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Thank you to all those who participated in our democratic process and casted your vote on Tuesday. Congratulations to all who were elected to West Hartford and Newington municipal offices! I look forward to working with you to be a champion for our communities and keep moving our state forward. Click here to read more about all the municipal results.
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The Connecticut House of Representatives will convene for a special session on Wednesday, November 12, to address the urgent challenges posed by federal funding cuts as well as other critical issues. Our focus will be approving state funds to protect essential programs that support Connecticut residents. I remain deeply concerned that we need a significant enough emergency fund to address the food, energy assistance, healthcare, and housing cuts from the federal government to protect our neighbors.
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With the government shutdown continuing, the greatest need in our communities is for food. Although a federal judge ruled that the Trump Administration must pay SNAP benefits from the federal contingency fund it is unclear when that will happen and if and when it will happen. Therefore, hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents are facing greater hardship and we can all step up. Below are two opportunities in West Hartford and with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
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Join me and the West Hartford delegation for our Legislative Food Drive on Saturday, November 15, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Stop & Shop (1235 Farmington Avenue).
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Also, my colleagues Rep. Jaime Foster and Rep. Jennifer Leeper are leading a public-private-philanthropic partnership to raise money for grocery store gift cards for our 360,000 Connecticut residents who are facing hunger without their SNAP food assistance.
Many grocery store partners have volunteered to contribute the cost of the cards and a 10% match to what is donated. United Way of Central and Northeastern CT has volunteered to stand up a landing page to accept donations and our schools will help distribute them to families with school aged children. If you are able, please make a donation at this link.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of any assistance to you or your family.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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During the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November, Eversource is raising awareness of the programs available to help pay or lower heating bills, and keep homes warm this winter.
If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season. There is a plan for everyone, including:
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):
- Click here to apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP.
Energy Efficiency:
- Click here to take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.
Winter Protection:
- If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.
Click here to learn more about these programs provided through Eversource.
Click here to find your Community Action Agency (CAA) or call 2-1-1 to learn more.
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Governor Ned Lamont officially proclaimed November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Connecticut. Alongside this proclamation, House Bill 6771, signed into law on June 3, 2025, introduces several major initiatives to strengthen dementia and Alzheimer’s care statewide:
- Creates an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Task Force, to guide policy, improve coordination, and recommend strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and care.
- Requires insurance coverage for biomarker testing, ensuring residents have access to diagnostic tools that can detect Alzheimer’s and related dementias earlier.
- Adds new measures for improved care access and coordination that support patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
The state has also released Connecticut’s Guide for Navigating Dementia Care, a new resource designed to help:
- Residents and families locate local dementia care resources.
- Healthcare providers and agencies connect patients with appropriate services.
- Caregivers find community support and education.
Click here to download a copy of the Guide in English or Spanish.
Click here for more information about brain health from The Department of Public Health.
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In honor of Veterans Day, I just want to take a moment to say thank you to those who have served in the United States military. Your unwavering courage, steadfast dedication, and selfless sacrifices have protected our freedoms and strengthened the foundation of our nation.
Thank you for your service, today and always.
Did you know the Connecticut Legislative Office Building houses a permanent memorial to Connecticut’s veterans? Pictured here is The Connecticut Hall of Honor.
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