Updates for State Rep. Nick Menapace for Oct. 28, 2025

October 28, 2025

At a time when vital food and healthcare programs hang in the balance, it may appear as though Democrats in Washington face only two options: cooperate with Republican demands to unlock SNAP funding or stand firm in defense of essential healthcare protections. However, this is a false dichotomy. A third — and more principled — option exists: the Republican majority can put the American people at the forefront of their priorities and choose to engage in genuine negotiations, working toward a common-sense compromise that reflects the needs and values of the people they were elected to serve. Connecticut families are already shouldering the burden of federal SNAP cuts, with 366,000 people at risk of losing the benefits that keep them healthy and nourished. Responsible action from the majority party remains both possible and urgently necessary.

For now, here in Connecticut we are doing everything we can to hold up and support families and individuals who need it most. Gov. Lamont announced $3 million in emergency funding for CT Foodshare to cover a short-term shortfall. The bit of good news is people who have funds on their SNAP accounts may access those funds beyond Nov. 1.

Perhaps, once we get through this crisis we can begin to address the fact that 70% of adult wage-earners in SNAP households work full-time hours (35 or more per week), and still cannot afford to feed themselves and their families.

For now, please see below for local organizations to reach out to for help or to help.

East Lyme

Shore Line Soup Kitchens and Pantries can be found here.

United Way 211 resources for the shore line can be found here.

Montville

Montville Union Baptist Church Food Pantry.

Drive through food pantry offers a two-week supply of food for individuals and families in need on the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9 - 11 a.m.

Salem
Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry

Salem Shares Food Pantry

Mobile Food Pantry

Foodshare
For dates of the mobile food pantry in the area, please visit here.

D&D and Food Drive!

This Saturday, Nov. 1, I’ll be at the East Lyme Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for LibraryCon, where I’ll be running a Dungeons & Dragons game for anyone who wants to join!

We’ll also be hosting a food drive to support Care & Share, our local food bank.

Connecticut is doing everything it can to make sure people don’t go hungry, but hunger isn’t something we should ever roll the dice on.
If you can, please consider donating to your local food bank — every can, every dollar, every effort helps.

Early Voting

A reminder that early voting has started, and will end 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, which have extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Same-day registration will be available during early voting hours and on Election Day.

Early voting in Salem is at the Town Hall Conference Room, 270 Hartford Road, Salem;
Early voting in Montville is at Town Hall, Park and Recreation entrance, 310 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville; and
Early voting in East Lyme is at the Community Center, 37 Society Road, Niantic.

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.

Access Health CT

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.

DOT Informational Meeting

Please see the graphic below on an upcoming DOT informational meeting in Montville. I hope to see you there.

Around the 37th

I visited the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery Center in New London today, Oct. 28.

According to CCAR, more than 26,000 people participated in its All Recovery Meetings in the last year.

The Telephone Recovery Support Program made more than 43,000 calls, offering encouragement and support to those in recovery.

There are indeed angels who walk among us, even in the most difficult times.

I had a great day in Salem! We stopped by the Salem Apple Fest, the Salem library’s book sale, and the Mitchell Farm Fall Festival, where we met some very friendly retired horses and donkeys — and of course, we couldn’t leave without a stop at Salem Valley Farms for a treat.

Grateful for all the wonderful people and local traditions that make our communities so special this time of year!

The arts are a cornerstone of a strong local economy and a thriving education system. The opening of The Music Studio in East Lyme shows what happens when creativity and entrepreneurship come together.

Congratulations to everyone involved—from the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce to Niantic Main Street, and especially the students and teachers whose performances made the day so special.

I was glad to join the ribbon cutting for Vohana Salon and present a citation congratulating them on their opening.

It’s always great to see new businesses putting down roots and adding to the vibrant energy of our Main Street community. Welcome to Niantic, Vohana!

Last weekend, I visited the Amistad at Mystic Seaport — Connecticut’s flagship and one of the most powerful symbols of justice and freedom in our nation’s history.

In 1839, the Africans aboard the Amistad fought for their freedom, and their story became a defining moment for human rights and the abolition movement. The Amistad reminds us that Connecticut’s history is deeply tied to the pursuit of justice — a legacy we must continue to honor and teach.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it’s more important than ever to support organizations like Discovering Amistad, which keep this vital history alive for future generations.

Exciting news for southeastern Connecticut!

Electric Boat has officially purchased the Crystal Mall property in Waterford.

It was great to stand with local and state leaders to celebrate this next chapter for our community. This project is proof of what we can accomplish when we think regionally and work together for smart, sustainable growth.