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August Primary Election Information
Primary elections will take place on Tuesday, August 11, in municipalities where more than one candidate from the same political party has qualified for a particular office.The primary will be preceded by seven days of early voting, open now through August 9. Early voting hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on August 8 and 9.For additional election information and resources, click here to visit the Secretary of State's election webpage.If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, you no longer need to provide a specific reason to request one for any primary or election.Click here to access the absentee ballot request portal.Connecticut has a semi-closed primary system. Unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in a primary must enroll in a political party by 12:00 p.m. on the day before the primary (August 10), provided they have been unaffiliated for at least three months.Updating your party affiliation is one of the many changes voters can conveniently do online at https://ow.ly/Vmcn50Z38Qr.
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One-Time Grocery Benefit for SNAP Recipients
A new one-time grocery benefit of $300 each is being distributed to low-income Connecticut residents who have been pushed out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to federal changes.The grocery benefits, through a partnership the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) arranged with Connecticut’s network of community action agencies, with support provided by the Connecticut Association for Community Action (CAFCA), will be distributed as prepaid virtual grocery cards—not loaded onto existing EBT cards.Eligible residents are expected to be able to access the benefits starting Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. For more details, please visit the Department of Social Services website here.We understand this one-time benefit will hardly blunt the impact of the federal changes, but it will provide immediate relief for those who are really in need.Who qualifies for the grocery benefit?Any individual in a household who lost SNAP eligibility due to the new federal changes—commonly referred to as ABAWD, or Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents requirements—since December 1, 2025, and who is no longer receiving SNAP, qualifies for the benefit. The benefit is available per individual, not per household, and the amount is the same for every eligible recipient.Connecticut residents who received a DSS notice stating they do not meet the ABAWD requirements and who are identified in that notice as having reached their three-month SNAP benefit limit should reach out to their local community action agency about how to request the benefit. Eligibility will be confirmed at the time of request.Losing SNAP eligibility due to ABAWD does not necessarily mean an entire household loses benefits—other household members may still be eligible.Receiving the $300 grocery benefit will not affect a resident’s eligibility for any other assistance program.How the grocery benefit works:The grocery benefit functions like a prepaid Mastercard or Visa and can be used at any food retailer that accepts standard credit cards. It does not expire, and any unused balance remains on the card until spent. The benefit is intended for SNAP-eligible food purchases.Community action agencies will lead outreach, verify eligibility, distribute the cards, and connect individuals with wraparound supports to help them work toward regaining SNAP eligibility. The state and its administrative partners are also establishing processes to prevent duplicate payments.In Connecticut, we will continue to push back against the federal administration’s relentless attacks on the most vulnerable among us.
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Laptop ConneCT Program
Connecticut residents will soon have greater access to technology thanks to the launch of Laptop ConneCT. This program, in partnership with the Connecticut State Library, will put laptops and related accessories in the hands of the state residents who need them most.
Over 100 principal public libraries have already signed up to participate in this long-term lending system.
The Laptop ConneCT program, which will distribute Dell Pro 16 computers running Windows, aims to expand digital opportunity and connect more people to education, employment, healthcare, and essential resources.
Residents are eligible to receive a laptop if they are at least 18 years old, have a valid library card with a participating library, and participate in one of the following assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicare
- HUSKY Health (Medicaid/The Children’s Health Insurance Program)
Questions about the program can be directed to DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov
Click here for more information on the Laptop ConneCT Program.
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Women's Business Development Council GrantsThe Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses in Connecticut grow, offering grants of up to $10,000 for a clearly defined project that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth, and profitability. The application period for Ignite grants runs from Aug. 5 through Sept. 13, 2026. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
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| The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants that cover critical start-up costs, expand operations, and increase capacity to serve more families. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from Aug. 3 through Aug. 31, 2026. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here. |
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| Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. |
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Black-owned Business MonthAugust is Black-owned Business Month, a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs whose innovation, hard work, and dedication strengthen our state's economy and enrich our community.Supporting Black-owned businesses is a meaningful way to invest in our neighborhoods. Whether you're dining at a local restaurant, shopping at a neighborhood store, or using a local service, every purchase helps create jobs, support families, and keep dollars in our local economy. Connecticut is home to a diverse and growing network of Black-owned businesses, from restaurants and retail shops to professional services, wellness providers, and more.Click here to explore a directory of Black-owned businesses and discover a new local favorite.
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As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Andre Baker |
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