SNAP Benefits Update

October 24, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you have had a great week. Please keep reading for information about early voting, Halloween safety tips and more!

SNAP Benefits Update

With the uncertainty surrounding the federal government's shutdown, including its impact on SNAP benefits and Access Health premiums, the United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has published a new resource to help provide up-to-date information.

This resource, which can be found here, outlines the current status of federal programs and provides direct links to state and community resources for those affected.

I encourage you all to not only use the resource, but to share it with those you believe can use it.

FYI: 211 is not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown and continues to operate 24/7/365.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services has created an FAQ about SNAP and the impact of the federal government shutdown. Click here to access the resource.

Coffee and Tea with AARP Connecticut

It was a pleasure chatting with the great folks at AARP-CT! I joined Natalie and Art to talk about my work protecting LGBTQ+ residents in long-term care facilities from discrimination, my priorities for the 2026 session, and how the public can get involved!

Check out our conversation below.

Connecticut River Watershed Partnership

I spent the day in Massachusetts collaborating with legislators, COGs, and NGOs from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont to discuss the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership. The Connecticut River connects us all, and it’s so important that we work together across state lines to protect it!

Early Voting

Early voting is now underway. Voters can cast their ballot in person through November 2.

Milford's early voting location is the Registrar of Voters Office, Parsons Government Center. West Haven's location is City Hall, on the Board of Education side and Orange's is Town Hall.

The early voting polling hours are as follows:

Friday, October 24, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday, October 26, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Monday, October 27, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Thursday, October 30, 2025 – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Friday, October 31, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday, November 2, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Please visit the Secretary of the State's website if you have any additional questions.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is next Friday. As you put the finishing touches on your costume, please double check that it passes the safety test:

Is the costume flame-resistant?
Did you test the costume makeup on your child's arm for any signs of irritation?
For dark-colored costumes, did you add reflective tape for better visibility?
If there's a mask, does it fit well and provides adequate ventilation? Does it obstruct your child's vision?
Is this loose material that might be a tripping hazard?

Click here for more safety tips.

Scam Alert From the Secretary of the State

A malicious spoof email is circulating statewide, made to look like it’s from the CT Secretary of the State’s Business Registry. Please do not click any links! This phishing scam is designed to steal your credentials and compromise your devices. As a general rule of thumb, always verify the sender — business.ct.gov is the only official site for filings and transactions.

Click here to learn more.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

ICYMI - The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on October 25 from 10 AM - 2 PM. On this day, residents will be able to safely and securely dispose of unused or expired medications. Click here to find a drop-off site near you.

If you are unable to attend on October 25, or if you're looking for convenient disposal options throughout the year, MyOldMeds.com is a valuable resource. They offer a free, easy-to-use locator tool that connects residents to the 354 disposal sites across Connecticut.

Milling and Resurfacing of the Milford Commuter Lot

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on the Milford Commuter Lot at Wolf Harbor Road, located on Route 15 northbound at Exit 38B. This project is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 26 and be completed on Wednesday, October 29. Construction will take place from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM.

Click here to learn more.

ICYMI - Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest is now accepting entries. Interested applicants must write an essay about their connection to Hispanic culture in 500 words or less. The contest is open to middle and high school students.

Essays must be submitted by October 31. Click here to learn more.