Access Health Deadline Approaches, REAL ID Update, and More!

December 12, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week. 

If you are interesting in receiving health or dental coverage from Access Health CT, an important deadline is fast approaching. The enrollment deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2026 is December 15, 2025. Those who enroll between December 16 and January 15 will have coverage beginning February 1, 2026.

Free enrollment help is available online, by phone, or in person. Visit AccessHealthCT.com to schedule an appointment, find a Navigator site, or attend an enrollment fair. Financial assistance is still available, and some residents may qualify for no-cost coverage through programs like Covered CT or HUSKY Health.
For phone assistance, call 1-855-805-4325 (help available in 100+ languages).

Please read below for information on holiday celebrations, changes to air travel policy, and more! 

Bridge Naming Ceremony 

An initiative of constituent and dedicated Norwalk Veterans advocate Jeff DeWitt, I worked with colleague Rep. Foncello to ensure these two CT heroes received this recognition long overdue. After ensuring these bridge namings were passed into law, we joined the families and community. It was a special day to take part in this ceremony with these Gold Star families at their local Brookfield VFW, named in honor of Jean's son, Jason D. Lewis. Thank you to Norwalk VFW Quartermaster DeWitt for making this day possible through your advocacy.

Connecticut Invests $70 Million To Protect Health Care Subsidies

This week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, Governor Lamont announced that the state expects to spend roughly $70 million next year to make up for the loss. These funds will come from a $500 million contingency reserve we created during last month’s special session to address potential federal cuts to safety-net programs.
 
For individuals earning up to $56,000 a year, health care costs will remain unchanged. Likewise, a family of four with an annual income of up to approximately $128,000 will see little to no change in their costs. Partial subsidies are being considered for those with slightly higher incomes, up to $75,000 for single individuals and $160,000 or more for a family of four who would pay slightly more than they do now.

Skill Up for Manufacturing

If you are looking for a career in manufacturing, I'd encourage you to  apply for Skill Up for Manufacturing 2026.

Participants in this program will learn fundamentals in as little as 5 weeks, connect with employers, and start earning competitive wages. The class offers free training, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized credentials.

There are two upcoming sessions:

  • January 20 – March 13, 2026 | Middlesex/Vinal Technical H.S., Middletown
  • February 23 – March 27, 2026 | Gateway CC, New Haven


Click here for more information and to apply now. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in manufacturing!

REAL ID Update 

Starting February 1st, 2026, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for air travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or trusted traveler card. Travelers will be charged this fee to use TSA's ConfirmID identification verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day period, so it may cover a return trip within that window.

To avoid unnecessary costs and potential security delays, travelers without a Real ID are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

Click here to make an appointment with the CT DMV.

Upcoming Events and Holiday Celebrations 

There will be a ceremony to commemorate Wreaths Across America Day at Assumption Cemetery in Westport tomorrow, December 13. The event will begin at 11 AM. 

Norwalk’s annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 14 at Norwalk City Hall.

Residents of all backgrounds are invited to gather, reflect, and celebrate together. The event begins at 5 PM.

There will also be a Chanukah lighting on the Norwalk Green on Tuesday December 16. Please see the flyer for more information. 

Norwalk Mutual Aid Holiday Drive

Norwalk Mutual Aid (NMA) is holding a holiday drive to support Norwalk families in need. A donation of $50 will provide dinner and a gift for a family. If you are interested in donating, please scan the QR code below. Donations will be accepted through December 20. 

Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program Application is Now Open

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), is designed to support diverse students who graduate from public high schools in priority school districts and enroll in teacher preparation programs. The program offers up to $10,000 annually for tuition, with the application deadline set for February 6, 2026. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to diversify the educator workforce and address the teacher shortage.

Click here to apply. 

Upcoming Library Events

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

The Westport Center For Senior Activities  (WCSA) will hold a holiday craft and gift sale tonight. This event is a great opportunity to find a meaningful gift for a friend or family.

The Westport Police Department is holding a toy drive. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off on December 13 and 14 from 9 AM - 4 PM. Please see the flyer for more information, including drop off locations. 

On Thursday, December 18, the LGBTQ+ Caucus will hold virtual office hours from 9 AM to 5 PM. State Representatives Shannon, Allie-Brennan, Brown and I will be available to talk with you virtually. Click here to schedule a time to meet with us. 
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.


Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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