Hi John,
The federal government has shut down, and folks in eastern Connecticut and across the nation are feeling the impact. Critical services are suspended, air traffic controllers and service members are working without pay, and some national parks are being closed. I’m deferring my pay for the duration of the shutdown — if eastern Connecticut’s hardworking federal employees don’t receive a paycheck, neither will I.
But there’s more at stake here than just federal workers: this shutdown threatens people’s access to affordable health care.
According to a recent CT Mirror article, the GOP’s refusal to extend enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act could cause premiums for many in Connecticut to more than double next year. In Connecticut alone, these credits currently save consumers roughly $400 million a year.
Consider this example the article raised: a couple in Putnam, making about $85,000 annually, could face a $31,413 increase in their health insurance premiums. That’s not a small change — it’s a threat to families’ financial security.
What’s going on? These premium tax credits were created in 2021 and extended through 2025. Republicans refused to include their extension in their continuing resolution, which is why Democrats — including me — have stood firm. Without those subsidies, many Americans will be forced to pay more or go without coverage.
Let me be very clear:
- This is not about undocumented immigrants — the marketplace verifies immigration status, and only citizens or lawfully present individuals can enroll.
- This is about protecting working families, seniors, and individuals who depend on these subsidies to afford care.
- It’s irresponsible to gamble with people’s health and bottom lines for political theater.
Connecticut’s 2nd District has more federal workers than any other district in our state — this shutdown is a direct assault on the people I represent.
From the beginning, Democrats have been clear:
- 🛑 We will not support a partisan bill that guts essential programs or forces people to pay more for health care.
- ✅ We are ready to cancel harmful cuts, reopen the government, and protect affordability.
We are unified, focused, and ready to act. I’ll continue to fight every day to safeguard access to affordable care, reopen the government, and defend our communities in eastern Connecticut.
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
