Jennifer Leeper

I want to give you a critical update on the state of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that helps millions of residents across the country afford the meals they need.

As Americans face uncertainty over whether or not they will receive SNAP benefits starting tomorrow, Governor Ned Lamont has announced $3 million in emergency state funding for Connecticut Foodshare, the state’s largest food bank, to assist residents expected to lose access to federal food assistance due to the shutdown of the federal government.

The Trump administration, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has stated it will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the shutdown, nor will it reimburse states that attempt to cover the cost. While a judge has ruled the administration must release the contingency funds, it is uncertain if they will. If the funds are not released:

• No new SNAP benefits will be distributed after November 1.
• If you have a balance from previous months, it is expected that those carryover benefits already on EBT cards will remain accessible after November 1.
• DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications. If someone is approved for benefits for October, those benefits will appear on their card when the federal government reopens.

This cut in federal aid will affect an estimated 42 million low-income Americans, including about 360,000 Connecticut residents and over 1,500 Fairfield residents alone, many of whom are children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

While the $3 million in state aid will not replace the full scope of lost federal benefits, it reflects Connecticut’s commitment to supporting residents facing food insecurity during the shutdown. The Department of Social Services (DSS) and other state agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and consider additional measures to assist affected households.

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1, or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

For those neighbors who are not struggling, please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time to Connecticut Foodshare. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate.

A reminder to please join me and Reps. Keitt, McCarthy Vahey, and Hughes for a community food drive on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10am-2pm at First Church Congregational (148 Beach Rd., Fairfield).

We were recently notified that due to the government shutdown, SNAP benefits (food assistance) will expire November 1 for the 360,000 Connecticut residents relying on them. With the potential expiration of SNAP benefits and rising grocery prices, our food pantries are about to feel a mass spike in demand.

This food drive will help families in our community at a time at a time when they are struggling and just before Thanksgiving. I hope you'll consider donating whatever you can. Every bit matters.

It was really special to be a part of the dedication of the bridge in front of Bigelow Tea to the founder David Campbell Bigelow. This company has always put family and community at the center of their work and Fairfield is so fortunate to be the beneficiary.

I toured an Urban Mining plant in Seymour that cleans glass from the recycling stream into a product called Pozzotive to be used in cement. This product replaces slag and coal ash in the cement and gives an end use to the glass in our waste stream. It also transforms typical cement from 3,000-5,000 PSI to 20,000 PSI. Using Pozzotive means less cement is needed resulting in this product produces 8% the green house gas of typical cement. It’s a really exciting innovation taking place right here in CT!

You can read more about it here!

Open Enrollment for Access Health CT's (AHCT) health and dental insurance remains on track to begin Saturday, Nov. 1 and end Monday, Dec. 15 for plans beginning at the start of next year. Residents can enroll until Thursday, Jan. 15 for plans beginning in February.

You may have received a letter in the mail warning of healthcare premium price increases starting Jan. 1 due to legislation passed in the U.S. Congress this year. Currently, the federal government is shut down as those price increases are debated and negotiated.

As it stands, state officials in Connecticut are encouraging residents to hold off on enrolling in the AHCT plan as the debate continues over those price increases. If you are able, please wait to enroll until the issue is fully resolved.

For those looking to enroll, please have the following information and documents prepared for you and anyone else in your household, even if they don't need coverage:

• Dates of Birth
• Social Security Numbers
• Visa, green card, or immigration documents
• Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, 1099 
• Pay-stubs, Profit & Loss Statements or other employment information
• Current insurance coverage (policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household)

You can click here to view the enrollment checklist.

Access Health CT's staff remains a valuable resource to guide you through this process and to tell you what to expect during open enrollment. To get in contact, you can :

• Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” for a list of places to get free, in-person help.
• If you do not have a broker, find one on the Access Health CT website. Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” and “Find Certified Broker.” Brokers are free to work with, and they are trained 
  and certified to help you find a plan that works best for you and your family.
• Call at 1-855-805-4325 - help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (Holiday hours may vary, check website for details)
• Live Chat available at AccessHealthCT.com
• Visit one of their Enrollment Locations  

To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program opens on Sunday, November 2, and will run through Monday, November 10! This 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 you are most in need. GPCT has three remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycles for this winter season:

• November 2-10, 2025
• January 2-10, 2026
• March 2-10, 2026

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.