Office of the President

Dear Members of the CT State Community,

I want to take a moment to connect with you about the ongoing federal government shutdown and how it may be affecting members of our community. At CT State, we remain grounded in our mission to support student success and well-being, especially during times of uncertainty.

As you are aware, the federal government has been shut down since October 1, 2025, after a failure by Congress to pass the necessary funding legislation. As of early November, this impasse has become the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history. Many federal agencies have scaled back operations and, while, essential services continue, several programs — including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — are already experiencing some disruptions amid funding lapses and are at further risk if the shutdown continues.  

I want to acknowledge how concerned many members of our community must feel right now, including students, employees, and their families, especially those who depend on SNAP benefits or other critical federal assistance for support. We know that even temporary interruptions in support can create real hardship. 

In light of these challenges, the college will be issuing $3,000 to each campus (with additional support allocated for Danbury) to help restock and sustain our food pantries with essential items to help offset any SNAP disruptions created by the shutdown. These resources will help ensure that students and community members affected by the shutdown continue to have access to essential supplies and nutritious food options. I’ve asked our campus presidents to prioritize restocking our campus food pantries immediately upon receiving the funds.