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As the weather begins to cool and we head into fall, cold and flu season is approaching making it more important than ever to stay healthy. Here in Connecticut, we are fortunate to have strong leadership that prioritizes the health and well-being of our residents, ensuring that anyone who wishes to be vaccinated has access to vaccines.
For decades, vaccines have played a critical role in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Patients and their healthcare providers should be empowered to make informed decisions about the best course of treatment.
This fall, COVID-19 vaccines will be available throughout Connecticut as part of our continued efforts to keep residents safe during the respiratory virus season. Staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your community.
Governor Ned Lamont has implemented several executive orders to ensure access to vaccines and that coverage remains uninterrupted under state-regulated health insurance policies. The actions will:
- Permit pharmacists to order, prescribe, and administer the vaccine.
- Establish statewide guidelines for who is eligible to receive the vaccine - Adults of all ages can receive COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies and medical practices while children between 6 months and 18 years of age can receive vaccinations through pediatric providers participating in the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP).
The accessibility of vaccines should not be determined by partisan politics. These changes will ensure that Connecticut residents and doctors alike have all the tools necessary to keep us healthy.
Click here to learn more.
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Several Northeastern states and New York City have formally launched the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a voluntary regional coalition aimed at improving coordination, sharing resources, and strengthening public health capacity and emergency preparedness.
Purpose & Goals:
- Promote evidence-based public health
- Build trust in vaccines and science
- Ensure equitable access to services
- Protect public health through data-driven decisions
- Joint planning on emergency preparedness, vaccines, data, labs, and workforce
- Coordinated guidance for healthcare workers during respiratory virus season
- Collaboration for 2026 FIFA World Cup public health readiness
The first in-person meeting was held this past August in Rhode Island. The states retain independence and may adapt initiatives to local needs. This collaborative aims to reimagine public health through shared innovation while respecting local autonomy.
Click here for more information.
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Today marked a major milestone for early childhood education in Connecticut. Following the historic establishment of the Early Childhood Education Endowment this legislative session, we held the inaugural meeting of the Endowment Advisory Board.
As House Chair of the Advisory Board, I’m honored to begin this critical work alongside a dedicated group of leaders. Our role is clear: to ensure that endowment funds are invested effectively, transparently, and responsibly.
The Advisory Board will provide strong oversight and offer strategic recommendations to fulfill the Endowment’s mission — expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care across Connecticut and strengthening support for our early childhood educator workforce.
Together, we are committed to laying a strong foundation for our children, supporting our families and educators, and building a brighter, more equitable future for our state’s economy.
Click here to watch the advisory board meeting.
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We the People means all the people. Wednesday was Constitution & Citizenship Day, we honored those who have fought to make the Constitution live up to its ideals and we stand with those continuing that fight today.
Thank you to State Representative Kevin Brown for hosting a press conference to spotlight the recommendations of the state task force on civic education and engagement. These proposals are key to ensuring Connecticut becomes a more civically prepared, engaged, and informed state.
I’ve been grateful to partner with Rep. Brown on strengthening the role of a free and robust local press, an essential foundation for media literacy and civic engagement. This year, we passed legislation establishing Local Journalism Appreciation Day, and in the upcoming session, we’ll keep working to support local news and the journalists who play such a vital role in our communities and democracy.
Click here to watch the press conference.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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Attention Connecticut high school students! Earning good grades may lead to automatic admission to several public and private colleges and universities through a new state initiative that makes applying to college easier.
Launched in 2022, the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) is available to all graduating seniors in the state who have at least:
- A 3.0 weighted GPA or
- A 2.75 unweighted GPA
With just one application, students are automatically admitted to 10 participating colleges and universities, and the program eliminates common barriers by waiving application fees, essays, and recommendation letters. CAAP is administered by the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system in partnership with the nonprofit organization Common App, which helps streamline the college application process for eligible students.
Participating colleges and universities include:
- Central Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- Albertus Magnus College
- Goodwin University
- Mitchell College
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Hartford
- University of New Haven
After students apply through the Common App, eligible applicants will receive acceptance letters notifying them of their admission and encouraging them to enroll in one of the participating schools. The process requires only one application form and has no application fees.
The application period for Connecticut high school seniors planning to start college in the 2026-2027 academic year is currently open and will remain so until May 1, 2026.
All high school students in Connecticut are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Click here for more details and application instructions.
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All are welcome to attend Sun Day West Hartford on Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot (50 South Main Street). This electric showcase features owners, operators and vendors of electric vehicles, electric bikes and scooters, electric lawn care, solar, heat pumps, battery charging and more.
Get your questions answered from people who own and operate these technologies.
Sun Day is a global day of action celebrating the unstoppable rise of clean energy. We’ll come together to showcase the power of the sun and wind, the energy sources that can power our world without pollution.
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September15 to October 15!
From music and food to science, business, and public service—Hispanic and Latino communities shape Connecticut and our nation every day.
Let’s honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions that continue to inspire generations.
Click here for events going on around the state.
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