This afternoon, we received welcomed news that Connecticut residents have had their November SNAP benefits fully restored on their EBT cards.
The federal government has restored 65% of the funding, and Governor Lamont has guaranteed the remaining funds to ensure recipients are made whole.
For a week, low income families in my district and around Connecticut have not known when their next meal might arrive. I have already heard from many families who are breathing a huge sigh of relief – but the wealthiest country in the world allowing its constituents to go hungry for over a week is unjustifiable. SNAP benefits should be off the table as Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson and republicans in Congress continue to keep the government closed for business. It is indefensible for the President or anyone else to use hunger as a bargaining chip in negotiations. Thank you to Governor Lamont and D.S.S. Commissioner Barton-Reeves for being the adults in the room and delivering for Connecticut, as well as the D.S.S. team who worked around the clock to get these funds to the people who need them.
Those impacted can check their card balances by visiting MyDSS.ct.gov or calling 1-888-328-2666.
If you have a direct question about legislation or an issue you’re seeking help with, please reach out to my office. My staff and I are dedicated to representing you and assisting you with any issues you may be experiencing. Please contact me at 860-240-0511 or by email at lesser@senatedems.ct.gov.
On November 4, Rocky Hill voters chose Democrats for the office of Mayor and the majority position on Town Council, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates.
Statement from Mayor-elect Allan Smith:
Last night, Rocky Hill voted for a new direction. I am honored to share that I have been elected to serve as our next Mayor, and that our dynamic Democratic team will hold new majorities on both the Town Council and the Board of Education.
This result did not happen by accident. We knocked on doors in every neighborhood in town, often two and three times. We spent months talking with people in driveways, on front porches, and along the sidewalks. Our volunteers made thousands of phone calls and personally reached out to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Because of this work, voter turnout increased by approximately ten percent compared to previous municipal elections. That is something the whole community can be proud of. Civic engagement is vitally important to the strength of a community, and it came from every corner of town.
In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with community members, town staff, and local organizations as part of a transition process. Our goal is to begin the first 100 days with a clear plan and to act on the priorities we discussed throughout the campaign.
Our focus moving forward:
Strengthening our commercial tax base to reduce the burden on homeowners
Supporting our schools and the educators who serve our children
Improving communication and transparency in town government
Using available grants and securing additional outside funding
I am ready to get to work. I will continue meeting with residents and local stakeholders throughout the year so your voices continue to shape the decisions we make.
Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, and supported us.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank the outgoing elected representatives. Mayor Marotta has been the face of Rocky Hill for six years, with her volunteer activities extending for years before that as well. Other outgoing elected officials have also spent countless hours volunteering their time toward the stewardship of Rocky Hill. I look forward to working productively with the remaining Republican members of the Town Council, as I believe we all want what is best for the people of Rocky Hill.
Rocky Hill has a bright future, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead the way as your Mayor.
Let’s get to work.
Mayor-elect Allan Smith and State Representative Kerry Wood
The incumbent and incoming Democratic Town Councilors are John Emmanuel, Mukesh Desai, Melissa Kaplan, Miriam Theroux, and Zach van Luling.
The incoming Board of Education members, Jennifer Baron-Morfea, Jessica Loffredo, Maria Mennella, Tom Cosker and Kristen Dudanowicz issued the following statement:
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the election yesterday. We are truly honored by your trust and support in electing us to the Board of Education in Rocky Hill. Your engagement shows a shared commitment to our schools and community. As we begin this important work, we pledge to lead with transparency, integrity, and collaboration. We will always put students, families, and staff at the heart of every decision. Together, we will continue building a strong, supportive, and thriving educational environment for all in Rocky Hill.”
Elected candidates will take office Monday, November 10, at 8pm at Town Hall.
