Duff Leads Passage of Bipartisan, Democratic Budget
HARTFORD – Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today led bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic working class and middle class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.
The $51.1 billion biennial state budget for July 2023-June 2025 passed the Senate today. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.
“This Democratic led bipartisan budget is laser focused on helping middle class and working class families,” said Senator Duff. “This budget delivers tax cuts, education funding, support for towns and cities, and increases for non-profits–all areas which will benefit Connecticut families. We are accomplishing all of this progress while staying within the spending cap, paying down long-term debt, and saving for a Rainy Day.”
The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.
The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.
The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.
The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.
On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.
Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.
Other budget highlights include: $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year
SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC LED BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS
SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC LED BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS
More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan
HARTFORD – State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.
The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.
“Connecticut needs a budget that provides support for taxpayers, aids education from kindergarten to higher education and invests in health care across the state,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m proud to vote for this budget because it represents the state retaining its fiscal responsibilities in a mindful manner without losing sight of necessary supports.”,/p>
Through the state’s Education Cost Sharing Formula in the budget, towns in the 20th Senate District will receive $2.751 million in additional educational support in the next two years.
The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.
The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.
The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.
The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.
On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.
Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.
Other budget highlights include: $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year
SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC LED BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS
SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC LED BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS
More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan
HARTFORD – State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.
The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.
“Connecticut taxpayers deserve relief. Connecticut education deserves support. Connecticut communities deserve funding. I am proud to vote for a budget that accomplishes all of these goals while retaining fiscal prudency,” said Sen. Rahman. “Its investments in seniors, in workforce development and in health care will all support our state for years to come. I voted yes on this budget with pride, because I know it will aid our residents in communities all around the state.”
Through the state’s Education Cost Sharing Formula in the budget, towns in the 4th Senate District will receive $8.787 million in additional educational support in the next two years.
The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.
The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.
The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.
The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.
On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.
Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.
Other budget highlights include: $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year
SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC LED BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS
SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC LED BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS
More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan
HARTFORD – State Senator Norm Needleman today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.
The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.
“This budget is meaningful because it supports our state without losing sight of fiscal prudence,” said Sen. Needleman. “Its investment in tax cuts, strong support of education and aid for nonprofits statewide will have strong benefits – and it retains the financial guardrails that have helped drastically bolster our state’s strengths. It sets a strong road forward for the next two years in Connecticut and I’m proud to join its passage.”
Through the state’s Education Cost Sharing Formula in the budget, towns in the 33rd Senate District will receive $2.333 million in additional educational support in the next two years.
The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.
The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.
The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.
The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.
On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.
Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.
Other budget highlights include $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year
SEN. KUSHNER HIGHLIGHTS FUNDING FOR DANBURY IN BIPARTISAN STATE BUDGET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
SEN. KUSHNER HIGHLIGHTS FUNDING FOR DANBURY IN BIPARTISAN STATE BUDGET
More Funding for Danbury Public Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan
HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.
The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $232 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.
“There’s so much in this budget that makes me proud to be in the state Senate representing working families. This budget provides $12.6 million in new funding for the Danbury Public Schools, which is the biggest school funding increase from the state since I was elected in 2018! Supporting our public schools has been one of my top priorities,” Sen. Kushner said. “Danbury will also receive nearly $1 million more in other, new municipal aid.”
In the new state budget, Danbury will receive an extra $12,622,576 in state Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants over the next two years compared to what they are receiving now, and another $918,933 in other state aid such as Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), Local Capital Improvements (LOCIP), and Town Aid Roads (TAR).
This budget also includes $5.8 million in the firefighters’ cancer relief fund, allowing firefighters and their survivors to access benefits equivalent to benefits covered under the state’s Workers’ Compensation system and line-of-duty death benefits provided to other first responders.
“Firefighters risk their lives to protect our property and save lives, but too often they come into contact with carcinogens. I’ve been working with the firefighters’ union for four years to expand coverage, and this year, in this budget, we made huge strides,” Sen. Kushner said.
The budget passed today also includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.
The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $100,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.
The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.
The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.
On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children, and restoration and continuation of meals for our seniors.
Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.
Other budget highlights include:
· $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status
· $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state
· $4.4 million to implement early voting initiatives
· Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year
“While this budget goes a long way toward helping working families in Connecticut, there are also disappointments. We know that we have much to do to fully fund our state universities, to fully fund our non-profits to reward those who care for those who need caring most, and to invest in our children and families by investing more in quality, affordable childcare,” Sen. Kushner said.
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SENS. KUSHNER AND MAHER WELCOME STATE BUDGET INVESTMENTS IN RIDGEFIELD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
SENS. KUSHNER AND MAHER WELCOME STATE BUDGET INVESTMENTS IN RIDGEFIELD
RIDGEFIELD – State Senators Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) and Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) announced that the new biennial state budget approved today by the state Senate provides $350,000 for two beloved Ridgefield landmarks: $100,000 for the Ridgefield Playhouse and $250,000 for The Ridgefield Theatre Barn.
Both Sens. Kushner and Maher represent portions of Ridgefield in the state Senate.
What will the money be used for??
“Both of these facilities are beloved by the public, but they’re also older venues that could use an infusion of tender loving care. That’s what these state funds are intended for,” Sen. Kushner said.
Maher comment
After three decades as a high school and town theatre, what would later become The Ridgefield Playhouse was abandoned in 1972 when a new, larger high school was built. In 1994, a group of Ridgefield residents got together and formed the Friends of the Ridgefield Performing Arts Center. A building committee was created, and in December 2000 The Ridgefield Playhouse opened its doors. The Ridgefield Playhouse presents more than 200 live shows annually, plus movies, hosting more than 100,000 patrons every year.
The Ridgefield Theatre Barn was founded in 1965 when a handful of Ridgefield residents banded together to form a small theater group dedicated to providing community theater. This not-for-profit organization grew into the Ridgefield Workshop for the Performing Arts, Inc. Housed in a rustic converted dairy barn leased from the town of Ridgefield, the Workshop continues to produce an ongoing series of comedies, dramas, and musicals. It performs four shows per year, with performers chosen through open auditions.
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Sen. Lesser, Rep. Carpino Welcome up to $7M in Savings to Cromwell Middle School Construction Project
Sen. Lesser, Rep. Carpino Welcome up to $7M in Savings to Cromwell Middle School Construction Project
CROMWELL, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) and local school leaders welcome news that the state Department of Administrative Services has increased the state reimbursement rate for the Cromwell Middle School construction project from 39.64% to 49.64% which could save the Town of Cromwell as much as $7 million dollars.
Last June, Cromwell voters approved constructing a replacement for the current school based on estimates of $58.6 million. Due to price increases, the project now requires an additional $14 million, which voters approved in a referendum on May 18.
“Capping a year in which we have secured record support for our area public schools, this additional funding for the Cromwell Middle School project is simply transformational,” Sen. Lesser said. “This funding will save Cromwell taxpayers as much as $7 million, providing needed support that clears the way for the project to move forward. It was a pleasure to work with Rep. Carpino, legislative leaders and the Department of Administrative Services to secure this higher rate.”
“Cromwell’s new Middle School represents a long-term investment in our children and our community. The increase in the reimbursement rate for this project will result in a significant cost savings- millions of dollars- for the taxpayers in town. This is a perfect example of how Cromwell gets things done-by working together,” said Rep. Carpino.
“I am overjoyed by this news. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all the stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make this happen,” said Enza Macri, Superintendent of Cromwell Schools. “A special thank you to our external partners (Arcadis), our dedicated CMS Building Committee, our legislators, notably Senator Lesser and Representative Carpino, OSCG&R, and the Department of Administrative Offices, to name a few of many, who graciously advocated for Cromwell to receive this increase in reimbursement rate.The students of Cromwell Public Schools deserve a new middle school and although it has been a long road getting here; seeing the local and State level community work together to make this happen for our children has been overwhelmingly joyful!”
“This is such great news to end the school year on! The increase in our reimbursement rate will go a long way toward the needs of this project to ensure we are able to fulfill the vision the school district and CMS building committee has for our community. Thank you to all involved who have advocated relentlessly to do what’s best for our students!” said Celina Kelleher, Cromwell Board of Education Chair.
“Securing an additional 10% towards the reimbursement rate for the new Cromwell Middle School Project will go a long way in supporting the Cromwell community by making it possible for us to invest in future infrastructure improvements,” said Rosanna Glynn, CMS Building Project Chair. “A town’s public schools are the center of a community and can be a driving force in a town’s prosperity. This new middle school will strengthen Cromwell and create more community spaces to support sports and recreation, performing arts, and civic organizations.”
“The additional funding for Cromwell allows the town to improve its educational infrastructure while managing the increasing costs of inflation,” said Shannon Hughes-Brown, CMS Building Project Vice Chair. “I applaud the legislature for recognizing the need to support our town and education infrastructure overall. Our children, as well as the broader community, will realize the positive impact of this new development for years to come.”
SENATOR ANWAR LEADS FINAL PASSAGE OF BILL ENSURING TOBACCO, OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS RECEIVE PROPER USAGE
SENATOR ANWAR LEADS FINAL PASSAGE OF BILL ENSURING TOBACCO, OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS RECEIVE PROPER USAGE
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, led the State Senate’s final passage of legislation that will ensure settlement funds received by the state from tobacco and opioid companies are properly invested and transparently tracked. The bill further updates and improves standards for the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund, among other changes.
“As our state receives settlement funding from companies that have profited by selling tobacco and opioids that have harmed public health, we need to ensure those funds are not wasted and can be used for good,” said Sen. Anwar. “That’s what this legislation does. It will require the state’s settlement funds from JUUL to be dispersed to fund programs aimed at youth audiences to prevent and stop smoking and vaping. It also requires the state to report on use of JUUL settlement funds and requires towns and cities to report how they use opioid settlement funds. This increased transparency will play a strong role toward benefitting public health in Connecticut.”
House Bill 6914, “An Act Concerning The Use of Funds in the Opioid and Tobacco Settlement Funds and Funds Received By The State As Part Of Any Settlement Agreement With A Manufacturer Of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System and Vapor Products,” requires the amount of JUUL settlement funds received in a prior fiscal year to fund specified Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services programs targeting audiences under 21; requires the DMHAS commissioner to annually report on how JUUL settlements are dispersed and spent; and that municipalities receiving opioid settlement funds directly from settlement administrators must annually report to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee until funds are expended.
The bill further updates the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund’s statutory purposes for fund disbursements and requires funding be directed to programs using evidence-based best practices, among other changes.
Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani in March testified in favor of this legislation. “Given the drastic toll JUUL products have taken on the health of our communities, and especially our young people, the funds should be distributed in a way that is representative of the populations that have been harmed the most by these products,” she said. “We believe that the Tobacco Health Trust Fund advisory board is best suited to address the respective needs of these populations.”
With its passage today, the bill now heads to the Governor’s office to be signed into law; it previously passed the House in April.
State Senator Derek Slap Leads Final Passage Of Bill Addressing Workforce Labor Shortage Through Reducing Student Loan Interest
State Senator Derek Slap Leads Final Passage Of Bill Addressing Workforce Labor Shortage Through Reducing Student Loan Interest
Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) led the State Senate in the final passage of legislation that helps alleviate student debt for first responders, nurses, educators, and mental health professionals. The bill allows eligible workers in these fields to refinance their loans, thanks to a state subsidy, through the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA).
“This will not only help existing workers in these fields alleviate some of their debt burden, it also makes it easier for folks to become teachers, nurses, police officers and social workers,” said Sen. Slap. “This is great news for our labor market and of course all those who benefit from the work of these public servants.”
House Bill 5441, “An Act Concerning Clinical Placements For Nursing Students, The Establishment of Registered Apprenticeships For Teachers, Reporting By The Office Of Workforce Strategy, Promotion of the Development of the Insurance Industry and a Student Loan Subsidy For High-Demand Professions,” seeks to make a number of changes impacting higher education statutes and programs.
Most significantly, the bill extends eligibility to the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority’s Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program to paraeducators and counselors, require CHESLA to establish a Police Officer Loan Subsidy Program to subsidize interest rates on CHESLA loans to eligible police officers in distressed municipalities, and expand a CHESLA loan subsidy program for health care professionals to include emergency services professionals.
It further creates a task force to develop a plan to establish clinical placements at state facilities for nursing students in higher education; permanently requires the Chief Workforce Officer to annually report on the Office of Workforce Strategy’s workforce training programs; and requires the insurance commissioner to promote the development, growth of and employment opportunities within the state’s insurance industry.
This bill received testimony in support from figures including Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association; Sarah Matney, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Officer at Connecticut Children’s; and the Connecticut Business and Industry Administration.
It previously passed the House on May 23 and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 7, FIGHTING FOR RATEPAYERS AND AGAINST ELECTRIC UTILITIES
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 7, FIGHTING FOR RATEPAYERS AND AGAINST ELECTRIC UTILITIES
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, applauded the House’s final passage of Senate Bill 7, a major Senate priority that will work to provide relief for Connecticut utility ratepayers through adjustments to regulations and company use of funds among numerous other significant changes.
Senate Bill 7’s advances in the name of consumer relief include prevention of utility service companies from using ratepayer funds for lobbying expenses as well as board of director and officer food, drink, transportation and entertainment; creating a fund allowing for ratepayers to have legal representation to challenge proposed utility rate increases; and creating a stronger regulatory environment for state utilities.
“I’m proud to see that our hard work in the Energy & Technology Committee will provide newfound benefits to Connecticut consumers at a time when costs continue to pressure us,” said Sen. Needleman. “Ratepayers in Connecticut have called for improvement for far too long, and Senate Bill 7 seeks to answer their concerns. Tying regulation to service quality will keep companies honest. Closing loopholes will stop companies from using ratepayer funds on lobbying, advertising and egregious transportation spending, such as helicopters for CEOs. It provides newfound power to consumers, giving them a voice in rate increases. It’s going to give Connecticut ratepayers the quality service they’ve deserved for far too long. I’m grateful to my co-chair Representative Jonathan Steinberg, ranking member State Senator Ryan Fazio and the many others who helped send this bill to Governor Lamont’s desk to become law.”
Senate Bill 7, “An Act Strengthening Protections For Connecticut’s Consumers of Energy,” will overhaul Connecticut’s utilities industries through changes including, but not limited to: Barring utilities from charging ratepayers for expenses related to building political influence including lobbying, advertising, marketing, sponsorships and charitable contributions; Ending the practice that allows utilities to charge ratepayers for attorneys, expert witnesses and other expenses at extravagant costs; they would be required to pay for expenses from shareholder profits. Between 2016 and 2021, Connecticut electric utilities spent more than $110 million on regulatory commission expenses; PURA would have increased authority to order rate decoupling for electric or gas company rate increases. Decoupling is a regulatory mechanism that is designed to separate the interests of utilities and shareholders from those of companies and society by decoupling revenue from sales volume. This is intended to disincentivize companies selling more energy to increase revenue and profits, instead encouraging them to meet key performance metrics to meet the best interests of ratepayers; The state would create an Intervenor Compensation program, becoming the 17th state to allow ratepayers and groups representing them to receive compensation for attorney’s fees and expert witnesses to participate in rate cases before PURA; The bill will further increase the breadth of conditions PURA can consider in determining rate hearing rates of return, greater discretion to determine deadlines for electric distribution companies to refund funds exceeding authorized return on equity, and allow them to adopt proposed settlements when appropriate. It would also sunset at least one Eversource utility charge, develop guardrails for use of settlements and require the investigation of whether low-income rates for water and gas to be expanded
With this bill’s passage by the House today, it heads to Governor Lamont’s desk for his signature.