It's great news that the state has awarded $500,000 in funding to support renovations for the future Special Olympics state headquarters in our community. This highly respected organization plays a vital role in providing transformative opportunities for athletes and their families across the state.
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Earlier this week I joined fellow colleagues and The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) regarding a proposed bill that aims to address the removal of nursing from the U.S. Department of Education's list of professional degree programs and make higher education more affordable in the state by creating a state-level graduate loan program.
There have been federal reclassifications that sharply limit the amount aspiring nurses, teachers, and other essential professionals can borrow.
Beginning in July, students in programs designated as professional degrees will be capped at $50,000 per year (or $200,000 total), while students in other graduate programs will face significantly lower limits of $20,500 per year (or $100,000 total). Nursing degrees — along with physical therapy, public health, social work, and education were excluded from the professional category, despite requiring extensive training, licensure, and certification.
To make things worse, the federal government is eliminating the Graduate PLUS Student Loan Program. That means once students have exhausted their federal loan eligibility, they will need private loans to finance the rest of their graduate degrees.
CHESLA can use its bonding authority to bridge the gap for Connecticut students.
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Access Health CT has extended the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 to Saturday, January 31. Customers who enroll or renew now will have coverage starting February 1.
Recent federal changes mean the amount of financial help available and who is eligible has changed. However, Connecticut has stepped up which means that financial assistance is still available.
Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them, including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair. Help is available in over 100 languages.
Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.
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The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications through Saturday, January 10. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped 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. 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. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season from March 2-10.
Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.
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The state is reminding those with SNAP benefits that new, federal legislation has changed eligibility standards. The Connecticut Department of Social Services asks that SNAP recipients answer a few questions to find out if they're affected. Click here to take the evaluation.
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January is Radon Action Month! Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. Over time, it can build up in your home and increase the risk of serious health problems, including lung cancer.
Click here to learn more about radon, how it can affect your health, and how you can take action.
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Advance your skills this spring! Registration is open until January 16 for Adult Apprenticeship and Evening Extension classes for Spring 2026 through the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS).
Whether you’re a registered apprentice or looking to advance your skills in the trades, these state-approved evening courses are designed to help working adults meet related instruction requirements, prepare for licensing, and move their careers forward.
- Classes offered at 7 locations across Connecticut including Bristol Technical Education Center (431 Minor Street, Bristol)
- Select courses available online
- Affordable, high-quality technical instruction
- Approved related instruction for apprentices
Don’t wait, space is limited so click here to view the Spring 2026 Adult Education Course Catalog and register today.
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On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Join the Bristol America250 Committee to kick off the countdown to America’s 250th birthday on Thursday, January 15th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at The Carousel Museum (95 Riverside Ave.).
Click here for more information on this event and to explore upcoming events in the months ahead.
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