ALICE Advocate - December 18, 2025 Edition

TAKE ACTION 

Public Charge – Comments Due Friday, December 19 

DHS proposed changing how “public charge” determinations are made for green card or visa applicants. Currently, federal nutrition program participation does not count. 

If finalized, the rule could create fear, confusion, and barriers for millions of immigrant families seeking essential health, nutrition, and economic supports. 

💬 Take action by Dec. 19: Submit a comment using FRAC’s model comment and sign on to the coalition letter.
 

Protect SNAP 

State Action 

Proposed SNAP cuts could significantly reduce or eliminate benefits for approximately 58,000 Connecticut families, increasing food insecurity as costs rise. 

💡 Take action: Protect access to nutrition assistance and health coverage. Get involved through TCP Action Fund. 

Federal Action 

Congress must pass nine remaining FY2026 appropriations bills by January 30. The remaining bills may move as minibuses, individual bills, or another CR. 

This is a critical chance to restore SNAP funding cut under H.R. 1 and protect school meal programs. The House returns January 6; the Senate returns January 5. 

📣 Call to Action: Contact your members of Congress and urge them to restore SNAP funding and protect school meal programs. 

EVENTS 

Connecticut Voices for Children, 25th Tax & Budget Forum
January 8th, 10:00 am (Virtual) 

Join Connecticut Voices for Children for their 25th Tax & Budget Forum: a virtual, statewide conversation on building a fair, equitable, and sustainable fiscal future for Connecticut’s children and families. 📝 Sign up today.


United Way of Connecticut, ALICE and Tax Filing: Key Updates for Organizations Serving Connecticut
January 14th 12:00-1:00 pm 
Learn about key tax updates for ALICE households. Learn about important tax code changes and FREE filing options to help low- and moderate-income residents maximize refunds. This session is for organizations and municipalities—individual tax filing will not be covered.
📝RSVP here.

School and State Finance Project’s Annual State of the Student Conference 
January 24th, 9:00 am — 4:00 pm, Wesleyan University, Middletown  

The 2nd Annual State of the Student Conference is just over a month away! This FREE event brings together parents, educators, students, and policymakers for a day of workshops, discussions, and action-focused learning on key issues affecting Connecticut students—from funding and policy to nutrition, special education, and community connections. 

📝 Tickets are going fast—register today to secure your spot. 

 

NEWS and RESOURCES 

Listen 🎧

  • Rooted in Impact Podcast 
    • In this special edition, we break down key decisions from the Special Session and their impact across Connecticut. 

Read 📰

 

 

New Resource 🧰

  • PIF’s “Changes in Immigrant Eligibility Toolkit”  This toolkit explains recent federal changes affecting immigrant eligibility for health, social services, and nutrition programs—like SNAP, Medicare, and Head Start—and aims to clarify the complex rules that often prevent families from accessing needed support.

 

Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.