Kevin Brown

Governor Ned Lamont is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning today (Friday) at noon and it will remain in effect until noon on Wednesday, January 28, due to a blast of extremely cold air that will impact the state during this period. 

Please be reminded that warming centers are available for those in need. These centers provide a safe, heated place to seek shelter during dangerously low temperatures. If you or someone you know could benefit, please take advantage of the resources below and help spread the word so our community can remain safe and warm throughout the harsh winter weather.

Earlier this week, I joined colleagues, Attorney General Tong, and students from the organization Advocacy to Legacy (including Shamear, one of my former students) at the “Our Lungs, Our Lives: Forum on Youth Advocacy, Tobacco Policy, and Public Health Leadership.”

These young people did an outstanding job using the platform to amplify their voices and shine a light on the dangers of marketing tobacco-based products to youth. Their experiences and arguments were compelling and impossible to ignore as we continue pushing for legislation to protect our kids from these harmful products.

Connecticut passed new legislation spreading out when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients receive their benefit. The change will help reduce congestion at retailers, especially at the start of the month, and improve the overall client experience.

Click here for more information.

It is Energy Savings Week in Connecticut. Discover practical energy-saving tips to help improve the efficiency of your home or business.

Click here to visit the Energize CT website for valuable resources, including energy solutions for homes and businesses, income-eligible energy efficiency programs, and much more.

Governor Ned Lamont has signed an executive order to streamline and speed up licensing, certification, and permitting processes for Connecticut residents and businesses.

The initiative reflects the governor’s ongoing commitment to making state government faster, more efficient, accessible, and responsive. Modeled after a nationally recognized program in Pennsylvania, the order aims to improve government operations and digital service delivery across agencies.

The executive order establishes a framework that would allow residents and businesses to receive refunds of application fees if agencies fail to meet established processing deadlines, creating greater accountability and transparency for the public. Under the new rules, state agencies must review existing licensing and permitting systems and identify opportunities to upgrade technology, including expanding online applications.

If you have traffic concerns in your neighborhood such as speeding, signage, or other roadway issues the Town of Vernon wants to hear from you.

Send an email to vtraffic@vernon-ct.gov to express your concerns. This dedicated inbox was created to make it easier for residents to report traffic-related concerns and help the town respond more effectively.

Free income tax preparation is available to eligible Vernon residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers are available to help income-eligible residents complete and file their income tax returns.

VITA volunteers will be at Vernon Town Hall (14 Park Place) on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., January 26 through April 6.

To get information about the program, call Vernon Social Services at 860-870-3661. Residents must have all necessary tax documents before scheduling an appointment.

To be eligible for this free assistance, including e-file and direct deposit, you have to have earned $69,000 or less in 2025.