In Special Session, Senator Cabrera Votes to Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
Extension of exemption on gas tax, free bus fare; increased funding for Essential workers bonuses, heating oil assistance
HARTFORD – Today, meeting in special session, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) joined the state Senate as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. Senators voted to keep the state’s gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs. The bill passed 33-0. The bill heads to Governor Ned Lamont.
“Cutting the gas tax and making public bus rides free have been a success and it just makes sense to keep these going through spring of next year,” said Sen. Cabrera. “The additional funding for energy assistance should also help during the winter. I know for many; costs are still too high, and bills are piling up. I’ve experienced the same in my life and I know these cost-saving measures will provide some relief, as will the bump in funding for hero pay. These frontline workers embody the spirit of Connecticut and community and I’m proud to vote yes on a funding increase to the essential worker fund.”
Most prominently, the Senate voted to retain the state’s holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from January 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, December 1.
Additionally, the Senate voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.
Further measures passed today by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.
The Senate also acted to invest $30 million into the state’s heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, as a contingency in the event federal funding cannot support program costs. This adds to $97 million in state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents struggling to pay for heating costs. On the heels of Eversource and United Illuminating filing rate increases increasing electricity bills by up to 40%, and with already-high numbers of individuals seeking aid continuing to increase amid financial challenges for many, this allocation is vital in helping countless Connecticut families stay warm without sacrificing other important needs.
Additional actions taken today include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward Operation Fuel and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. The Senate also voted to ensure retailers’ existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after January 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.
In Special Session, Senator Miller Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
In Special Session, Senator Miller Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
Extension of exemption on gas tax, free bus fare; increased funding for Essential workers bonuses, heating oil assistance
HARTFORD – Today, meeting in special session, State Senator Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford) joined the state Senate as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. Senators voted to keep the state’s gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs. The bill passed 33-0. The bill heads to Governor Ned Lamont.
“Today’s bipartisan legislation to cut the gas tax and provide free bus service demonstrates our commitment to helping people across our state with the problems of rising prices,” said Sen. Miller. “I have seen how these cost-saving measures have helped people over the past several months and am proud to continue to provide this relief for our families.”
Most prominently, the Senate voted to retain the state’s holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from January 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, December 1.
Additionally, the Senate voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.
Further measures passed today by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.
The Senate also acted to invest $30 million into the state’s heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, as a contingency in the event federal funding cannot support program costs. This adds to $97 million in state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents struggling to pay for heating costs. On the heels of Eversource and United Illuminating filing rate increases increasing electricity bills by up to 40%, and with already-high numbers of individuals seeking aid continuing to increase amid financial challenges for many, this allocation is vital in helping countless Connecticut families stay warm without sacrificing other important needs.
Additional actions taken today include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward Operation Fuel and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. The Senate also voted to ensure retailers’ existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after January 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.
In Special Session, Senator Maroney Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
In Special Session, Senator Maroney Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
Extension of exemption on gas tax, free bus fare; increased funding for Essential workers bonuses, heating oil assistance
HARTFORD – Today, meeting in special session, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford joined the state Senate as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. Senators voted to keep the state’s gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs. The bill passed 33-0. The bill heads to Governor Ned Lamont.
“As winter approaches, it is important to make sure we keep our residents warm,” said Sen. Maroney. “With increased costs and many families struggling, it’s crucial we do something to help those who cannot afford their heating bill. And during this time, we are here to help those who have helped us-essential workers deserve the best as they went above and beyond working through the pandemic. I am proud to support the increase to the pandemic pay.”
Most prominently, the Senate voted to retain the state’s holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from January 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, December 1.
Additionally, the Senate voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.
Further measures passed today by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.
The Senate also acted to invest $30 million into the state’s heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, as a contingency in the event federal funding cannot support program costs. This adds to $97 million in state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents struggling to pay for heating costs. On the heels of Eversource and United Illuminating filing rate increases increasing electricity bills by up to 40%, and with already-high numbers of individuals seeking aid continuing to increase amid financial challenges for many, this allocation is vital in helping countless Connecticut families stay warm without sacrificing other important needs.
Additional actions taken today include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward Operation Fuel and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. The Senate also voted to ensure retailers’ existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after January 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.
Sen. Hartley Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
Sen. Hartley Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
Extension of exemption on gas tax, free bus fare; increased funding for pandemic worker bonuses, heating oil assistance
Meeting in special session, State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Middlebury) joined the state Senate as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. Senators voted to keep the state’s gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs.
“The extension of these cost-saving measures will provide daily relief to families across Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Middlebury. It will ease the pinch at the gas pump and as people are commuting on the bus whether to work or school. Equally as important, we are taking strong action to provide heating assistance to families in need as we approach the winter season,” said Sen. Hartley. “I’m encouraged by the collective action taken today and am hopeful that we will continue this productive work to lower costs for Connecticut’s hard-working families in next year’s legislative session.”
Most prominently, Sen. Hartley joined the Senate in voting to retain the state’s holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from January 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, December 1.
Additionally, Sen. Hartley voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.
Also, Sen. Hartley acted to invest $30 million into the state’s heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, as a contingency in the event federal funding cannot support program costs. This adds to $97 million in state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents struggling to pay for heating costs. On the heels of Eversource and United Illuminating filing rate increases increasing electricity bills by up to 40%, and with already-high numbers of individuals seeking aid continuing to increase amid financial challenges for many, this allocation is vital in helping countless Connecticut families stay warm without sacrificing other important needs.
Further measures passed by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.
Additional actions taken include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward nonprofit energy assistance programs and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. The Senate also voted to ensure retailers’ existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after January 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.
Sen. Osten Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures For Ct Residents Into 2023
Sen. Osten Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures For Ct Residents Into 2023
Extension of gas tax cut and increased funding for pandemic worker bonuses and home heating oil assistance
State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today joined the state Senate in voting to extend important, cost-saving measures first approved by Democrats last spring that will now provide more than $200 million in additional financial benefits and savings to state residents in the coming months.
Sen. Osten voted to extend Connecticut’s gas tax cut into 2023, saving motorists another $90 million through May 1. That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to price shifts. The gas tax will increase 5 cents per-gallon, per-month, from January 1 to May 1
Sen. Osten also voted to allocate $75 million for a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to invest an additional $30 million in Connecticut’s home heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program; the vote adds to the $97 million in existing state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents pay for winter heating costs.
The Senate also voted today to ensure retailers’ existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after January 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.
Sen. Kushner Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures For Ct Residents Into 2023
Sen. Kushner Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures For Ct Residents Into 2023
Extension of gas tax cut and free bus fares; increased funding for pandemic worker bonuses and home heating assistance
State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today joined the state Senate in a unanimous and bipartisan vote to extend important, cost-saving measures first approved by Democrats last spring that will now provide more than $200 million in additional financial benefits to state residents in the coming months.
“We had a number of valuable, cost-saving measures that were set to expire, and we took action to extend those cost savings to Connecticut residents for several more months,” Sen. Kushner said. “It was a good day here in the legislature to help make like a little better for people.”
Sen. Kushner joined a bipartisan and unanimous Senate vote to extend Connecticut’s gas tax cut into 2023, saving motorists another $90 million through May 1. That existing 25 cents per-gallon gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to price shifts. The gas tax will increase 5 cents per-gallon, per-month, from January 1 to May 1.
Sen. Kushner also voted with her colleagues to allocate $75 million for a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program – first championed by Sen. Kushner in the spring 2022 legislative session – adds $75 million to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.
Sen. Kushner also voted to invest an additional $30 million in Connecticut’s home heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program; the vote adds to the $97 million in existing state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents pay for winter heating costs.
Sen. Kushner and the Senate today also voted to maintain free bus fares for state residents through April 1, and to ensure that retailers’ existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after January 1, when Connecticut’s new bottle laws take effect.
Sen. Lesser Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
Sen. Lesser Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023
Extension of exemption on gas tax, free bus fare; increased funding for pandemic worker bonuses, heating oil assistance
Today, meeting in special session, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the State Senate as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. Senators voted to keep the state’s gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs.
“While not perfect this bipartisan package keeps our focus on the cost of living, from gas prices to bus fares, to heating assistance to pandemic pay for essential workers. It’s important work and I’m glad we are getting it done before the holidays. Moving forward we need to build on this to provide additional relief to electric ratepayers,” said Sen. Lesser.
Most prominently, the Senate voted to retain the state’s holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from January 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, December 1.
Additionally, the Senate voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.
Further measures passed today by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $30 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.
Looney, Winfield Statement on Criminal Charges in the Incident Involving Randy Cox
Looney, Winfield Statement on Criminal Charges in the Incident Involving Randy Cox
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) released the following statement in response to the New Haven State’s Attorney bringing criminal charges against police officers involved in the incident involving Randy Cox:
“The circumstances of the incident involving Randy Cox are serious and that is reflected in the State’s Attorney bringing these charges. With both civil and criminal cases pending, we wish not to presume an outcome as the legal process moves forward. Ours is to ensure there is a process in place that moves us to justice. In that vein and thinking about this case along with accountability efforts, we remain committed to passing a state law requiring that immediate emergency medical services be provided to any individual in police custody experiencing a health emergency. While this bill passed the Senate during the 2022 session, we are hopeful it will pass both chambers and become law in 2023.”
Looney, Winfield Statement on Criminal Charges in the Incident Involving Randy Cox
Looney, Winfield Statement on Criminal Charges in the Incident Involving Randy Cox
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) released the following statement in response to the New Haven State’s Attorney bringing criminal charges against police officers involved in the incident involving Randy Cox:
“The circumstances of the incident involving Randy Cox are serious and that is reflected in the State’s Attorney bringing these charges. With both civil and criminal cases pending, we wish not to presume an outcome as the legal process moves forward. Ours is to ensure there is a process in place that moves us to justice. In that vein and thinking about this case along with accountability efforts, we remain committed to passing a state law requiring that immediate emergency medical services be provided to any individual in police custody experiencing a health emergency. While this bill passed the Senate during the 2022 session, we are hopeful it will pass both chambers and become law in 2023.”
State Senator Norm Needleman Releases Statement Regarding Eversource, Ui Proposed Rate Hikes
State Senator Norm Needleman Releases Statement Regarding Eversource, Ui Proposed Rate Hikes
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, released the following statement after Eversource announced its intention to effectively double its standard service rate from January to June, a move that would dramatically increase the monthly bills of countless Connecticut residents:
“Today’s record increases in the generation of electric rates proposed by Eversource and United Illuminating show just how flawed our energy markets are, and how those flaws are harming Connecticut households. In the 23 years since our state deregulated its energy markets, we are at a point where control of our energy costs is out of our hands and we are now responding to decisions made by Wall Street energy traders and global energy providers. The energy market is complicated, made worse by global turmoil, but these increases could not have come at a worse time given the financial challenges so many are facing right now. Electric and natural gas utilities, as well as natural gas suppliers and natural gas pipeline owners, need to be aware of the devastating impact these increases will have on the budgets of Connecticut residents. Given the already high costs of oil, gasoline, electricity and natural gas, we are asking all of these companies to provide aid to the residents they serve. They should consider absorbing some of these costs given their recently reported record profits. Members of the Energy & Technology Committee will continue to work to find additional solutions for those in need with programs that can directly aid them. As Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, I plan on convening a public forum with not only utilities but all players in the energy market, not only to explain to the public how our systems work but to work with stakeholders on finding solutions for current problems and improving that marketplace so problems like these won’t arise in the future.”