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I am outraged by the continued abuses carried out by ICE and enabled by the federal government — abuses that not only tear families apart, trample basic human rights, and sow fear in our communities, but also have turned deadly.
Clearly these actions don't make us safer. They betray our values, undermine the rule of law and trust in our public safety officers, and disproportionately people who are our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones. Silence is not an option.
Stand with me and take action. Contact your elected officials, support local organizations defending immigrant communities, and make your voice heard wherever you can. Together, we must demand accountability, protect our neighbors, and insist that our policies reflect dignity, fairness, and justice for all.
A vigil is scheduled in Easton tonight (Thursday Jan. 29) at 7 p.m. at Christ Church, 59 Church Road.
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Connecticut families are paying the price for climate disasters while a small group of fossil fuel executives and corporate elites rake in record profits. That’s not an accident — it’s climate injustice. An oligarchy is polluting our air and water, putting our communities at risk, and then sticking taxpayers with the bill.
We don’t have to accept this.
I was proud to join legislative colleagues, the Sierra Club Connecticut, and other organizations at a rally Wednesday to demand accountability, climate justice, and an affordable future — one where people, not polluters and corporate profiteers, set the rules.
This is our moment to fight back and build a future that works for everyone.
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| Animal Rights Caucus Update |
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As a leader in the Animal Advocacy Caucus, and as the cohost of the Animal Control Officers Working Group, we drafted recommendations to support, equip and train these vital members of our municipal public safety officers.
In addition, I co-hosted a press conference and 4-hour informational hearing Tuesday (which can be watched here) to highlight the need for strengthening laws around animal abuse, neglect and starvation. We also discussed a proposed moratorium on incoming pets of dogs, cats, and rabbits to support the overcrowded animal shelters and in-state nonprofits attempting to rehome and care for the strays and surrendered pets we have. As this report shows, there has been an increase in incidents of animal cruelty and abuse in Connecticut over the past five years, but enforcement or conviction of these crimes has lagged. (Please read more in this CT News Junkie article here.)
The Animal Advocacy Caucus is also committed to protecting the health and well-being of domestic and wildlife here in our beautiful state. We are also advocating to regulate use of harmful pesticides, rodenticides, neonicinoids, that harm the health of the ecosystem and wildlife habitat.
Locally, it's absolutely worth mentioning that we are proud that one of the only all-species wildlife rehabilitation organization is here in Weston: https://wildlifeincrisis.org/about/ |
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| Access Health CT Special Enrollment |
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Access Health CT will offer a Special Enrollment Period for eligible customers to enroll in health coverage with the new state subsidy, starting Feb. 1. The Special Enrollment Period end date will be determined.
The Special Enrollment Period is separate from the Open Enrollment Period, which ends Saturday. |
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People who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:
- Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These people will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
- Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% FPL. These people will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
Eligible people who have already enrolled or plan to enroll in a 2026 health plan will see a credit applied to their carrier bill.
It’s important to note that while customers will not see the state subsidy amount in AHCT’s online system until all updates have been made in the coming weeks, all eligible customers will soon receive a notice in the mail from AHCT with the amount of their state subsidy.
Insurance companies will send consumers updated premium bills with the credit for the state subsidy amount. This manual process will begin soon in advance of the system updates to be implemented in the coming weeks.
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| Ignite and Child Care Business Grants |
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The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from Feb. 3 through March 18. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from February 1st through February 28th. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. |
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From Weston Animal Control
Ever heard a terrifying scream in the woods at night?
Seen a fox in your yard and wondered if it’s dangerous?
You’re not alone — and we’ve got answers.
Join us for Wildlife Awareness 101, a one-hour program for adults featuring local wildlife and animal control experts. Learn how to:
 Tell a fox from a coyote (or a wolf!)
Safely co-exist with wildlife
Know what to do — and who to call — in wildlife situations
 Thursday, January 29
 7:00–8:00 p.m.
 Weston Public Library
 Adults only
 Registration required — spots are limited! |
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As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
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