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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your family are staying warm as we are heading into the winter months. Last week, I had the privilege and opportunity to hold a press conference at our Pacific House Homeless Shelter to announce the securing of much needed funds in this year's biennial state budget. Read about my visit and more about what this funding means for Pacific House below. In this email, you can learn how to apply for Access Health CT, read about a new update for Real IDs, and find information on a food distribution taking place in Stamford this weekend. Click on the links below to go to that section, and as always, if I can be of service to you, please be in touch!
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| Funding for Pacific House Homeless Shelter |
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On December 2nd, I was thrilled to join State Representative and Chair of the End Homelessness Caucus Kadeem Roberts, Pacific House President and CEO Carmen Colón, and other Pacific House staff to celebrate the passage of state funding for Pacific House in the biennial state budget. Pacific House will receive $70,000 over the next two years, $35,000 each year in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027.
For 40 years, Pacific House has been a leader in preventing and ending homelessness in Fairfield County. The agency provides emergency shelter for men and young adults and develops and operates permanent supportive housing for men, women, and families with children across Fairfield County. This funding is a major step in the fight to end homelessness and help those experiencing homelessness in Fairfield County. With this funding, Pacific House will be able to strengthen and expand services to help more residents in need.
I was thrilled to help deliver this funding for Pacific House and work alongside my fellow Stamford Delegation Members, Representative Roberts and the End Homelessness Caucus, and Pacific House. |
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| Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline December 15th |
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Access Health CT open enrollment is now open for health and dental coverage! The deadline to enroll in plans starting at the beginning of 2026 is approaching on December 15th. For plans starting February 2026, residents can continue to enroll through January 15th.
Access Health has numerous locations across the state where residents can schedule appointments to meet one-on-one with trained professionals for free guidance and assistance with the enrollment process. Click here to find a location and schedule an appointment. |
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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)
Click here to view the enrollment checklist.
To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
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| Real ID Fee Beginning February 2026 |
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Starting February 1st, 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.
Visit the Stamford DMV in Government Center at 888 Washington Blvd. This location does not offer walk-in services, the hours of operation are by appointment only. |
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| Community Food Distribution This Saturday |
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This Saturday, December 13th, Stamford PAL and iiMPACT-CT will hold a Community Food Distribution at Stamford Police PAL Center (245 Selleck St, Stamford, CT, 06902). The Community Food Distribution will start at 10 a.m. until items are gone and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are interested in donating or volunteering at this event or with iiMPACT in the future, visit iimpactct.org. |
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As always, whenever anything is top of mind for you and I can be of service to you, please contact me at (860) 240-8585 or on my cell phone at 203-249-1831 or email me directly at eilish.collinsmain@cga.ct.gov.
Warm Regards,
Eilish Collins Main
State Representative |
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