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In this week's eblast, you can read about Access Health CT's Open Enrollment period, the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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The deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026 is fast approaching. If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process. Making sure you’re covered is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
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.
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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.
When Washington walks away, Connecticut Democrats step up to protect health care costs for thousands of residents.
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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.
You can apply for the scholarship program here.
And to view the most current list of the Alliance School Districts, click here. |
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If you are looking for a career in manufacturing apply now for Skill Up for Manufacturing 2026.
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.
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! |
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If you're behind on your mortgage payments or looking to boost your earning potential, the Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program may be able to assist.
Click here for more information and to apply or call 1-866-683-1682. |
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Starting Feb. 1, 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. |
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Admittedly, the recent announcement on the state's payments into retired teachers' and state workers' pension funds isn't likely to get your heart pumping or have you high-fiving your best friends.
But the news that the state is making continued progress toward meeting its long-term obligations is incredibly important to every Connecticut resident.
First, the numbers: the retired state workers' fund increased by more than $2.3 billion in 2025 due to strong investment performance and additional contributions. The unfunded liability decreased from $19.2 billion to $17.6 billion. The funded ratio increased from 55.2% to 59.6%.
Meanwhile, the retired teachers' fund grew by more than $1.6 billion, with its funded ratio increasing to 63.7%.
In a vacuum, the ratios may seem low, but consider that in 2018, the ratios were 37% for state retirees and 52% for teachers. That's because, for decades, the state failed to make the full required annual contributions to its pension funds, leading to a huge, compounding debt. Since 2011, however, responsible budgets adopted by the state legislature have fully funded these contributions annually and implemented collaborative reforms with labor and management.
What this means is that Connecticut is continuing to keep its financial house in order. One huge knock-on effect in a healthier pension landscape is Connecticut's credit ratings have improved (to Aa2, AA-, AA and AA+ by the various agencies), making it less expensive to borrow money due to lower interest rates.
Exciting? Maybe not. But definitely great news for every one of us. |
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Winterfair: Hartford's Holiday Market1 Union Place, HartfordNov. 29-Dec. 21, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-4pmRead more here
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If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at 860-240-8585 if you ever need anything or by email at maryam.khan@cga.ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Maryam Khan |
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