GPCT Energy Assistance, Access Health CT, and more

January 9, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

The Connecticut General Assembly's legislative session is set to begin in the first week of February. As we prepare for the legislative session, I want to hear from you all about what issues matter the most to Stratford residents.

In this week's email, you can learn how you can still apply for emergency energy assistance, find information on the Access Health CT enrollment extension, and more. If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please call my office at any time or email me at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov.

Federal Department of Ed Degree Reclassification Press Conference

Tuesday afternoon, at a press conference in the LOB, I was proud to stand alongside State Representative Greg Haddad and State Senator Derek Slap, Co-Chairs of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. We were joined by some of my other legislative colleagues and professionals across many career fields to discuss our concerns about the Trump Administration’s proposal to reclassify certain professional degrees, which limits the amount of graduate loans aspiring professionals can borrow. The impact of this reckless move by the federal Department of Education will be felt across various fields, including nursing, education, public health, social work, and many more.

Here in Connecticut, we have the resources to step up and support students who are now left behind, and we must act now. The CHESLA program helps create opportunities for students through financial support, and expanding this program will help combat reductions to student loans.

I especially want to thank State Representative Haddad, State Senator Slap, Kimberly Sandor Executive Director of Connecticut Nurses Association, Kate Dias President of Connecticut Education Association, Dawn Brown Executive Director of National Association of Social Workers CT, and Josh Hurlock Deputy Director of CHESLA. Your support on this matter is instrumental, and together, we can push for a solution this upcoming 2026 legislative session that will help all aspiring professionals here in Connecticut.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Today, Friday, January 9th, is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. We're so grateful for the dedication, hard work, and personal sacrifices made by both our State Capitol Police and Stratford law enforcement officials to keep our communities safe, day in and day out.

GPCT Emergency Energy Assistance Program

There is still time to apply for the Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program January cycle, now open through January 10th! This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.

Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.

All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season:

March 2nd-10th

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/

Access Health CT Open Enrollment Extended

Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, announced the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for coverage beginning on February 1st, 2026, has been extended to Saturday, January 31.

Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.

Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

AARP Community Challenge Grant Program:

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project applications must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4th, 2026. Learn more & apply at: AARP.org/CommunityChallenge

National Radon Action Month

January is National Radon Action Month!

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. Over time, it can build up in your home and increase the risk of serious health problems, including lung cancer.

Learn more about radon, how it can affect your health, and how you can take action at: www.cdc.gov/radon/

CT Association of Schools (CAS) Heart of the Arts Submissions

The deadline for nominations for the CAS 2026 Heart of the Arts Award has been extended to January 16. This prestigious award honors students, adults, or groups involved in high school performing or visual arts who exemplify the core values of education-based activities—integrity, citizenship, courage, and good character.

If you know someone who has shown exceptional "Heart,” gone above and beyond to support others in the school community, or overcome significant challenges, nominate them for this award!

The nomination form can be found here at: www.casciac.org/pdfs/Heart_of_the_Arts_2026-extendeddeadline.pdf

Click here for a playlist of past winners.

Stratford Community Updates

View the calendar below for the weekly Stratford Eats schedule of community meals, food pantries, and other food resources in the Stratford community.

The Baldwin Center has different clubs and activities happening during each week open to Stratford senior residents. Check out the Baldwin Center Club Schedule below.

Click here for the full Baldwin Center Newsletter for January 2026.

Stratford Parents' Place will open applications for Winter/Spring Parent-Child Activity Groups on January 12th through the 14th. Parents and children ages 1-5 engage in fun learning activities, arts & crafts, circle time with books, music, and snack time, with time to learn about child development and share experiences with other parents. View the flyer below for information on the different age groups.

Stratford YMCA is holding a Fuel Your Healthy Habits discussion on Friday, January 16th, at 12:30 p.m. with Jen Evans, MS in Human Nutrition, University of Bridgeport.

The Sterling Community Center will host an annual MLKL Day event on January, 19th from 9 am to Noon at the Baldwin Center. The event will feature a series of artistic breakout workshops, each offered twice during the program. You’ll have the opportunity to select and attend two workshops, allowing for an immersive experience.