Nick Menapace

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to let you know that the Connecticut General Assembly’s legislative session is set to begin in the first week of February.

First, I want to wish everyone a happy, safe and healthy new year. I'm looking forward to a productive 2026 representing the 37th District at the State Capitol.

As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the year behind us, I want to thank you — truly — for your trust, your engagement, and your steadfast support.

Due to a system outage that may have prevented many customers from enrolling in health and dental coverage by the Dec. 15, deadline for coverage effective Jan. 1, Access Health CT is extending the enrollment deadline. Customers now have until Saturday, Dec. 20, at 3 p.m. to enroll in coverage beginning Jan. 1.

My next Constituent Corner is Dec. 16 at Taza Grill (170 Flanders Road in Niantic) from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my colleague and friend, State Representative Kevin Ryan. Kevin was one of the first people I met when I began running for office in 2022, and from that moment on, he was a steady source of guidance — always willing to help a first-time candidate, and this past year, a first-time legislator.

This week, the legislature convened in special session to address several important matters, including the need for temporary adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and the appropriation of funds to offset reductions in federal programs such as SNAP, WIC, and others that directly impact Connecticut residents. We also took up a number of additional priorities aimed at supporting essential state programs and maintaining fiscal stability. House Bill No. HB-8003 is the state's $500 million funding response to cutbacks in federal funding.

At a time when vital food and healthcare programs hang in the balance, it may appear as though Democrats in Washington face only two options: cooperate with Republican demands to unlock SNAP funding or stand firm in defense of essential healthcare protections.