 10 

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/