Eilish Collins Main

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.

This week, on Wednesday, November 12th, the House of Representatives met for a Special Session. The legislature used the Special Session to address the funding shortfalls of the federal government during the shutdown, a new housing bill, and more. We passed $500 million to cover reductions in funding from the federal level. In this email, you can read about Wednesday's work in the House of Representatives.

It's a gorgeous fall day and Election Day! I encourage you all to have your voices heard. Your vote matters, and it plays a vital role in the election process.

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.

The situation before us is very fluid, so I'm sharing with you what we know at this time. If funds are not released, this is how our community will be impacted.