Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

January 9, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Today 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 law enforcement officials throughout the state to keep our communities safe, day in and day out.

Please keep reading for information about updated SNAP requirements, the AARP Community Challenge Grant program, and more!

Attending Roundtables

Over the past few weeks, I attended a pair of roundtables.

In late December, I attended a legislative roundtable hosted by CT Coalition to End Homelessness. These meetings are always informative and helpful as I think through my priorities for the upcoming session.

Earlier this week, I was honored to join the Connecticut Lodging Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Association for an informative roundtable on human trafficking. With January recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, it is essential that hotel owners, hotel staff, law enforcement, and legislators work together to raise awareness and strengthen prevention strategies.

Access Health Enrollment Deadline Extended

Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, has announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, January 31. Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting February 1. Customers can also renew their coverage.

Visit Access Health CT's website for more information.

Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance Program

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program will be open through Saturday, January 10^th. 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/.

Updated DSS/SNAP Requirements

As a result of federal legislation, requirements and rules for SNAP benefits have changed. Click here to see if the changes will impact you.

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

It is not too late to submit nominations for the CAS 2026 Heart of the Arts Award. 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 deadline for nominations is Friday, January 16.

Click here for more information.

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 application 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 4. For more information, please click here.

ICYMI - Real ID Update

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.

ICYMI - 2026 Sustainable CT Fellowship Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Sustainable CT Fellowship Program.

The Sustainable CT Fellowship Program is a paid, full-time summer position for students who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary degree program or who will graduate during the 2025–2026 academic year. Fellows gain hands-on experience supporting municipalities in implementing Sustainable CT actions, tracking progress toward certification, and fostering community engagement in sustainability initiatives.

All applications must be submitted by Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Click here to learn more.