Robin Comey

I hope this message finds you and your family well. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This historic day celebrates freedom while honoring the resilience, strength, and countless contributions of African Americans throughout our nation's history. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality, justice, and opportunity for all.

As we reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, we honor those who endured the injustices of slavery, recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, and recommit ourselves to building stronger, more inclusive communities. By learning from our history and embracing the values of freedom and equality, we can continue working toward a future that lives up to our nation's highest ideals.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• Around Town
• Letter to PURA, Eversource Rate Hike Proposal
• SNAP & Husky Work Rule Changes
• Hate Crimes Legislation Signed
• Making School Bus Stops Safer
• Renewed Commitment to Public Safety Personnel
• Branford Food Pantry
• Access Health Special Enrollment Ending June 30
• Community Events

Please join me, Rep. Moira Rader, and Sen. Christine Cohen for a post session town hall on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the James Blackstone Memorial Library.

This forum is an opportunity for us to share highlights and accomplishments from the 2026 legislative session, discuss key issues impacting our community, and provide updates on the work being done on behalf of Branford residents.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Your questions, concerns, and ideas are essential as we continue working to address the needs of our community and shape future priorities together.

Click here to register for the town hall. We hope you can join us for this important community conversation.

Recently, the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) convened an Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) meeting for the Connecticut Birth to Three program, which plays a vital role in supporting infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, as well as their families.

As a strong advocate for early childhood education and care, I was honored to attend and deeply grateful to receive a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing my efforts to support young children and families across Connecticut. 

The Birth to Three program provides essential early intervention services that help children build the skills and foundation necessary for future success. I remain committed to advancing policies and investments that strengthen access to high-quality early childhood programs and support families throughout our state. Together, we can continue building a brighter future for every child.

Last week, I spent several days with legislators from across the country at the NCSL Human Services, Public Health, and Aging Chairs Conference. It was a whirlwind of sessions discussing everything from AI to the impact of the ever-changing federal policies in the field. Over the four days my favorite meetings were about Commercial Cost Drivers and Long-Term Care Financing and Sustainability which explored the comprehensive landscape of long-term services and supports, covering the full care continuum from home-based assistance to residential facilities. I also took in some sightseeing around Milwaukee, enjoyed the architecture and even saw my first Great Lake, Lake Michigan. 

I was glad to be back home to enjoy several weekend events including the Union Day Block Party. I joined some friends from Parkside Village II in support of the elderly and disabled residents who have joined together with their collective voice as they advocated for repairs and safer living conditions. Every resident deserves a safe, stable, and dignified place to call home. I remain committed to supporting the residents of Parkside Village II as they continue their fight for safety, stability, respect, and the living conditions they deserve.

Senator Cohen and I attended the Women's Veteran's Day Take a Vet Fishing celebration at Killam's Point. During the event, we presented a citation from Governor Lamont recognizing National Women Veterans Day in the State of Connecticut, as well as a proclamation honoring the outstanding work of Take a Vet Fishing and its commitment to supporting our state's women veterans.

While the fish weren't biting, there was plenty of companionship and community. I was grateful for the chance to meet with these remarkable women and personally express my deepest appreciation for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation

I have joined a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers committed to opposing Eversource’s proposed 11% rate hike—an increase of approximately $503 million. At a time when families, seniors, and small businesses are already struggling with rising costs, this massive increase would place an even greater financial burden on ratepayers across our state. We are working together across party lines to demand greater accountability, transparency, and affordability for the people we represent.

In our letter to PURA, we urge the agency to hold public hearings in accessible locations throughout Eversource’s service territory, ensuring that residents have a meaningful opportunity to weigh in on a proposal that could significantly impact household budgets. We also make clear that this extraordinary rate increase request is excessive, unsustainable, and unjustified given the financial pressures Connecticut residents already face.

We are calling on PURA to subject every aspect of this proposal to the highest level of scrutiny and to reject any increase that cannot be fully justified. Connecticut families deserve reliable energy service at reasonable and affordable rates, and we will continue fighting to protect consumers from unnecessary cost increases.

As this issue remains a top priority for so many residents, I will continue fighting to make energy more affordable and to protect consumers from unnecessary rate increases.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) wants residents to be aware of new work requirements affecting some recipients of SNAP benefits and upcoming changes to HUSKY Health, eligibility rules.

The good news: most people will not lose their benefits. However, it is important to review the new requirements and determine whether they apply to your situation.
 

SNAP Work Requirement Changes that began in November 2025, some SNAP recipients must meet one of the following work rules:

• Work at least 80 hours per month or earn at least $217.60 per week
• Participate in a job training or work program, such as SNAP Employment & Training, for at least 80 hours per month
• Complete at least 80 hours per month of community service or volunteer work
• Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling 80 hours per month

Click here to use the SNAP Work Rules Pre-Screener and find out whether these requirements apply to you.
 

Upcoming HUSKY Health (HUSKY D) Changes

Starting January 1, 2027, some HUSKY D recipients may be subject to new work requirements. To meet the rules, individuals must fulfill at least one of the following:

• Earn at least $580 per month
• Work at least 80 hours per month
• Complete at least 80 hours per month of volunteer work or community service
• Participate in a qualified work or training program for at least 80 hours per month
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an education program
• Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling up to 80 hours per month

Click here to answer a few questions to learn if the new proposed rules apply to you.

These rules do not start until 2027 and may change before then. This tool provides answers based on the current status of the rules.

Connecticut's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) offer free, in-person assistance with SNAP and HUSKY Health benefits, click here to find your local CAA office.

Connecticut has long been a national leader in combating hate crimes. Governor Ned Lamont recently signed legislation that strengthens the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate, charge, and prosecute hate crimes while pursuing the enhanced penalties associated with those offenses.

Connecticut was among the first states in the nation to enact a hate crimes law in 1990. Since then, additional hate crime provisions have been added to state statutes over several decades in response to evolving needs and protections.

The newly signed legislation consolidates Connecticut’s existing hate crimes laws into a dedicated chapter of the state statutes, making them easier for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public to locate and understand. The law also updates and standardizes terminology across the statutes to ensure greater consistency and clarity.

In conjunction with the signing of Public Act 26-77, the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council, which was established in 2021 to increase public awareness, encourage reporting, and help prevent hate crimes, announced the launch of a new statewide public awareness campaign, Hate Is More Than a Word… It May Be a Crime. The Council also unveiled expanded online resources to help residents recognize, report, and respond to hate crimes and bias incidents.

Click here to watch the public service announcement, and click here to visit the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council website for additional information or to report a hate crime.

A new law has been signed strengthening protections for children going to and from school by holding drivers accountable when they fail to stop for school buses has been signed into law. 

Beginning October 1, 2026, drivers who violate the state’s school bus stopping law for a third time will face a six-month suspension of their driver’s license. Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and remain there until the lights are off.

Violations include a $450 fine for the first offense and a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in prison, or both for a subsequent offense. This new law adds another important layer of accountability.

New legislation has been signed into law to expand benefits and strengthen support for Connecticut's public safety personnel, including police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and members of the National Guard. The law is designed to help recruit the next generation of public safety professionals while improving retention among those already serving our communities.

The legislation includes a wide range of initiatives and benefits, including college tuition and fee waivers, mortgage assistance programs, expanded survivor health insurance coverage, support for National Guard employment opportunities, and the creation of junior firefighter grant programs. It also establishes several new task forces and working groups focused on recruitment, retention, tax incentives, and career pipeline development for police officers and firefighters.

Additional provisions include studying health insurance options for retired police officers and firefighters, establishing pay rates for state troopers assigned to highway construction projects, providing tax relief for surviving domestic partners of first responders, and strengthening recruitment and retention efforts for UConn's public safety departments.

Together, these measures recognize the critical role public safety professionals play in protecting our communities and help ensure Connecticut can attract, support, and retain a strong and dedicated workforce.

For additional details, click here to read the Governor's news release.

The Branford Food Pantry is seeking volunteer drivers to help pick up food donations from local grocery stores using the Pantry's van. These food pickups help keep the shelves stocked and ensure neighbors in need continue to be served. Your time can help put food on the table for local families. 

Pickup days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, with flexible scheduling available.

Requirements:

•  Valid Connecticut driver's license in good standing
•  Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.
•  Desire to help fight food insecurity in our community

To learn more or volunteer, please contact Branford Food Pantry at: BranfordFoodPantry30@gmail.com