Author: Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Approve Two-Year Budget that Supports Schools, Families of the 4th District

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Approve Two-Year Budget that Supports Schools, Families of the 4th District

Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted Tuesday to approve the 2026-27 biennial state budget. The budget dedicates significant resources to education and childcare, invests in families through an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit and provides a total of $16.7 million in additional state aid to towns and cities in the 4th Senate District.

“This budget sends additional state support to the people of the 4th District and across Connecticut,” Senator Rahman said. “It delivers critical investments in education, childcare, and public health, all while staying fiscally responsible and not raising taxes. I’ve worked to ensure our towns receive the state support they need, and I’m proud of the increased aid that will strengthen our schools, help working families, and ease pressure on local budgets. This is how we build a stronger future for everyone.”

The balanced $56.16 billion two-year budget, which passed the Senate 25-11, does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

The budget invests $200 million in early childcare education, expanding access to Early Start CT childcare programs at affordable rates for families and allowing children receive high quality childcare from birth to five years old, also funding a health care subsidy for care providers.

Important provisions of the new budget include:

-A $250 tax refund for hundreds of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households – one out of every seven

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Senators Looney and Winfield Deliver State Budget with $637 Million for New Haven

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Winfield Deliver State Budget with $637 Million for New Haven

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) gave final approval to a Democratic state budget that provides significant increases in state aid for New Haven.

“This budget delivers unprecedented support for New Haven, ensuring our city has the resources it needs to thrive,” said Senator Looney. “From funding PILOT to making major investments in education, infrastructure, and core municipal services, this funding reflects our deep commitment to equity and economic stability for our city and its residents.”

“New Haven faces unique challenges, and this budget recognizes that by investing in the people and programs that make a real difference in our community,” said Senator Winfield. “Whether it’s supporting public education, addressing local infrastructure needs, or delivering meaningful tax relief to working families, this budget brings critical resources home.”

New Haven Aid – By the Numbers:
The state budget provides an increase in state funding for New Haven of $17,844,708 in Fiscal Year 26 and $18,378,077 in Fiscal Year 27, totaling $318,689,043 in year one and $319,222,412 in year two, equaling over $637 million in the biennium budget.

The city will receive:

-$101,078,558 in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) in each year of the budget

-$4,045,204 each year in motor vehicle reimbursement rates

-$19,421,822 each year from the Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant

-$5,503,352 from the Mashantucket Pequot & Mohegan Fund Grant

-$1,710,403 in each year for Town Aid Road (TAR)

-$2,537,896 in Local Capital Improvements (LoCIP) each year

-$10,214,643 in Municipal Grants-in-Aid each year, an increase of $8 million

-$170,824,330 in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) each year

-$2,852,835 and $3,386,204 in Adult Education for FY 26 and FY 27, respectively

Investing in Our State

-A $250 tax refund for hundreds of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households – one out of every seven

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Budget Reserve Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Senators Looney and Winfield Deliver State Budget with $637 Million for New Haven

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Winfield Deliver State Budget with $637 Million for New Haven

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) gave final approval to a Democratic state budget that provides significant increases in state aid for New Haven.

“This budget delivers unprecedented support for New Haven, ensuring our city has the resources it needs to thrive,” said Senator Looney. “From funding PILOT to making major investments in education, infrastructure, and core municipal services, this funding reflects our deep commitment to equity and economic stability for our city and its residents.”

“New Haven faces unique challenges, and this budget recognizes that by investing in the people and programs that make a real difference in our community,” said Senator Winfield. “Whether it’s supporting public education, addressing local infrastructure needs, or delivering meaningful tax relief to working families, this budget brings critical resources home.”

New Haven Aid – By the Numbers:
The state budget provides an increase in state funding for New Haven of $17,844,708 in Fiscal Year 26 and $18,378,077 in Fiscal Year 27, totaling $318,689,043 in year one and $319,222,412 in year two, equaling over $637 million in the biennium budget.

The city will receive:

-$101,078,558 in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) in each year of the budget

-$4,045,204 each year in motor vehicle reimbursement rates

-$19,421,822 each year from the Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant

-$5,503,352 from the Mashantucket Pequot & Mohegan Fund Grant

-$1,710,403 in each year for Town Aid Road (TAR)

-$2,537,896 in Local Capital Improvements (LoCIP) each year

-$10,214,643 in Municipal Grants-in-Aid each year, an increase of $8 million

-$170,824,330 in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) each year

-$2,852,835 and $3,386,204 in Adult Education for FY 26 and FY 27, respectively

Investing in Our State

-A $250 tax refund for hundreds of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households – one out of every seven

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Budget Reserve Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Senator Hochadel Votes to Pass State Budget Including Funding for Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Votes to Pass State Budget Including Funding for Nonprofits

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, voted Tuesday to approve the 2026-27 biennial state budget. The budget dedicates significant resources to education and childcare, and invests in nonprofit organizations, which serve vulnerable populations throughout Connecticut.

The bill, which passed the Senate 25-11, preserves a $50 million funding increase in the fiscal year ‘25 budget for Connecticut nonprofits. Additionally, it contains a $45 million funding increase for nonprofits, including $15 million to increase Medicaid rates for nonprofit providers and $30 million to fund cost of living increases for at some nonprofit organizations.

“We rely on nonprofits to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and, too often, we ask them to do that work without the financial support they need,” said Senator Jan Hochadel. “For instance, Beth Fisher and her team at Kuhn Employment Opportunities in Meriden work every day to support adults with disabilities through job training and day services that also give their families the ability to work and care for their loved ones. Unfortunately, funding hasn’t kept pace with the rising costs of providing care. My hope is that this budget begins to close that gap and gives organizations like Kuhn the resources they need to continue their important work.”

The balanced $56.16 billion two-year budget does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

The budget invests $200 million in early childcare education, expanding access to Early Start CT childcare programs at affordable rates for families and allowing children receive high quality childcare from birth to five years old, also funding a health care subsidy for care providers.

Important provisions of the new budget include:

-A $250 tax refund for hundreds of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households – one out of every seven

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the State Senate’s approval of the 2026-27 biennial state budget. This budget, which passed by a 25-11 vote, invests significant amounts in education and childcare statewide, invests in families through an increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit and provides significant investments to local communities, including $2,418,015 in new support for the 33rd Senate District in the two-year period. That support includes enhanced education investments, special education funding and municipal project aid.

“As we wait to see the impact the federal budget will have on our nation and our communities, this state budget offers significant investments in important systems and retains effective programs our communities rely on,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m heartened to invest in early child care for countless families feeling financial pressure and to provide relief to working parents in our communities statewide. After months of hard work, this budget comes with no new taxes and retains the state’s fiscal responsibility, all while providing our region with new funding supporting our towns.”

The balanced $55.16 billion two-year budget does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains the state’s fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

The budget invests $200 million in early childcare education, expanding access to Early Start CT childcare programs at affordable rates for families and allowing children receive high quality childcare from birth to five years old, also funding a health care subsidy for care providers.

Important parts of the new budget include:

-A $250 tax refund for tens of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 children

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the State Senate’s approval of the 2026-27 biennial state budget. This budget, which passed by a 25-11 vote, invests significant amounts in education and childcare statewide, invests in families through an increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit and provides significant investments to local communities, including $6,242,697 in new support for the 3rd Senate District in the two-year period. That sum primarily includes new education cost sharing and special education funding.

“This budget addresses a number of major concerns facing Connecticut today,” said Sen. Anwar. “It invests in child care at a time when families face real strain and pressure and supports our families who are most in need. It invests in our education systems and in our municipalities, also making sure nonprofit employees receive support. It adds funding to areas that the federal government may target in coming months, with awareness that the future is unwritten. It’s a thorough, meaningful document that will benefit countless state residents.”

The balanced $55.16 billion two-year budget does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains the state’s fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

The budget invests $200 million in early childcare education, expanding access to Early Start CT childcare programs at affordable rates for families and allowing children receive high quality childcare from birth to five years old, also funding a health care subsidy for care providers.

Important parts of the new budget include:

-A $250 tax refund for tens of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 children

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

SENATOR MARX JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) joined the State Senate’s approval of the 2026-27 biennial state budget. This budget, which passed by a 25-11 vote, invests significant amounts in education and childcare statewide, invests in families through an increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit and provides significant investments to local communities, including $814,874 in new support for the 20th Senate District in the two-year period.

“As we face uncertainty regarding the federal budget and know we need to support the people of Connecticut amid pressures they face now, this document provides refreshing levels of investment and support that prioritizes the people of our state,” said Sen. Marx. “It assists young families through expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, makes landmark investments in child care and education, including vital special education aid, and generally ensures Connecticut lives up to its obligations. It’s not perfect – nothing is – but it’s a valuable document that provides key support for our communities.”

The balanced $55.16 billion two-year budget does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains the state’s fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

The budget invests $200 million in early childcare education, expanding access to Early Start CT childcare programs at affordable rates for families and allowing children receive high quality childcare from birth to five years old, also funding a health care subsidy for care providers.

Important parts of the new budget include:

-A $250 tax refund for tens of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 children

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Sen. Cohen Votes to Support Connecticut Farmers

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen Votes to Support Connecticut Farmers

HARTFORD – On Monday, State Senator Christine Cohen voted to pass expansive legislation that provides income and property tax credits for farmers, establishes a crop loss reimbursement grant program, permits use of drone for precision agriculture and more. Certain provisions legislation comes in large part from the advocacy of local farmers William DellaCamera of Cecarelli Farms in Northford and Keith Bishop of Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford.

William DellaCamera made headlines in 2024 when a hail storm decimated his crops and ability to make a living. Demanding federal assistance for his farm and farmers across the country, Willie drove his tractor to Washington D.C. to advocate for a $220 million federal block grant to support small and medium farms like his, as well as $21 billion to cover agriculture losses caused by natural disasters.

The block grant funding was approved in December of 2024 and included $23 million for Connecticut farms; the funding has yet to reach farmers.

With the status of federal support unknown and extreme weather events happening more frequently due to climate change, Connecticut legislators passed comprehensive legislation that includes a state-backed safety net for farmers facing crop losses due to extreme weather.

The legislation also:

-Provides a 20% income tax credit for farmers investing in machinery, buildings or equipment, supporting farmers struggling with costs and inflation

-Increases the local property tax exemption on farm machinery to $250,000, an increase from $100,000, with another $250,000 in savings if municipalities opt in; municipalities can also exempt up to $500,000 of farm buildings supporting barns, greenhouses and storage facilities

-Establishes a state-backed crop loss reimbursement grant program will help support farmers who face crop losses after extreme weather events, following increased flooding seen in recent years

-Provides civil liability protections for farms engaged in agritourism, like pick-your-own fruit

-Creates a Manure Management Grant Program, ensuring farms can better comply with environmental standards while protecting soil and water quality

-Permits the use of drones for precision application of fertilizers and pesticides

-Encourages schools and food pantries are to use container farming

“Farmers are the backbone of our nation and are already subject to so much volatility from the weather, to insects, to cold snaps and more, yet they remain adaptable, they persevere and they keep us fed,” said State Senator Christine Cohen. “I am so pleased to see this legislation passed, as it is a message to our farmers: We have your backs. I am grateful to Willie Dellacamera and Keith Bishop for their tireless advocacy and look forward to continuing to work together and ensuring Connecticut remains a strong partner to our local farmers.”

“After experiencing a devastating hailstorm during the 2024 growing season, I saw firsthand how vulnerable farmers are to extreme weather. Senator Christine Cohen not only listened, but took real action—helping to advance SB 1497 to support disaster recovery for farmers. This session, she has continued to stand up for agriculture, supporting key legislation on tax relief for farmers, the responsible use of drones in agriculture, and critical agritainment insurance measures. Her commitment to Connecticut’s farming community is unwavering, and I’m grateful for her leadership and genuine support,” said William DellaCamera, Northford Farmer

“This ‘CT Farm Sustainability Bill,’ with Senator Cohen and Representative Candelora as 2 of 11 co-sponsors, is the most comprehensive and supportive piece of agricultural legislation to emerge from the Connecticut legislature in decades,” says Keith Bishop, 5th generation farmer and President of Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford, CT. “It recognizes and addresses the critical needs of our farms, ensuring their long-term viability. Crucially, it incentivizes farm businesses to reinvest in our Connecticut farms for the long term through various avenues. This will directly support jobs, bolster our local food supply, promote agritourism, and contribute to the preservation of agricultural land and buildings.”

Senate to Pass Balanced Budget That Lowers Costs, Invests in Child Care and Public Schools

Posted on by Devin James

Senate to Pass Balanced Budget That Lowers Costs, Invests in Child Care and Public Schools

Connecticut Senate Democrats were expected to pass a balanced, $55.8 billion dollar budget Tuesday that has no new taxes, reduces costs, maintains fiscal responsibility, and makes transformative investments in child care and public education.

The Senate’s expected passage of the bill follows a Monday vote in the House of Represenatives and will send the budget to Gov. Ned Lamont for his signature.

The biennium plan falls under the spending cap in both years and maintains fiscal responsibility, resulting in a balanced budget, even as Congressional Republicans abandon budgetary discipline and endorse Donald Trump’s deficit-ballooning plan to cut taxes for the rich.

“While Republicans push a gimmick-laden budget that undercuts support for working families to fund windfalls for the ultra-wealthy, Connecticut Democrats have passed a responsible, balanced budget that does the opposite,” Senate President Martin Looney and Majority Leader Bob Duff. “We pay down debt instead of exploding it. We expand access to child care instead of slashing Head Start. We deliver record education aid to towns instead of dismantling the Department of Education. And we provide tax relief to lower-income working families — not billionaires. The contrast could not be more stark. Democrats are delivering for working people with smart, responsible investments. Republicans are on track to bankrupt the nation with heartless budget cuts to benefit those whose wealth is already unfathomable.”

 

Tax Relief for Struggling Families vs Handouts for the Rich

The Democratic budget creates a $250 tax refund for hundreds of thousands of lower-income workers with children through the Earned Income Tax Credit program. Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans have pushed through a budget that raises costs for Americans who can least afford it.

 

State Surplus vs National Debt

Connecticut Democrats’ budget will result in state surpluses and a flush Rainy Day Fund as the Republicans advance an irresponsible budget that relies on a historic increase in the national debt, totalling $3.8 trillion in additional federal deficit by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

 

Funding Schools vs Dismantling Education Department

The state budget includes $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grants — historic funding levels of state education aid to towns that comes as Republicans try to claw back education grants and work to abolish the Department of Education. Connecticut Democrats also included an additional $40 million in each year of the budget to help towns cover the cost of special education services.

 

Expanding Child Care vs Closing Head Start

Connecticut’s budget will result in state surpluses, which will be used to support Senate Bill 1, a landmark expansion of child care, benefiting families across the state. Meanwhile, Republicans have shuttered Head Start offices around the nation and fired their staff.

 

Protecting Health Care vs Gutting Medicaid

The state budget fully funds Medicaid, including more than $400 million in increased funding to shore up the program on which 900,000 Connecticut residents rely, while Republicans attempt to cut hundreds of billions from the social safety net program, which supports Connecticut children, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

 

Funding Foodshare vs Cutting SNAP

Connecticut’s two-year budget plan invests $7 million in Foodshare, a nonprofit that helps to feed hungry families, while Republicans passed legislation cutting billions from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a food assistance program that more than 390,000 Connecticut families rely on.

 

Preserving Heating Assistance vs Eliminating LIHEAP

Republicans have proposed legislation to defund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a longstanding federal initiative that helps about 100,000 Connecticut families heat their homes during the winter. Democrats included an additional $3 million in the state budget to help the families Republicans deliberately left out in the cold.

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES FOR RATEPAYERS FIRST ACT TO CUT NEARLY $800 MILLION IN CONSUMER ELECTRIC CHARGES IN NEXT THREE YEARS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES FOR RATEPAYERS FIRST ACT TO CUT NEARLY $800 MILLION IN CONSUMER ELECTRIC CHARGES IN NEXT THREE YEARS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) voted to advance the Ratepayers First Act, detailed, intensive energy legislation that seeks to enact short- and long-term improvements to consumer electric bills, delivering long-sought savings that can provide financial relief to residents. In its short-term focus, the legislation will cut consumer electric costs by nearly $800 million in the next three years by shifting charges and changing current investments while improving long-term review and reforms to increase consumer protections to control future fluctuations in energy costs.

Amid Connecticut’s energy costs, which have sparked controversy in recent years due to fluctuations in the state’s power grid, record-high summer temperatures, global pressures including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the state’s reliance on a volatile natural gas market causing sharp changes in electric bills, this bill is hoped to save electric ratepayers hundreds of millions in coming years. It is also designed to recommit state utilities to transparency and accessibility, review the state’s energy policies thoroughly and work toward reforms supporting consumers and the long-term reliability of the electric grid.

The bill passed the Senate 34-1 with one abstention and now heads to the House.

“For years, my constituents have contacted me with concerns about their energy bills. I’m proud that my colleagues and I are taking action today,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m glad this bill isn’t limited to short-term fixes and is starting the work to enact long-term change. Hundreds of millions of dollars of cost-cutting represents a real difference for people. I’m excited to see this legislation pass the House and become law.”

Senate Bill 4 takes a variety of steps including cost savings with short- and long-term achievement goals and review and improvement to current policies.

Short-Term Cost Savings
The bill authorizes $250 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support hardship payment recovery, intended to reduce consumer debt accumulated due to hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and the spike that all ratepayers incurred as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. Shifting that debt to bonding will enable direct savings for consumers.

It authorizes another $50 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support state electric vehicle charging programs, while also placing limitations on that program to further rein in costs.

The bill also lowers required percentages of electric power generation through renewable resources through 2030 to save customers money without sacrificing long-term investment on environmental friendliness. Lowering this percentage can represent $75 million in cost savings by omitting generating resources like landfill gas, biomass and some aspects of fuel cells.

By updating definitions used for rate reduction bonds, the state’s bonding process can support certain storm repair recovery costs, representing savings of just over $100 million.

Long-Term Cost Savings

In a long-term approach to energy efficiency, Senate Bill 4 also updates rate reduction bonds to support additional means such as smart meters. Smart metering being covered via bonding allows state utilities to pursue investment of up to $1 billion in future upgrades without those costs being applied to consumer electric bills, especially important as those investments would be recoverable if enacted by distribution companies.

A new provision adjusts the state’s energy procurement strategies, with electric purchasing direction focused on lowering costs, keeping customers’ delivery stable and electric companies being required to purchase some energy themselves based on market prices, delivering savings by protecting against a volatile energy market.

The bill also seeks to improve state collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, allowing it to select third-party entities to implement clean or renewable energy programs, expanding the market in which it can operate for maximum efficiency. PURA will also evaluate time-varying electric rates to incentivize improved efficiency, seeing if such a model works in Connecticut.

Additionally, PURA will study renewable tariffs and the state’s low-income discount rate program for means of savings, with further study of time-varying rates and grid-enhancement technologies seeking further improvements.

Reviewing And Improving Current Practices

Under this legislation, the Office of Consumer Counsel will prepare an explanatory report about public benefits charges for consumers, while electric distribution companies will work alongside it to design an education and engagement program aimed toward the public.

The low-income discount rate program will also undergo review at the end of a three-year period starting July 1, 2025 when its new form is enacted for the first time for Eversource and United Illuminating customers.

Senate Bill 4 also protects lineworkers, who perform important tasks to keep the grid operational, and addresses direct concerns they raised with legislators. Lineworkers will be made part of an emergency service restoration planning committee that delineates training, safety and health measures, and electric distribution companies will be prohibited from requiring crews to work in unsafe conditions.

Among additional elements of the bill, there is a review of possibilities for new nuclear capabilities in the state and a reduction of required use of renewable energy in some instances, specifically where renewable sources are more costly than efficient for state needs.