The state is adding 1,000 new spaces in January for early childhood education. Keep scrolling to learn why this is a win-win for kids, providers, and staff.
As we near the end of the year, some of you may be weighing your health care coverage options. I'll break down how Access Health CT may provide timely support.
These are the sections in today's email:
- More Early Childhood Opportunities Coming
- Access Health CT Plans
- Funding For West Hartford Bicycle Trail
- Hartford Toy Donation Drive
| More Early Childhood Opportunities Coming |
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| Connecticut is adding up to 1,000 new spaces to the state’s Early Start CT program beginning in January, opening the door for more children to access high-quality early learning and child care. These additional slots stem from legislation we passed in 2025, which will deliver the largest expansion of early childhood education in our state's history. |
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To further strengthen the program, the state is also increasing provider payments by 8%, helping child care providers cover rising operational costs and offer more competitive wages to staff who play such a vital role in children's development.
This expansion is funded through the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Endowment, which supports income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Click here for more information on Early Start CT. |
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Access Health CT (AHCT) is open and ready to help residents understand their health care options. Many people are facing uncertainty as Congress considers whether to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies – a decision that won't come until at lead mid-December.
If customers 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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AHCT offers free, expert assistance online, in-person, and over the phone to guide customers through the enrolling process.
- Visit accesshealthct.com and click the GET HELP button on the homepage to choose the best support option.
- Customers can also work with Certified Brokers at no cost. Brokers are fully trained to help customers find the right plan.
For additional support, customers can contact the AHCT call center at 1-855-805-4325. Help is available in more than 100 languages.
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| Funding For West Hartford Bicycle Trail |
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| The state is investing nearly $385,000 in West Hartford to improve accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians. The funding will expand the very popular Trout Brook Trail to include a connector to West Hartford Center. A demonstration in 2024 saw roughly 400 cyclists in one day, clearly demonstrating the need and community support. |
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| The grant is awarded through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program. Now in its seventh round of awards, this state-funded program provides financial support for infrastructure initiatives making conditions safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and bicyclists. |
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| Hartford Toy Donation Drive |
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The community is encouraged to donate new or unwrapped gifts for children in need. The Hartford Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a toy distribution on Saturday, December 6 from 12:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center.
In the meantime, you can drop off any donations at the addresses listed below. Organizers will collect toys through Monday, December 1.
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