Eilish Collins Main

A major snowstorm is predicted this weekend. This storm is currently predicted to drop the most snow we have seen in years.

As we enter the new year, it's been a busy and exciting start with almost daily pre-Legislative Session briefings, coffees, breakfasts, roundtables, and forums on a broad range of topics from non-profit leaders and consortia that work on the challenging issues of homelessness, hunger, access and affordability solutions for early childhood education, climate change, and housing. I've had the pleasure of meeting with UCONN and Stamford Health leadership and have upcoming meetings scheduled with business leaders from Stamford-based corporations like Indeed, Synchronicity, and the WWE, all in preparation for the "Short Session" that begins next month, on February 4th.

During this time, I am continuing to build a partnership with community leaders who advocate for the needs of Downtown, South End, and Shippan, as we work together to prioritize the needs of our Stamford residents and community. I look forward to hearing from you as we develop our legislative priorities in the General Assembly for our great state and city. Please be in touch now if you have specific priorities to share with me to best represent our great district, along with our Stamford delegation, at the state house in this year's Legislative Session.

I hope this message finds you and your family well! There are various community events happening across Stamford this week. In this email, you can find information on how you can be involved, and I hope to see you there. Click on the links below to go to each section, and as always, if I can be of service to you, please be in touch!

I hope this message finds you and your family enjoying a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year. With the winter season and cold temperatures upon us, the state's severe cold weather protocol is in effect through January 4th. Find information on warming centers around Stamford further down in this email. In this message, read about the Governor's Emergency Fund allocations, learn about several new laws going into effect in 2026, learn how you can apply for Generation Power CT during this assistance cycle, and more.

From my family to yours, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. 

No matter how you may celebrate, this time of year is an opportunity to reflect on what brings us together as a community. Take time this season to express your gratitude for those around us, our neighbors, friends, community members, and all those who show up for one another every day.

We passed a $500 million emergency response fund during November's special session to support residents facing harmful federal cutbacks from the Trump administration. We stepped up to protect families and keep health care accessible and affordable.

Now that fund is being put to use. This week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, Governor Lamont announced this week, we are committing $70 million to offset these cuts. This crucial investment will protect thousands of families covered through Access Health CT (AHCT).

I hope you and your family are staying warm as we are heading into the winter months. Last week, I had the privilege and opportunity to hold a press conference at our Pacific House Homeless Shelter to announce the securing of much needed funds in this year's biennial state budget. Read about my visit and more about what this funding means for Pacific House below. In this email, you can learn how to apply for Access Health CT, read about a new update for Real IDs, and find information on a food distribution taking place in Stamford this weekend.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with happiness, good health, memories, and laughter. We are thankful to call the great State of Connecticut home. Happy Thanksgiving from the CT House Democrats and from my family to yours.