Kevin Brown

I hope this email finds you and your family well. Access Health CT’s Open Enrollment period begins Saturday, November 1. Below, you’ll find all the information you need to sign up for or renew your health coverage.

If you’re in need of energy assistance, the Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance Program will run from November 2–10.

I was proud to participate in National Civics Day and the launch of “The Power of Civics,” an online learning initiative designed to help residents deepen their understanding of government and civic engagement.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling to read more!

On Thursday, the Connecticut State Department of Education released the 2024–2025 Next Generation Accountability System results, showing positive statewide trends and a sharp increase in performance for the Vernon Public Schools.

The accountability system emphasizes postsecondary readiness, whether students pursue college, technical, or vocational education. These programs enable high school students to earn college credits while completing their high school graduation requirements. By offering a variety of courses and experiences, Vernon schools are helping students explore diverse career pathways and gain valuable insight into potential professions, including opportunities beyond traditional college routes.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary and Rockville High School senior Grace Johnson, one of the top 10 students in the Class of 2026, spoke with Commissioner of Education Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, state legislators, and local college representatives on Rockville High School’s successful dual-credit program and its benefits for students and the broader community.

Rockville High School currently offers 51 dual-enrollment courses, giving students access to rigorous academic and career-focused learning opportunities. The Class of 2025 collectively earned 2,567 college credits, resulting in an estimated $1.5 million in tuition savings for their families. In addition, 82 members of the Class of 2025 received $427,150 in scholarships, bringing the total financial benefit to nearly $2 million.

Governor Ned Lamont has announced $3 million in emergency state funding for Connecticut Foodshare, the state’s largest food bank, to assist residents expected to lose access to federal food assistance due to the shutdown of the federal government.

The Trump administration, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has stated it will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the shutdown, nor will it reimburse states that attempt to cover the cost. As a result:

• No new SNAP benefits will be distributed after November 1.
• If you have a balance from previous months, it is expected that those carryover benefits already on EBT cards will remain accessible after November 1.
• DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications. If someone is approved for benefits for October, those benefits will appear on their card when the federal government reopens.

This cut in federal aid will affect an estimated 42 million low-income Americans, including about 360,000 Connecticut residents, many of whom are children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

While the $3 million in state aid will not replace the full scope of lost federal benefits, it reflects Connecticut’s commitment to supporting residents facing food insecurity during the shutdown. The Department of Social Services (DSS) and other state agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and consider additional measures to assist affected households.

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1, or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

For those neighbors who are not struggling please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time to Connecticut Foodshare. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate.

Open Enrollment for Access Health CT's (AHCT) health and dental insurance remains on track to begin Saturday, Nov. 1 and end Monday, Dec. 15 for plans beginning at the start of next year. Residents can enroll until Thursday, Jan. 15 for plans beginning in February.

You may have received a letter in the mail warning of healthcare premium price increases starting Jan. 1 due to legislation passed in the U.S. Congress this year. Currently, the federal government is shut down as those price increases are debated and negotiated.

As it stands, state officials in Connecticut are encouraging residents to hold off on enrolling in the AHCT plan as the debate continues over those price increases. If you are able, please wait to enroll until the issue is fully resolved.

For those looking to enroll, please have the following information and documents prepared for you and anyone else in your household, even if they don't need coverage:

• Dates of Birth
• Social Security Numbers
• Visa, green card, or immigration documents
• Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, 1099 
• Pay-stubs, Profit & Loss Statements or other employment information
• Current insurance coverage (policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household)

You can click here to view the enrollment checklist.

Access Health CT's staff remains a valuable resource to guide you through this process and to tell you what to expect during open enrollment. To get in contact, you can :

• Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” for a list of places to get free, in-person help.
• If you do not have a broker, find one on the Access Health CT website. Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” and “Find Certified Broker.” Brokers are free to work with, and they are trained 
  and certified to help you find a plan that works best for you and your family.
• Call at 1-855-805-4325 - help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (Holiday hours may vary, check website for details)
• Live Chat available at AccessHealthCT.com
• Visit one of their Enrollment Locations  

To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program opens on Sunday, November 2, and will run through Monday, November 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. GPCT has three remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycles for this winter season:

• November 2-10, 2025
• January 2-10, 2026
• March 2-10, 2026

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.

Monday marked National Civics Day, a time to recognize the importance of civics education and commemorate the anniversary of the first release of the Federalist Papers in 1787.

I was pleased to join Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas for the launch of the new “Power of Civics” online learning course, an initiative designed to help residents learn more about government and civic engagement.

The course is designed to help residents better understand how government works, how laws are made, and how individuals can participate effectively in democracy. It includes interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes covering topics like voting, the Constitution, and the role of local and state government.

Click here to access the new "Power of Civics" platform.

Attention 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders!

You’re invited to participate in the National Civics Bee, an exciting opportunity to expand your knowledge of American democracy, strengthen critical academic skills, and learn how to engage respectfully and constructively in civic life.

Through this experience, you’ll also connect with other young community leaders and share your ideas for improving your community.

To apply, students must submit responses to a four-question essay prompt outlining their ideas for community improvement. Selected students will advance to regional competitions taking place in the spring.

All students, whether in public, private, charter, or homeschool settings, are welcome to apply.

It’s free to participate, and applications are due by February 3, 2026.

Click here for more information. 

More than 50 million people – 1 out of 3 eligible Americans – do not complete colorectal cancer screening because they find the current options unpleasant or inconvenient.
 
Thankfully, physicians in Connecticut are beginning to prescribe Shield, the first blood test approved by the FDA as a primary screening option for colorectal cancer. This offers patients who may delay or avoid traditional screening methods a simpler, less invasive option for screening.

Veterans - The Shield™ blood test is covered as an in-network benefit for patients receiving VA-authorized community care. 
 
October is National Health Literacy Month, which is a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of understanding your health and making informed choices about preventive care, including screening for colon cancer. Knowing your options and discussing them with your doctor can help you select the screening method that’s best for you, including whether the new blood test might be suitable. 
 
Early detection saves lives, and expanding access to screening methods is a positive step toward better health outcomes for everyone.

Click here for more information about Vernon's Fall Leaf Collection Program that begins on Monday, November 3.

This weekend, Daylight Saving Time comes to an end, and we turn our clocks back one hour.

Vernon residents can dispose of hazardous waste items properly and safely at a FREE household hazardous waste collection day. Click here for a list of what can and cannot be collected.

Vernon is a member of a regional consortium with a disposal site at 321 Olcott St. in Manchester. Click here to make an appointment to dispose of items.

• Saturday, November 1, 8:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

You must bring a driver’s license, tax bill or vehicle registration to prove you are a resident of Vernon.

Leave all hazardous materials in their original containers.