Anne Hughes

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for our area, and the Governor has activated Connecticut's Extreme Heat Protocol through 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions during this period of extreme heat, especially older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. Temperatures are expected to reach 90–95°F today, with heat index values exceeding 100°F. While temperatures will be slightly lower on Thursday, humid conditions will persist before cooler weather arrives on Friday.

To help residents stay safe, the Easton Senior Center and Easton Library will be open on Wednesday and Thursday as cooling locations.

Additional cooling centers throughout Connecticut, including Redding and Weston, can be found by calling 2-1-1.

I attended a bill signing at the Hanger Clinic in Rocky Hill, which has been modernizing prosthetic limbs since the Civil War.

I was proud to co-sponsor HB 5374, the comprehensive bill that requires insurance companies operating in Connecticut to cover the cost of a host of new medical treatments, from prosthetic devices designed exclusively for athletic purposes and scalp cooling systems used in connection with chemotherapy, to an expanded definition of “infertility” and certain pediatric autoimmune disorders associated with streptococcal infection.

Specifically, the new law does the following: 

• Cover scalp cooling systems used in connection with chemotherapy. Under the bill, a “scalp cooling system” is any device designed and intended for repeated medical use to cool the human scalp to prevent or reduce hair loss due to chemotherapy. Hair loss is one of the most visible and emotionally distressing side effects of chemotherapy. FDA-approved scalp cooling systems have been shown to significantly reduce, or even prevent, hair loss for individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Despite their proven effectiveness, these treatments are often not covered by health insurance plans. Patients can pay between $1,500 and $3,000 out of pocket per round of chemotherapy, placing an additional financial burden on patients who are already dealing with the high costs of cancer treatments.
• Cover infertility diagnosis and treatment that, among other things, establishes various ways in which infertility can be determined. Under current law, “infertility” means being unable to conceive or produce conception, or sustain a successful pregnancy during a one-year period, or the treatment is medically necessary. The bill expands this definition by establishing various conditions upon which infertility diagnosis and treatment can be based, including a shorter time period (six months) under specific circumstances.
• Cover “athletic” prosthetic devices so individuals with limb loss and limb difference can participate in physical activities and remain healthy and fit. Under existing law, a “prosthetic device” is an artificial device to replace all or part of an arm or leg; current law expressly excludes a device that is designed exclusively for athletic purposes. This bill removes this exclusion and in so doing expands the mandate to include coverage for prosthetic devices designed exclusively for athletic purposes. If signed into law, Connecticut would join 12 other states — including New Hampshire and Maine — that have already passed similar laws since 2023.
• Cover treatments for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). PANS and PANDAS are conditions that are characterized by a sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder or restrictive eating disorder in children before puberty. They are often associated with noticeable changes in mood, behavior, and sensory and motor function in children; moderate to severe cases may render children unable to leave their homes, result in psychiatric hospitalization, self-harm, or cause profound functional impairment. These medical conditions are treatable, and ensuring access to treatment can shorten flares and change the course of a child’s life. Treatment may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, symptom management, or – in moderate and severe cases – IV therapy.

This legislation recognizes that access to medically necessary care should keep pace with advances in medicine. By expanding insurance coverage for treatments such as athletic prosthetic devices, scalp cooling during chemotherapy, infertility care, and pediatric autoimmune disorders, we're helping ensure that Connecticut residents can access the care they need to live healthier, fuller lives. I'm proud to support this important step toward more equitable health care.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) wants residents to be aware of new employment documentation requirements affecting some recipients of SNAP benefits and upcoming changes to HUSKY Health eligibility rules, which are mandated by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans' 2025 budget bill.

The good news: most people will not lose their benefits. However, new federal law expands employment documentation requirements and reduces certain exemptions, meaning some SNAP and HUSKY recipients may face additional hurdles in maintaining their benefits. It is important to review the new requirements and determine whether they apply to your situation.

SNAP Work Requirements

Since November 2025, some SNAP recipients must meet one of the following work rules:

• Work at least 80 hours per month or earn at least $217.60 per week
• Participate in a job training or work program, such as SNAP Employment & Training, for at least 80 hours per month
• Complete at least 80 hours per month of community service or volunteer work
• Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling 80 hours per month

CLICK HERE to use the SNAP Work Rules Pre-Screener and find out whether these requirements apply to you.

Upcoming HUSKY Health (HUSKY D) Changes

Starting January 1, 2027, some HUSKY D recipients may be subject to new work requirements. To meet the rules, individuals must fulfill at least one of the following:

• Earn at least $580 per month
• Work at least 80 hours per month
• Complete at least 80 hours per month of volunteer work or community service
• Participate in a qualified work or training program for at least 80 hours per month
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an education program
• Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling up to 80 hours per month

CLICK HERE to answer a few questions to learn if the new proposed rules apply to you. 

These rules do not start until 2027 and may change before then. This tool provides answers based on the current status of the rules.

Connecticut's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) offer free, in-person assistance with SNAP and HUSKY Health benefits. To find the agency serving your area, visit: www.cafca.org/agencies.

As our kids enjoy the summer months out of school, please don't forget that nutritious meals are available -- at no cost -- to all children in the state.

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, any child 18 and under may receive meals at participating locations - no application, proof of income, or identification required.

You can use the U.S. DAG's Summer Meals Site Finder or call 2-1-1 to find participating meal sites throughout the state. Please confirm the location and meal service times before visiting to make sure you don't miss out.

Healthy meals are critical to a child's physical and mental development.

Please consider using this great resource.

The Weston Police Department is investigating a recent increase in overnight vehicle break-ins and is reminding residents to take simple steps to help prevent theft.

Police recommend always locking vehicles, even when parked in your driveway, and removing valuables such as wallets, purses, cash, electronics, keys, backpacks, and firearms. If an item must be left in a vehicle, place it in the trunk before arriving at your destination.

Residents are also encouraged to install motion-activated lighting and security cameras, which can deter crime and provide valuable evidence. Anyone who notices suspicious people or vehicles—especially overnight — or whose security cameras capture suspicious activity should contact the Weston Police Department at 203-222-2600. For emergencies or crimes in progress, call 911.

Community vigilance plays an important role in preventing crime and helping investigators identify suspects.

This year's Weston Commission for the Arts fine art exhibit is helping celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The exhibit, with works by nearly 50 local artists, can be viewed at the Weston Library through July 31. 

Pprofessional artist Cindy Wagner is conducting one more FREE class in July. On Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, adults can learn how to paint a still life. 

Registration is required. The class will fill quickly. Visit:  https://www.cindywagnerart.com/general-5 

Please see the flyer below!