James Sánchez

The state is taking immediate action to help our most vulnerable with health care. I'll break down how Connecticut Democrats are protecting them from rising costs.

The state continues to make progress paying down its long-term obligations on our pension funds. I'll explain why this is such welcome news. 

You will find the following sections in today's email: 

• $70M Fund Will Protect Health Care Costs
• Paying Down Pension Obligations
• Remembering the Victims of Sandy Hook
• Community Comes Together For Free Meal
• Free Ice Skating at Winterfest Hartford

 

$70M Fund Will Protect Health Care Costs

The state is committing $70 million to offset cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies. The funding will shield more thousands of families covered through Access Health CT (AHCT) from huge increases expected when those subsidies expire at the end of the year.   This money comes from the $500 million emergency respond fund we approved during November’s special session to help state residents in the face of cruel federal cuts. When Washington walks away, Connecticut Democrats step up to protect health care costs for thousands of residents.   Anyone who makes up to four times the federal poverty level will be kept completely whole by this funding.

The deadline to sign up for AHCT coverage beginning January 1, 2026 is fast approaching. Open enrollment is in full swing, so now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process. If residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026.

AHCT offers free, expert assistance at 1-855-805-4325 to guide customers through the enrolling process. Help is available in more than 100 languages. These resources ensure you understand your options and can make informed decisions. Securing health coverage is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your well-being and financial stability in the coming year.

Paying Down Pension Obligations

The state is making continued progress toward meeting its long-term obligations into retired teachers' and state workers' pension funds. Responsible budgets adopted by the state legislature since 2011 are continuing to keep Connecticut's financial house in order.

Click here to learn more

Remembering the Victims of Sandy Hook

Sunday marks 13 years since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. My thoughts are with the victims' families, the survivors of that horrible day, the responding law enforcement, and the entire Newtown and Connecticut community.   The state will lower all flags from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, December 14, in remembrance of the 20 children and 6 adults who were taken that day in 2012.

Though time has passed, you will never be forgotten.

Charlotte Bacon, 6 Daniel Barden, 7 Olivia Engel, 6 Josephine Gay, 7 Dylan Hockley, 6 Madeleine Hsu, 6 Catherine Hubbard, 6 Chase Kowalski, 7 Jesse Lewis, 6 Ana Márquez-Greene, 6 James Mattioli, 6 Grace McDonnell, 7 Emilie Parker, 6 Jack Pinto, 6 Noah Pozner, 6 Caroline Previdi, 6 Jessica Rekos, 6 Avielle Richman, 6 Benjamin Wheeler, 6 Allison Wyatt, 6 Rachel D'Avino, 29 Dawn Hochsprung, 47 Anne Marie Murphy, 52 Lauren Rousseau, 30 Mary Sherlach, 56 Victoria Leigh Soto, 27

Community Comes Together For Free Meal

It was great to see the community come together to provide a free Thanksgiving meal to those in need at the Capitol. The generosity on full display was a true testament to what service and compassion look like. Thank you to Angel of Edgewood and all the other partners who helped make this possible. Your dedication ensures that our community feels supported, valued, and celebrated.

Free Ice Skating at Winterfest Hartford

You can go ice skating for free at Winterfest Hartford in Bushnell Park. The rink will be open every day from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. except on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. This annual holiday celebration runs through January.

In addition to free ice skating, Winterfest offers learn-to-skate programs, skate rentals, performances by local artists, and photos with Santa.