Category: State News

The SWIFT Act would expand Social Security benefits for over one million Americans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced legislation to expand Social Security benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses. The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act makes necessary changes to Social Security benefit rules by addressing outdated benefit caps, arbitrary legal restrictions, and claiming requirements—resulting in increased benefits for widow(ers) and surviving divorced spouses.

“The SWIFT Act corrects outdated rules and restrictions and removes barriers limiting Social Security benefits—ensuring widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses receive the Social Security benefits they rightfully deserve. Social Security is a lifeline for Americans, playing a critical role in their economic security and financial well-being—and yet, many individuals face burdensome hurdles and arbitrary requirements preventing them from receiving the full benefits they are owed. With this legislation, we make sure that no American is missing out on the benefits they need to live with dignity,” said Blumenthal.

“Our seniors have spent a lifetime working hard and paying into Social Security, and they deserve to receive adequate benefits and retire with dignity, not spend their golden years just trying to get by,” said Gillibrand. “But outdated rules and antiquated policies mean that too many seniors, especially widowed spouses, and women disproportionately, aren’t receiving the benefits they’ve earned or being treated fairly. Our SWIFT Act will help modernize the program and strengthen benefits for our seniors.”

The SWIFT Act allows widow(ers) and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive 100% of the survivor benefits they are entitled to, regardless of their age, and empowers widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses to increase their survivor benefits beyond current arbitrary caps. The legislation also expands child-in-care benefits for widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses caring for children, significantly helping families struggling with the burden of caregiving.

The legislation is supported by a number of organizations, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Reps, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, The Arc of the United States, Justice in Aging, Alliance for Retired Americans, National Association of Disability Representatives, Social Security Works, and Strengthen Social Security Coalition.

“Our communities are stronger when families have the support they need during times of tragedy — and that’s exactly what the SWIFT Act provides. By ensuring widows and widowers can access their full Social Security survivor benefits, this bill will prevent countless families from falling through the cracks after losing a loved one. On behalf of 1.4 million AFSCME members, the public service workers who support working families every single day, we thank Sen. Blumenthal for introducing this critical piece of legislation and urge the Senate to pass it without delay,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders.

“The SWIFT Act delivers meaningful improvements for disabled survivors by removing outdated barriers and ensuring timely access to full benefits. NADR is proud to endorse this bill and values the bipartisan commitment to modernizing Social Security for the people who depend on it,” said Kelly Blad, President of the National Association of Disability Representatives.

“Losing a spouse is one of the saddest, most difficult times in a person’s life. For many, the emotional loss is compounded by sudden economic insecurity. The SWIFT Act recognizes this extra vulnerability, and addresses it by expanding Social Security’s benefits paid to those who have lost a spouse. Social Security Works enthusiastically endorses the SWIFT Act and thanks Senator Blumenthal for his extraordinary vision and sensitivity to this important issue,” said Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works.

The full text of the bill can be found here:
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/download/2025-11-20_swift_act_bill_text

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong joined a bipartisan coalition of 25 attorneys general and the City of New York in sending a letter to Shopify Inc., urging the company to take stronger action against merchants using the platform to sell illegal tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Shopify describes itself as “a commerce platform that helps you sell online and in person” and explains that “[e]ntrepreneurs, retailers, and global brands use Shopify to make sales, run stores, and grow their businesses.” Despite Shopify’s policies that prohibit merchants from using its services for unlawful activities, merchants continue to use Shopify’s services to sell illegal e-cigarettes.

The letter is the latest action by Attorney General Tong to address sales of bootleg nicotine products. Flavored nicotine products are largely manufactured and imported illegally into the United States from China. The companies who manufacture and distribute these products have failed to participate in the FDA’s mandated marketing order process, and these products are considered adulterated and unlawful for sale. This has not stopped the proliferation of these products. Last January, Attorney General Tong announced an investigation into 12 Connecticut smoke shops and convenience stores and two wholesalers found selling highly potent, illegally imported disposable e-cigarettes flavored and designed to appeal to youth. That investigation is active and ongoing.

“These bootleg vapes are illegally imported, untested and unsafe, and legitimate businesses should not have any part in facilitating their sale,” said Attorney General Tong. “We’re going to keep doing everything we can to shutoff the supply and distribution of these illegal products.”

In today’s letter, the coalition identifies 29 illegal e-cigarette websites that are currently hosted on Shopify’s platform. California recently placed these websites on notice for operating in violation of federal and state laws. The letter encloses an exhibit identifying over 200 additional websites known to sell illegal tobacco products. This list is not exhaustive. The coalition offers to undertake some of the effort needed to further identify illegal sellers to Shopify.

Notably, the use of Shopify’s consumer delivery services to facilitate scofflaw distributors’ online sales of e-cigarettes violates newly enacted state legislation. Effective July 1, 2025, Connecticut’s existing ban on the delivery of traditional cigarettes directly to Connecticut consumers applies to e-cigarettes as well.

Joining Attorney General Tong in sending today’s letter to Shopify, which is co-led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the City of New York, are the attorneys general of Arizona, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

A copy of the letter can be found here:
https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/CA_NYC%20Letter%20to%20Shopify_FINAL.pdf

Assistant Attorneys General Amor Rosario and Heather Wilson, Deputy Section Chief for Tobacco Enforcement, are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is alerting medical and public health partners to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism associated with ByHeart powdered infant formula. This advisory provides updated epidemiologic information, guidance for early case identification, and critical actions for clinicians, hospitals, and public health agencies.

CDC has identified 15 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism across 12 states, all of whom required hospitalization and treatment with BabyBIG® (Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous). While no deaths have been reported, new national data reveal a disproportionate number of illnesses among infants who consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition formula, prompting an immediate nationwide recall of all ByHeart Whole Nutrition products on November 11. Neither CDC nor FDA has identified safety concerns with other formula brands at this time.

Infant botulism occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores colonize an infant’s digestive tract and produce toxin, leading to symptoms such as constipation, poor feeding, decreased head control, weak facial expression, and reduced muscle tone. Without early recognition and treatment, the illness can progress to life-threatening respiratory failure. Symptoms may appear up to 30 days after exposure.

Clinicians are urged to consider infant botulism in any infant presenting with unexplained weakness, feeding difficulty, or decreased muscle tone—particularly if ByHeart formula was consumed. CDC emphasizes that providers should not wait for laboratory confirmation before initiating treatment. The Infant Botulism Treatment & Prevention Program (IBTPP) remains available 24/7 at 510-231-7600 for immediate consultation and access to BabyBIG®. Infant botulism is a nationally notifiable condition and should be reported to state or local health departments without delay.

Parents and caregivers are advised to stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, including cans and single-serve packets. Caregivers should retain leftover formula labeled “DO NOT USE” for at least a month in case testing is needed if symptoms develop. Families should closely monitor infants for signs of botulism and seek immediate medical evaluation if symptoms appear.

Health systems, laboratories, and public health partners should remove all recalled ByHeart formula from inventory, sanitize any affected feeding areas or equipment, and ensure staff are aware of reporting and testing procedures. CDC, FDA, and state health agencies continue to investigate the contamination source and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

For clinical questions, consultation requests, or BabyBIG® release, contact the IBTPP at 510-231-7600. Health departments may reach the CDC Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases at botsurveillance@cdc.gov. After-hours public health inquiries may be directed to the CDC Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100.

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong shortly after midnight sought a temporary restraining order to block the Trump Administration from demanding that states “undo” Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits already paid out to millions of Americans.

“Donald Trump wants us to take food off the plates of Connecticut families who finally just now got the chance to eat. Undo food stamps? Those funds were out the door on Saturday, and families were in the grocery stores all weekend. We’re fighting this one to the bitter end,” said Attorney General Tong. “Trump’s actions have been unconscionable, unlawful and erratic, and states like Connecticut had a moral imperative and legal right to act quickly to get funds out the door. Trump never had the authority to deny SNAP, and he doesn’t have the authority now to retaliate against states for doing our job.”

Connecticut and 26 states sued the Trump Administration on October 28 in Massachusetts federal court for unlawfully and arbitrarily suspending SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans during the government shutdown. Separately, a coalition of non-profits and municipalities, including the City of New Haven, filed a similar challenge in Rhode Island federal court. In both cases, the courts have ruled against Trump and issued rulings directing payments to resume either in part using contingency funds, or in full. The Trump Administration initially presented a series of unworkable bureaucratic calculations for awarding partial benefits, then later, in response to additional court actions, said they would issue full benefits. Then, after appealing to the Supreme Court and receiving a temporary stay of the lower court orders, the Trump Administration once again reversed course. Guidance has shifted seemingly by the hour, with millions of American families left unsure of how they would afford to eat.

Relying on guidance at the time, Connecticut and other states quickly processed full SNAP benefits. In Connecticut, approximately 366,000 families then received their full November benefits on Saturday, averaging $324 per month and totaling $72 million. Then, late Saturday, the Trump Administration shifted course once again, issuing a memo ordering states not to seek full benefits. For those who already did, the memo stated: “States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025.” The memo further threatened that “failure to comply with this memorandum may result in USDA taking various actions, including cancellation of the Federal share of State administrative costs and holding States liable for any overissuances that result from the noncompliance.”

The filing seeks a court order to block the Trump administration from carrying out these threats.

Joining Attorney General Tong in tonight’s filing were the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Minnesota, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, along with the governors of Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

The federal government shutdown is effectively over after seven Senate Democrats crossed party lines late Sunday to join Republicans in voting to reopen the government. The 60–40 vote advances a temporary funding bill that restores federal operations and guarantees back-pay for furloughed workers.

The Democrats who broke ranks — including senators from New Hampshire, Nevada, Illinois, Virginia, and Pennsylvania — said the deal was the only viable path to end the 40-day standoff. Notably, Connecticut’s senators, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, did not join the crossover vote and remained aligned with party leadership.

The bill now moves to the House, where a final vote is expected soon. Once signed by the president, federal agencies will resume normal operations and workers in Connecticut and across the country will see their pay restored.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as of Saturday afternoon, full SNAP benefits for November have been loaded onto the EBT cards of Connecticut SNAP recipients.

Approximately 65% of the funding is from the federal government as directed under a court order, and the remainder is state funding that has been authorized by Governor Lamont. Connecticut SNAP recipients should now have access to the full funding they would have normally received for the month.

“I’m pleased to share the news that as of this afternoon, all SNAP recipients in Connecticut have access to full November funding on their EBT cards,” Governor Lamont said. “Families in need of food assistance never should have been used as political pawns by the Trump administration. While I wish the federal government would have honored its obligation to provide full funding, Connecticut is stepping up and ensuring that recipients receive their full benefits for the month.”

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees the administration of SNAP in the state.

“Food security is a basic human right, and no one should have to worry about critical benefits that are essential to a good quality of life,” DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. “By making SNAP benefits available today, we have shown those in Washington that leadership means putting our residents’ needs first. Connecticut residents will always step up to help their neighbors.”

SNAP recipients do not need to take any action. Benefits have been automatically loaded onto EBT cards and are available for use at grocery stores and other authorized retailers throughout Connecticut.

To check the balance amounts on EBT cards, visit MyDSS.ct.gov or call 1-888-328-2666.

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong and 21 other attorneys general today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for unlawfully restricting eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which allows government and nonprofit employees to have their federal student loans forgiven after ten years of service. The attorneys general are challenging a new federal rule that would deem certain state and local governments or nonprofit organizations ineligible employers for PSLF if the federal government determines they have engaged in actions with a substantial illegal purpose – in practice, activities, or actions that are disfavored by the administration. The coalition argues that the sweeping new rule is unlawful and targeted to punish states and organizations that the administration does not like.

“Donald Trump and Linda McMahon want to impose an illegal MAGA litmus test on billions of dollars in loan forgiveness for public servants. Engage in protest? Loan forgiveness yanked. Care about immigrant families? No loan forgiveness for you. Believe in the promise of diversity or support LGBTQ+ kids? Yanked. These are teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and others on the front lines of our communities who would have the promise of aid reversed after years of following the rules and doing the right thing. This is cruel, this is wrong, this is against the law, and we’re suing to stop it,” said Attorney General Tong.

“This unnecessary punitive rule is cruel and misguided— favoring loyalty to Trump over hard work and dedication to public service. We must keep our promises to Connecticut teachers, police officers, and other public servants who have earned loan forgiveness through years of sacrifice and caring for people,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“No one should be faced with a lifetime of debt because they decide to pursue a higher education. Democrats and Republicans came together to create the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program in Congress, to help make college more affordable and encourage young people to give back when they graduate. Our troops, teachers, and first responders shouldn’t have the aid they were promised put at risk because Donald Trump wants to make a political point. Connecticut won’t stand by and let this president weaponize every lever of power to silence dissent. I am proud to stand with Attorney General William Tong to challenge this cruel and illegal plan to bully our public servants into going along with the MAGA agenda,” said Congressman John Larson.

“PSLF has been bipartisan from the start when Congress created the program and President Bush signed it into law in 2007. Now, President Trump and Secretary of Education McMahon are redefining which public service jobs are eligible for PSLF based on the Administration’s own politics,” Congressman Joe Courtney said. “My office has heard from many people in public service professions who worked hard, followed the rules, but were still denied PSLF relief they were promised due to a lack of guidance and clarity from the Department of Education. Politicizing PSLF eligibility will throw public servants into even greater uncertainty and harm organizations that are filling critical service gaps in our communities. It also undermines Congressional intent and our promise to nurses, teachers, firefighters, and more public servants. I’ve led a coalition of my colleagues in opposition to politicizing PSLF, and I will continue fighting to make PSLF more transparent, fairer, and easier for America’s public service workers.”

“The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, also known as PSLF, rewards firefighters, nurses, educators, law enforcement officers, and people who work at organizations serving our communities,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. “To qualify, borrowers must work at least ten years in a public service-oriented role, full time, while making regular payments on their loans. PSLF is not a handout – but a thank you to those Americans who dedicate their lives to public service when they could choose more lucrative careers in the private sector. These are working and middle-class Americans who keep our communities running. Instead of fighting to lower their costs and make life more affordable, the Trump administration has once again chosen to leave these Americans behind while the wealthy continue to get ahead. He is weaponizing the PSLF program to silence dissent and consolidate his power. This is unacceptable and illegal – I am grateful for Connecticut Attorney General William Tong for taking the fight to court to protect this program for public servants.”

“If nonprofits can’t attract and retain quality employees, they can’t provide services on which people depend.  The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is one way to help them stay and to send a message that they are appreciated, that their decision to serve others rather than chase personal profit is a choice our society values.  No matter the rationale, depriving organizations of eligibility will hurt them, and it would send them a message that they are just cannon fodder in battles over social issues.  We appreciate AG Tong’s and his colleagues’ fight for them,” said Gian-Carl Casa, President & CEO of the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance.

“Educators dedicate their lives to serving students, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of our nation—often while not receiving a competitive salary and carrying a heavy burden of student debt. Student loan forgiveness is a promise made to those who choose to work as educators, medical professionals, and in other public service careers. The new rules restricting loan forgiveness are unfair and just another attempt to penalize educators and other public servants. We stand together to fight this illegal federal overreach. Educators deserve respect, relief, and the ability to teach freely—without political interference or financial punishment,” said Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias.

“Arbitrarily excluding employers will hurt borrowers actively participating in PSLF, including teachers, nurses, first-responders, and employees of not-for-profit organizations who will now be left to wonder whether their years of service will count towards loan forgiveness,” said Michelle Jarvis-Lettman, Connecticut Student Loan Ombudsperson.

The PSLF program was established by Congress in 2007 to provide financial incentives to those who dedicate their careers to the service of others. The program forgives borrowers’ remaining federal student loan debt after ten years of qualifying public service and consistent payments. Over the years, PSLF has enabled more than one million public servants to pursue careers that might have otherwise been out of reach. For state governments, PSLF is a critical tool to recruit and retain qualified professionals in vital fields like education, health care, and law enforcement. According to the Connecticut Student Loan Ombudsperson and based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Education in July, 11,840 Connecticut borrowers have had their loans forgiven through PSLF. As of July, there were an additional 12,500 borrowers enrolled.

On October 31, ED finalized a new rule granting itself the power to unilaterally declare entire agencies or organizations ineligible employers for PSLF if the administration determines they have a “substantial illegal purpose.” The rule includes only a very limited definition of such “illegality,” which includes activities that support undocumented immigrants, provide gender-affirming health care to transgender youth, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and engage in political protest. The rule is scheduled to take effect in July 2026.

Attorney General Tong and the coalition warn that this vague new authority could have devastating consequences nationwide. Countless public workers could suddenly lose PSLF eligibility through no fault of their own. States could be forced to confront severe staffing shortages, higher turnover, and skyrocketing costs to maintain essential services.

The coalition’s lawsuit argues that ED’s new rule is flatly illegal. The PSLF statute guarantees loan forgiveness for anyone who works full-time in qualifying public service; it does not grant ED discretion to carve out exceptions based on ideology. They assert that the rule’s vague “substantial illegal purpose” standard is arbitrary and capricious as it gives the Department unfettered power to target specific state policies or social programs while exempting federal agencies from scrutiny.

The attorneys general are asking the court to declare the rule unlawful, vacate it, and bar the Department of Education from enforcing or implementing it.

Joining Attorney General Tong in filing this lawsuit, which was led by the attorneys general of New York, Massachusetts, California, and Colorado, are the attorneys general of Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. A group of private plaintiffs and local governments is also filing a lawsuit today to block the implementation of the new rule.

Coalition Urges Court to Immediately Restore SNAP Funding Relied Upon by 42 Million Americans

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general and three governors today in filing a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps more than 40 million Americans buy food, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“Trump is stealing food from hungry Connecticut families—it’s unconscionable, unlawful, and we’re going to court today to free these funds. There are billions of dollars in contingency funds, paid for by taxpayers and appropriated by Congress sitting there to help American families buy food at a time when grocery prices are already out of control. Trump has no right to block these funds and we’re not going to let him use our families as political bargaining chips,” said Attorney General Tong.

Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said: “We are monitoring this legal action closely as it directly impacts hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents who depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families. Our priority remains ensuring that our most vulnerable neighbors have access to food assistance during this disruption. Regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, Connecticut will continue working with our partners to support families in need and we remain ready to implement federal SNAP benefits when they become available again.” 

“Thanks to President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ cruel political games, Connecticut families will struggle to put food on the table starting November 1. This is not inevitable, they are deciding to let people starve when there is a contingency in place to prevent it. I applaud Attorney General Tong on his effort to hold Washington accountable and to defend the basic dignity of hardworking families that depends on these benefits. No one in America should ever go hungry because of politics,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“Trump and congressional Republicans are already pushing millions of Americans off a health care cliff and now they want to force working families to go hungry. The administration has the authority to open up these emergency funds for SNAP and the only reason they won’t do it is because Trump thinks he’s a king who can pick and choose what services he wants to fund. It’s not just heartless – it’s illegal – and I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and Attorney General Tong for holding the administration accountable and standing up for the 360,000 people in Connecticut who rely on SNAP to feed their families,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.

“Donald Trump has the funding to pay SNAP benefits on time, but he’s choosing to hold hungry families hostage instead. I am proud to live in Connecticut, where leaders and everyday citizens alike are stepping up to the plate – working with organizations like Connecticut Foodshare and local pantries to keep families fed. But Connecticut shouldn’t pay the price for this president’s failure to govern. As our delegation fights in Washington to lower health care costs and protect food assistance for 42 million Americans, I stand with Attorney General William Tong, as he takes this fight to court to protect the nutrition benefits our families, seniors, and veterans rely on from yet another Trump-manufactured crisis,” said Congressman John Larson.

“I strongly support this lawsuit by the State of Connecticut. After making the largest cut to food assistance in U.S. history in the “Big Beautiful Bill”, the Trump Administration is now unnecessarily cutting off SNAP benefits. Even while Speaker Johnson has suffocated Congress from performing its role as the spending authority by keeping the House shut down for 40 days, the USDA has the contingency funds and the authority to cover full November SNAP benefits but is choosing not to do so. It’s a cruel tactic that will have immediate harm when families are no longer able to buy groceries. The USDA must use its available funding to maintain SNAP benefits, and Speaker Johnson must immediately bring the House back to work. Attorney General Tong’s lawsuit is a welcome step to forcing them to act,” said Congressman Joe Courtney.

“People across the country are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of groceries skyrockets,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. “USDA Secretary Rollins and OMB Director Vought’s answer is to illegally freeze all funding for SNAP – threatening food stamp benefits for 42 million Americans. Congress already provided billions of dollars to fund SNAP in November. The Trump administration is freezing funding already enacted into law to feed hungry Americans while providing tens of billions of dollars to Argentina, private jets, and a golden ballroom. I am grateful Connecticut Attorney General Tong is taking the fight to court. The Trump Administration must release funding for SNAP.”

“I’m proud of Connecticut and Attorney General Tong for suing to undo the Trump Administration’s cruelty in withholding billions of dollars in contingency funding for SNAP benefits. Here in Connecticut, state leaders are providing $3 million in emergency funding to help Connecticut residents who are expected to lose access to food stamp benefits. But these funds are only a temporary solution—the Administration must reverse course and restore this critical support that puts food on the table for seniors and individuals with disabilities,” said Congressman Jim Himes.

“I thank Attorney General Tong for joining other Democrat leaders across the nation in filing a lawsuit to force the release of available contingency funds so the 42 million people who rely on SNAP do not go hungry. This lawsuit mirrors a letter I led with 214 House colleagues urging Secretary Rollins to use her authority during a government shutdown to fulfill this mission. In the absence of Republicans returning to Washington to negotiate, I will work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure families are fed,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.

“We’re grateful for the Attorney General’s leadership in protecting Connecticut’s hardworking residents,” said Emily Byrne, Executive Director of Connecticut Voices for Children. “SNAP is a proven anti-poverty policy that helped nearly 500,000 Connecticut residents last year. But the issue at hand isn’t just about feeding hungry children and families, veterans and the elderly. This is also about our economy. Stopping the $72 million in SNAP benefits that go out monthly to the hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents will also disrupt the supply chain and impact the roughly 2,500 stores that accept EBT benefits and provide jobs to our neighbors. Connecticut Voices for Children is extremely concerned about the well-being of our state’s children as well as our economy, and the harm that will come from not fully funding SNAP for any period of time.”

On October 1, 2025, the new federal fiscal year began without an appropriation by Congress to fund the federal government, creating a “government shutdown.” On October 10, USDA sent a letter to state SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for the approximately 42 million individuals across the country that rely on them. 

Despite USDA’s claim of insufficient funds, the agency has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds appropriated by Congress for this very purpose. Furthermore, USDA has funded other programs with emergency funds during this shutdown, but has refused to fund SNAP, leaving millions of Americans without the assistance they need to buy food. It is clear the federal government is making a deliberate, illegal and inhumane choice not to fund the crucial SNAP program.

The lapse in benefits will have dire consequences for the health and well-being of millions across the country, who rely on the program to feed themselves and their families. This lapse will also put unnecessary strain on state and local governments and community organizations, as families increasingly rely on emergency services and local food pantries that are already struggling to fill a growing nutrition gap. It will affect our school systems and college and university communities, where food insecurity will stand in the way of educating our students. Suspending SNAP benefits will also harm the hundreds of thousands of grocers and merchants that accept SNAP payment for food purchases across the country. USDA has estimated that in a slowing economy, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity.

SNAP is a key part of Connecticut’s efforts to address hunger by supplementing the food budget of low-income families so they can purchase healthy food. Thus far in 2025, an average of approximately 366,000 people received SNAP benefits in Connecticut each month, including approximately 215,000 families and 120,000 children. Households in Connecticut receive on average $324 per month in SNAP benefits to meet their basic subsistence and nutritional needs. During the federal fiscal year between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, DSS issued approximately $72,000,000 per month in SNAP benefits in Connecticut, as described in a declaration from the Connecticut Department of Social Services filed with today’s lawsuit. SNAP is also an economic driver for Connecticut local businesses, with approximately 2,500 merchants in Connecticut accepting SNAP benefits for food purchases. Many Connecticut grocers routinely increase their inventory in anticipation of the availability of SNAP benefits, and those who order food in advance may now be left with perishable goods that will no longer be purchased by Connecticut families, as further described in the DSS declaration.

While the federal government funds and sets the monthly amount of SNAP benefits, states are responsible for administering programs in their state. Suspending SNAP benefits in this manner is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Where Congress has clearly spoken, providing that SNAP benefits should continue even during a government shutdown, USDA does not have the authority to say otherwise. The coalition will also be filing a temporary restraining order later today asking the court to immediately turn benefits back on.

Joining Attorney General Tong in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Governors of Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania have also joined. 

Assistant Attorney General Patricia McCooey and Janelle Medeiros, Special Counsel for Civil Rights, are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation today announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved $25 million in emergency relief funding to reimburse the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) for costs related to road and bridge repairs following the historic August 18, 2024, rain and flooding event that impacted the western portion of the state.

The state applied for the funding after making significant repairs to dozens of roads and bridges that were washed out and damaged by the storm. The funding announced today comes in addition to $3 million in “quick release” emergency relief funds FHWA approved last year, bringing the total federal emergency relief funds allocated to Connecticut for road and bridge repairs due to this storm to $28 million. The total cost of emergency road and bridge repairs resulting from this storm is estimated to be approximately $40 million.

Governor Lamont said, “This reimbursement from the Federal Highway Administration is a big help as we continue recovering from extreme rainfall that impacted Connecticut. As storms grow more frequent and intense, reliable federal support is essential to help Connecticut rebuild resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges ahead. Thank you to our Congressional delegation and our federal partners for ensuring Connecticut receives this important funding.”

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This $25 million federal funding is a huge win for the Connecticut communities still recovering from last August’s devastating floods. Our delegation fought hard for this critical funding, and I’m proud that we’re delivering real relief to rebuild the roads and bridges destroyed last year. As climate change creates more frequent and destructive storms, we must continue to make long-term investments in climate resilience to prevent future disasters, protect our infrastructure and keep our communities safe.”

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, “I saw the devastation of last year’s floods up close and am grateful to CTDOT for their quick action to repair and reopen roads and bridges that were washed out. This federal funding is really important to making sure our state can continue making upgrades so that our infrastructure is more resilient in the face of storms that are getting bigger and more deadly.”

U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said, “I am glad to announce that this $25 million in federal funding will offset Connecticut’s costs to rebuild after the disastrous August 2024 floods that impacted multiple communities. Thanks to the work of Governor Lamont, Commissioner Eucalitto, and dedicated CTDOT employees, our roads and bridges are being restored, and now our state will be reimbursed. I will continue to fight for any resources our state requires as we continue to rebuild.”

U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04) said, “As last year’s flooding demonstrated, states simply cannot contend with the wreckage inflicted by increasingly devastating natural disasters. The Federal Highway Administration’s reimbursement makes good on a basic premise of modern disaster recovery: empower states to fix the immediate problems people face and rely on the federal government to fill in funding gaps. I look forward to working with the Connecticut Congressional delegation to ensure the federal government remains a reliable and robust partner for all states and localities when recovering from disasters.”

U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “When extreme weather hit our state, I worked with leaders to act swiftly in ensuring we had the resources to recover. In the Fifth District, there was significant damage to critical infrastructure, businesses and homes. As we continue to rebuild, this federal funding will be vital in completing important repairs and preparing for the future.”

Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said, “We deeply appreciate the continued support of the USDOT and FHWA. The initial quick release emergency relief funds allowed CTDOT to act immediately after historic flooding. This additional reimbursement is vital as it replenishes resources and enables us to continue repairing and strengthening Connecticut’s roads and bridges. Thank you to USDOT Secretary Duffy, FHWA Administrator McMaster, and all of our federal transportation partners for supporting our efforts in Connecticut.”

Following the storm, CTDOT responded immediately to make repairs and reopen impacted roads and bridges. CTDOT used available federal funds to make immediate repairs to get the state moving again. With the emergency relief being granted, those funds will now be replenished and used for the projects originally intended.

Three bridges in Oxford and Southbury are currently in design for a future construction project, with those costs also eligible for emergency relief funds. The state expects to apply for additional emergency relief funding in the future.