Updates from State Rep. Nick Gauthier for Dec. 11, 2025

December 11, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I will be holding a Special Session Town Meeting on Dec. 16 in Waterford. Learn more about what the state legislature did in special session last month to address federal budget shortfalls, the housing crisis, and children's behavioral health, among other things.

More details below. I hope to see you there!

Access Health Enrollment Deadline Approaching

Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, Access Health CT (AHCT), has announced key dates for enrolling in health and dental coverage for 2026.

Important Enrollment Deadlines

Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that begins Jan. 1.
If you enroll between Dec. and Jan. 15, your coverage will begin Feb. 1.

Connecticut’s Open Enrollment Period began on Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15. During this time, residents can shop, compare, and enroll in health or dental plans—or renew existing coverage.

Financial Help May Be Available

AHCT remains the only place where Connecticut residents can receive financial assistance to help pay for health insurance. While recent federal changes have adjusted who is eligible and how much help is available, many residents will still qualify. Some may also be eligible for no-cost options, such as the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health (Medicaid/CHIP).

Free Enrollment Assistance

If you need help understanding your options or completing your application, free support is available:

In Person or Online

Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” to schedule an appointment, find a nearby Navigator site, or attend an enrollment fair.
AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to six statewide locations and now offers a Mobile Enrollment Team for community events. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.

By Phone

Call 1-855-805-4325, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Help is available in more than 100 languages.

Special Hours

Dec. 15 & Jan. 15: 8 a.m.–midnight
Dec. 24: 8 a.m.–noon.
Dec. 31: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Closed: Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
TTY for customers who are deaf or hearing-impaired: 1-855-789-2428 or use a relay operator.

Live Online Chat

Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Live Chat.”
Available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6:45 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Montville Holiday Parade

Last weekend's Montville Holiday Parade was a wonderful reminder of how strong and joyful this community is. It was also a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

I shared the evening with Rep. Nick Menapace, Sen. Cathy Osten, and Mayor Lenny Bunnell — and a big thank you to everyone who came out!

Wreaths Across America in Waterford

The Wreaths Across America ceremony in Waterford will take place at Jordan Cemetery, 240 Boston Post Road, at noon on Dec. 13. More than 925 wreaths will be placed after the ceremony. Representation from the town is welcomed. Expect volunteers and others to begin arriving between 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Park throughout the grounds and walk to the ceremony, located at the flagpole

Tree Dedication for Judy Liskov

The Waterford Library's board of trustees will dedicate a newly planted Baby Blue Eyes spruce tree in memory of long-time library employee Judy Liskov on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 5:30 p.m. in front of the library. Judy worked as the library's head of adult services and assistant director for 45 years before retiring in September 2016. In retirement, Judy and her husband Bernie moved to Tucson, Arizona.

Home Holiday Light Contest

The Montville Home Holiday Light Contest deadline is this Friday, Dec. 12. Sign up your home or nominate a friend or neighbor's home for free. Call the Parks and Recreation office at 860-848-6780 or email pbushway@montville-ct.org with the name, address and category of the home. The Montville Rotary will judge the homes from Dec. 16-18 and choose the three category winners and an overall winner. Signature Properties of New England will pay the overall winner's electric bill for the month of December up to $200.

The categories are:

Classic Christmas (Traditional lights)
Winter Wonderland (Focus on winter themes such as snow and snowmen)
Total Griswold (Who went all out like the family in "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.")

Stroller Parade and Holiday Tree Lightings

The Holiday Stroller Parade is Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Arnold E. Holm Jr. Park (otherwise known as the library duck pond) in Waterford. Decorate your stroller or wagon in holiday lights - as well as yourself. Officer Hodges will accompany you on your stroll around the park while you are adorned by holiday music.

Parking available at the Waterford Public Library, the Waterford Community Center, the Waterford Town Hall, the Waterford Police Station and Waterford High School.

The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting follows at 6 p.m. on the Jordan Green.

A second tree lighting takes place on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Quaker Hill Green at 5 p.m.

Polar Bear Scavenger Hunt

The Montville Holiday Polar Bear Scavenger Hunt's lists are due in less than a week (Tuesday, Dec. 16)! Go to each of the listed businesses in Montville and record the name of the Polar Bear in their store. Complete the list and return it to the Parks and Recreation office by 4 p.m. this Tuesday. All completed lists will receive a prize. Email the Parks and Recreation office at pbushway@montville-ct.org to receive the list.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at 860-240-8727 or by email at Nick.Gauthier@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.

Sincerely,