For now, we're going to have to endure the state's longest and continuous severe cold weather protocol in over a decade, with frigid temperatures settling into the single digits, particularly during the overnight hours, through Feb. 5. As a reminder, this protocol is activated to make sure our most vulnerable populations are protected during these times. More details below.
We're still a little fuzzy on the details regarding another winter storm on Sunday. Still, I've included details from the Red Cross on how to prepare, whenever one comes.
The 2026 legislative session begins on Wednesday. I hope you can check us out sometime on CT-N.com.
I felt compelled to share my thoughts, jarred by a personal experience, in the wake of the tragic events that occurred in Minneapolis recently. More information is below.
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Corey.Paris@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8585.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.
While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
I have included basic tips from the Red Cross that will help you prepare for a major winter snowstorm.
In addition, if you don't have a generator but are considering acquiring one, now might be a good time to do so.
If you do have a generator, then ensure it's in working order, that it's in a safe location to operate (not in an enclosed space), and there is fuel to run it.
Have a Plan to Stay Warm
Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside.
Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Avoid travel if you can.
If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.
Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.
Gather Emergency Supplies
Gather food, water, and medicine before a winter storm. Stores might be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel.
Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.
Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies you can carry with you if you need to go somewhere else to stay warm. Include critical backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
Ensure you have enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household.
You may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots.
Have a 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies. Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up).
Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
We'll be gearing up for a busy short session, working hard to pass critical legislation through May 6th. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned here for updates.
"Over the last few days, my thoughts have dwelled heavily on the tragic losses of Renee Good, Keith Porter, and Alex Pretti. These are not only names. They are people whose absence has left silence at kitchen tables, unanswered phone calls, bedrooms that will never be slept in again. "And I cannot stop thinking about Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old child reportedly coaxed and manipulated by ICE agents and used as bait to lure his undocumented father. Five years old." - State Rep. Corey Paris, D-Stamford, CT Viewpoints, January 29, 2026.
Please click on the image below to read more of my thoughts from today's CT Mirror opinion page.
Access Health CT will offer a Special Enrollment Period for eligible customers to enroll in health coverage with the new state subsidy, starting Feb. 1. The Special Enrollment Period end date will be determined.
The Special Enrollment Period is separate from the Open Enrollment Period, which ends Saturday.
Customers who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:
Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
Eligible customers who have already enrolled or plan to enroll in a 2026 health plan will see a credit applied to their carrier bill. It’s important to note that while customers will not see the state subsidy amount in AHCT’s online system until all updates have been made in the coming weeks, all eligible customers will soon receive a notice in the mail from AHCT with the amount of their state subsidy.
Insurance companies will send consumers updated premium bills with the credit for the state subsidy amount. This manual process will begin soon, in advance of the system updates to be implemented in the coming weeks.
Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them—including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or working with a Certified Broker in their area. AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment, available in English and Spanish. To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator. For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million.
The application period for Ignite grants runs from February 3rd through March 18th. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses.
The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand.
The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from February 1st through February 28th. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods.
These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to low—to moderate-income individuals and families.
Anyone whose household income is up to $69,000, has a disability, or speaks limited English is eligible. Schedule your free tax filing appointment HERE or by calling 211.
Please see the flyer below for more details on becoming a volunteer tax preparer!
