Rebecca Martinez

After a federal judge ruled that President Trump must fund SNAP, they are finally saying SNAP will be fully funded—I truly hope that’s the case. But no matter what happens in Washington, we’ll make sure Connecticut residents are taken care of. I’m looking forward to going into special session to create a fund that protects our communities from cruel or irrational federal decisions.

Over the next several days, SNAP recipients should check the balance of their EBT cards. You can do that online at MyDSS.ct.gov or by telephone at 1-888-328-2666

The House of Representatives will convene for a special session on Wednesday, November 12, at 10:30am to address the urgent challenges posed by federal funding cuts. Our focus will be approving state funds to protect essential programs that support Connecticut families.

I will follow up with more information next week!

During the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November, it is critical to be aware of the programs available to help pay or lower heating bills, and keep homes warm this winter.

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season. There is a plan for everyone, including:

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):

• Click here to apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP. 

Energy Efficiency:

• Click here to take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.

Winter Protection:

• If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.

Click here to learn more about these programs provided through Eversource.

Click here to find your Community Action Agency (CAA) or call 2-1-1 to learn more.

**Heating assistance programs are also available to customers served by United Illuminating. Click here for additional information about eligibility and how to apply.**

For those looking to receive a COVID-19 vaccine this year, there is important information for you to know about access:

• Adults 18 and Older
  • All adults 18 and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy or doctor's office in Connecticut
• Children Aged 12-17
  • All children aged 12 to 17 can get a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy or doctor's office in Connecticut
  • NOTE: Some pharmacies may not officer vaccines to children under 18. Call ahead to see if your pharmacy offers vaccines for children
• Children Aged 3-12
  • All children aged 3 to 12 can get a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy or doctor's office in Connecticut
  • NOTE: Some pharmacies may not offer vaccines to children under 12. Call ahead to see if your pharmacy offers vaccines for children
• Infants Aged 6 Months to 3 Years
  • Infants from 6 months to 3 years old can receive the COVID-19 vaccine from their pediatrician

November is newly proclaimed Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Connecticut.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects about 90,000 Connecticut residents, and for every person living with the disease, there are countless family members, friends, and care partners who are providing ongoing support.

During the 2025 session, we passed legislation to  ensure insurance coverage of biomarker testing starting next year and  established Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Task Force to examine needs and  review available services and also develop a State Alzheimer’s Plan.

The 2025 Office of Legislative Research Public Act Summary Book is now available. The Public Act Summary Book contains concise summaries of all legislation passed so far in 2025. It is fully searchable by key word, hyperlinked throughout for quick navigation, and organized by committee. 

Click here to access the digital copy of the book