Updates from State Rep. Gregory Haddad for Oct. 24, 2025

October 24, 2025

Early voting has started and ends Sunday, Nov. 2.

Hours are daily (Sunday through Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Same-day registration will be available during early voting hours and on Election Day.

Mansfield has two early voting locations:

Mansfield Town Hall Council Chambers room, 4 South Eagleville Road, Storrs.
UConn Bookstore, 2075 Hillside Road, Storrs.

Curbside Voting is also available if an elector is present at the polling place but is unable to gain access due to a permanent or temporary incapacity, the elector may request that the ballot be brought outside to him or her.

Absentee Ballots must be received by 8 p.m., before closing on Nov. 4, Election Day. Please mail your ballot early so it's received before polls close on Nov. 4.

Special Session Announced

The House of Representatives will be in special session on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 10:30 a.m.

I anticipate that the legislature will act to lower the negative impacts of the recent federal bill, HR1, that significantly reduces support in a number of critical programs including food assistance, education aid, and health insurance premiums for Obamacare. Details are being negotiated between House and Senate leadership and the Governor’s office.

Initiatives on housing and mental health may also be addressed.

211 Resource Guide

With the uncertainty surrounding the federal government's shutdown, including its impact on SNAP benefits and Access Health premiums, the United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has published a new resource to help provide up-to-date information.

This resource, which can be found here, outlines the current status of federal programs and provides direct links to state and community resources for those affected.

I encourage you all to not only use the resource, but to share it with those you believe can use it.

FYI: 211 is not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown and continues to operate 24/7/365.

Generation Power Assistance

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.

Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to 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. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.

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 they are most in need. GPCT has three energy assistance cycles coming up, including Nov. 2-10.

The other dates:

January 2-10
March 2-10

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, please click HERE.

Dental Services for Veterans

Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) has received a $25,000 grant to provide free dental services for veterans in need.

The program is open to veterans living in the Greater Hartford area, but there is flexibility as long as participants are willing to travel to Farmington.

Click here for more information and to register.

UConn Fall Puppet Slam

The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry and the UConn Puppet Arts Program present the 2025 UConn Fall Puppet Slam, tonight, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m. at the Nafe Katter Theatre (820 Bolton Road). The event, which is free, will feature:

Experimental short performances by UConn Puppet Arts alumni Mark Blashford, Sarah Frechette, and Anatar M. Gagné
New work by current UConn Puppet Arts students
LIVE MUSIC by Waldron’s Studio 88

Admission is free, and seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

To learn more, visit: bimp.uconn.edu/2025/10/08/2025-fall-slam/.

Spookapella

The UConn A Capella Association's annual Spookapella concert is tonight, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Storrs Congregational Church, 2 N. Eagleville Road, Storrs.

Doors open at 6:30. There is a suggested donation of $5.

Library Halloween Party

The Mansfield Library's Annual Halloween Party is Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 54 Warrenville Road.

Drop in for ghostly games, creepy crafts, and trick-or-treating around the library! Event is free. No registration required. Costumes encouraged.

Downtown Boo Bash

The Downtown Boo Bash is Saturday, Oct. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. in downtown Storrs. You're encouraged to dress in your Halloween best and trick-or-treat at participating businesses and visit decorated trunks on Wilbur Cross Way.

Downtown Boo Bash is free and open to everyone. Children must be accompanied by an adult.