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.”
Senator Anwar Releases Statement In Response To Proposed Eversource Rate Increase
Senator Anwar Releases Statement In Response To Proposed Eversource Rate Increase
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement in response to Eversource Energy’s Thursday announcement that it is seeking a rate increase that could cost average residents from $80 to more than $100 extra per month from January to June 2023:
“I have serious concerns about this proposed rate increase, especially given the significant challenges so many are having in this difficult economic climate. I urge the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to take whatever action it can to counter Eversource’s proposal. At a time when our state continues to recover from the pandemic and families are facing increased costs, no matter the state of the energy market, this will harm the well-being of those families and have an especially negative impact on the well-being of our seniors and our most vulnerable populations. This is not acceptable.”
“For my impacted constituents, information about the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is available at this link: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Economic-Security/Winter-Heating-Assistance/Energy-Assistance—Winter-Heating/How-To-Apply.
Information about Operation Fuel is available here:https://operationfuel.org/gethelp.
Eversoucre payment assistance programs are available here: https://www.eversource.com/content/ct-c/residential/account-billing/payment-assistance.”
Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement Regarding Proposed Rate Hikes
Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement Regarding Proposed Rate Hikes
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement regarding proposed electric rate hikes:
“Eversource has doubled its stock price in the past 10 years and Avangrid posts billions of dollars in profit each and every year. It never ceases to amaze us how quarterly shareholder dividends and multi-million dollar CEO payoffs are always paid on the backs of consumers, no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the profits, no matter what the payouts. Eversource and Avangrid have failed their customers and we will explore every available avenue to oppose these rate hikes. We cannot expect these profit driven, out-of-state companies to do what’s right for Connecticut residents.”
Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement Regarding Proposed Rate Hikes
Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement Regarding Proposed Rate Hikes
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement regarding proposed electric rate hikes:
“Eversource has doubled its stock price in the past 10 years and Avangrid posts billions of dollars in profit each and every year. It never ceases to amaze us how quarterly shareholder dividends and multi-million dollar CEO payoffs are always paid on the backs of consumers, no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the profits, no matter what the payouts. Eversource and Avangrid have failed their customers and we will explore every available avenue to oppose these rate hikes. We cannot expect these profit driven, out-of-state companies to do what’s right for Connecticut residents.”
Senator Osten Honored By Connecticut Cities And Towns For Her Work Increasing Municipal Aid
Sen. Osten, Rep. Ryan Welcome State Dot Announcement On Its Plan To Re-Evaluate Norwich Roundabout Project
Senator Osten Honored By Connecticut Cities And Towns For Her Work Increasing Municipal Aid
State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) was recognized today as a “Legislative Champion” by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) for her work as Senate Chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee in maintaining and increasing municipal aid for Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.
CCM is the state’s largest, nonpartisan organization of municipal leaders, representing towns and cities of all sizes from all corners of the state, with 168 member municipalities.
“Senator Osten is a key legislator for towns, and she provides us access and is always willing to work with municipalities to try and find a solution to complex problems,” said CCM Director of Public Policy Brian O’Connor. “As a former municipal leader, Senator Osten has a deep understanding of how towns work, and this insight is invaluable during legislative deliberations.”
“Our cities and towns are the work horses of this state, delivering services and public policies at the grassroots level where people really see it and feel it,” said Sen. Osten, who is the former longtime first selectman of Sprague. “All of those services take money to provide, and I learned a long time ago the important role that state government plays in supporting these services. I’ve never forgotten that. That’s why I am so committed to providing as much state aid to Connecticut cities and towns as possible – to improve the local quality of life while keeping local property tax rates down as much as possible.”
CCM specifically cited these recent budgetary accomplishments by Sen. Osten in naming her their 2022 legislative Champion:
- Increasing funding for Tiered PILOT in FY22 and maintaining the funding in FY23
- Her leadership in securing $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were awarded to municipalities to assist with the 50% match requirement for the 2022 Summer Enrichment Program application.
- Ensuring the Municipal Revenue Sharing Account (MRSA) distributions are made by OPM in a more timely manner.
- Her advocacy in appropriating funds for school HVAC and air filtration upgrades and making them eligible for the school construction grant program.
- Senator Osten championed payments to volunteer fire departments for responses on limited access highways.
- Her work with environmental advocates and municipalities in securing $5 million for the Sustainable Materials Management Grant (SMM) and making the grant permanent.
Senator Slap Welcomes West Hartford Grant Supporting Food Scrap Collection Pilot Program
Senator Slap Welcomes West Hartford Grant Supporting Food Scrap Collection Pilot Program
State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) welcomes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s recent release of grant awards for the Sustainable Material Management Grant program, which supports the development of food scrap collection programs among municipalities. West Hartford will receive up to $106,200 in reimbursable grants to support a transfer station food scrap drop-off collection pilot program for nine months.
“Our state needs new approaches for waste management that address cost and environmental concerns,” said Sen. Slap. “This pilot program for composing and processing food scraps can reduce the cost of waste disposal while reducing amounts of actual waste created by residents. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the program and hope it can be expanded if it is successful.”
According to DEEP, West Hartford will receive the grant funds, which will largely cover the costs of bags and material transportation, to support the food scrap drop-off program. About 700 households will participate in the program for nine months. They will receive green and orange trash bags, which will be provided to them by program leaders; green trash bags will be used for food scrap collection, with orange ones used for other trash. The pilot program will begin in or around March 2023.
The pilot program is likely modeled off a successful one launched by the City of Meriden earlier this year, where 1,000 households separated food and household waste for four months. The program was a success, as more than 13 tons of food scraps were diverted from traditional waste streams. Meriden households used two special bags during the pilot, one for food and the other for trash, a similar model to the one to be adopted in Deep River.
Connecticut studies show that up to 41% of what residents throw away is organic material that can be composted, converted or processed; food scraps represent 22% of residential trash alone. Food scraps are regularly thrown away and are heavy; removing them from the waste stream will reduce the cost of waste disposal, often paid for by weight.
Senator Haskell, Senator Duff, Westport And Transportation Leaders Detail The Latest Plans For Connecticut Train Service
Senator Haskell, Senator Duff, Westport And Transportation Leaders Detail The Latest Plans For Connecticut Train Service
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and Connecticut Department of Transportation Senior Advisor Carlo Leone visited the Westport Train Station to provide updates and details regarding the Connecticut Rail Plan, which was recently completed. The Rail Plan, updated every five years, is a deep dive into rail transportation with specific takeaways and points of emphasis for optimal success of passenger rail through 2027.
“From the moment I was elected, I’ve been hyper-focused on Connecticut’s trains. Why? My constituents rely on them every day,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’ve heard from folks about the need for faster and more frequent service, and for better quality of life during the ride – Wi-Fi and cell service being among the biggest pressure points. The CT Rail Plan addresses all of these needs and sets a path for the next five years of Connecticut rail service. Our train services provide vital connections for millions of riders each year, and I’m glad we have a cohesive and thorough plan to bring them into the 21st century.”
“Connecticut’s commuters depend on Metro-North and the state’s other commuter rail systems. One of the most encouraging points of focus in the Rail Plan is to improve both the frequency and the speed of commuter trains,” said Sen. Duff. “More trains on the schedule provide commuters with more flexibility and enhances their ability to plan out the best schedule for them. When those trains run faster, they’ll spend less time commuting and more time at work, or even better, with their families. I’m looking forward to seeing how these goals are reached in our next half-decade.”
“Did you know commuter trains can achieve 15.6 more miles per gallon per passenger than the most efficient cars on the road today? That’s a testament to the role public transportation and trains can play in fighting greenhouse gas pollution,” said Rep. Steinberg. “The CT Rail Plan discusses potential use of alternative fuels and electrification of rail lines in Connecticut, and I’m especially happy to see the Department of Transportation focusing on system resiliency against severe weather as well. Rail transportation can help the environment and the more we invest in these systems, the more benefits we’ll receive out of them.”
“Connecticut’s rail system continues to experience strong recovery with increasing ridership and expanded services across the state,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Senior Advisor Carlo Leone. “Our vision for the Connecticut Rail Plan is to foster a vibrant passenger rail and freight system that is safe, connects communities, and supports economic growth in Connecticut and throughout the region. We thank the state legislature, members of the public, and transportation stakeholders for providing us critical feedback on how the rail system has served them, and how it can improve for the future.”
The latest Connecticut Rail Plan, designed to be an effective document for rail operations through 2027, was recently completed with important aspects of design necessary for the optimal success of rail transportation in the next five years. While rail in the state found success in the last five years, including the development of the Hartford Line, which has spurred $430 million of transit-oriented development investments since its enactment, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced ridership on various lines by between 28% and 72%.
This report has several recommendations for best actions to improve Connecticut rail service, including improving rail network speed and train timelines to reduce transit times and improve quality of service among riders; focusing on rail projects allowing Metro-North and inter-city rail services more connectivity to points of origin like Penn Station; and improving the quality of train coaches on the Hartford, Waterbury and Danbury Lines. The “Time For CT” project, which seeks to reduce New Haven-New York City transit speeds by 25 minutes by the year 2035, was also highlighted as a vital need.
The plan further suggests improving grade crossings and enhancing signal and communication operations to improve safety; improve rider experiences and system reliability by updating outdated rolling stock; improving mobility by meeting both physical barriers for riders with disabilities and access needs by connecting train stations to bus services; meeting financial sustainability by emphasizing economic competitiveness, environmental advantages of rail use; and making the train system more sustainable, especially through making passenger trains more resilient against severe weather.
To read the full Rail Plan and an executive summary of the document, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Publictrans/Office-of-Rail/Connecticut-State-Rail-Plan to register.
Senator Needleman Joins Congressman Courtney To Tour Chester Fire Dept., Highlight Important Grant For First Responders
Senator Needleman Joins Congressman Courtney To Tour Chester Fire Dept., Highlight Important Grant For First Responders
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-02), State Representative Christine Palm (D-Chester) and Chester First Selectwoman Charlene Janecek at the Chester Fire Department to tour the facilities, discuss the importance of a recent federal grant supporting first responders and discuss how legislators can continue to provide aid and resources to firefighters and first responders.
In September, Rep. Courtney announced that the Chester Fire Department was one of five Connecticut departments to receive an Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. The Chester Hose Company will receive $127,428.57, which will support the purchase of Firefighter Breathing Apparatuses, important equipment that protects firefighters from toxic gases and harmful particles that can result from fires.
“Federal ‘Assistance to Firefighters’ grants are an important source of funding for our firefighters across eastern Connecticut,” said Rep. Courtney. “I’m always happy to help our local departments go after these sorts of opportunities, and this new round of federal funding is going to go a long way for our firefighters in Chester. There are too many fire departments using outdated equipment that can hinder or threaten the safety of our first responders, and replacing it can often be a real challenge for our towns’ local budgets. This new AFG award is going to help Chester’s firefighters stay safe and protected, providing them with the resources they need to purchase new breathing apparatuses and protective gear, and with better assurance when they head out for a call. Very glad to see this funding continue to support our firefighters.”
“When firefighters selflessly head into a blaze to save lives and extinguish flames, they aren’t just at risk from heat, fire and smoke. Many fires see household products lit ablaze that can release toxic gas into the air,” said Sen. Needleman. “It’s reassuring to know that our first responders will be able to breathe a little easier – literally – with the new equipment this grant will provide them. They’ll be able to do their jobs more effectively with less risk to themselves. I’m grateful to Rep. Courtney and our federal delegation for their support of our first responders.”
“The grant is huge for us because we’ve had equipment out of compliance. This helps not only us, keeping firefighters really safe and giving them the best equipment possible, but it helps the town of Chester because it does not need to pay the cost of equipment replacements,” said Chester Fire Chief James Grzybowski.
“These grants will go a long way to replace outdated equipment and protect our firefighters from harm while they’re on the job,” said Rep. Palm. “They represent an opportunity for Chester to replenish its equipment without using municipal funds, aiding not just the Fire Department but the town itself. Many thanks to Rep. Courtney and his federal colleagues for their continued support for our communities.”
“It is reassuring to know our first responders will be able to upgrade their equipment and reduce some of the risks they face on the job,” said First Selectwoman Janecek. “I’m grateful to our elected officials for supporting our communities and helping us acquire key grants.”
Senator Osten Welcomes Ninth-Straight Drop In Workers’ Comp Costs For Ct Businesses Thanks To 2014 Legislation
Senator Osten Announces State Funding For Hebron And Lisbon Infrastructure Projects
Senator Osten Welcomes Ninth-Straight Drop In Workers’ Comp Costs For Ct Businesses Thanks To 2014 Legislation
HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the news that workers’ compensation costs for Connecticut businesses will drop for the ninth-straight year in a row, reflecting a business-friendly change in the law that Sen. Osten proposed and led the successful passage of in 2014.
Governor Ned Lamont announced today that the Connecticut Insurance Department has approved an annual filing effective January 1, 2023 with decreases of 3% to workers’ compensation pure premium loss costs, with no change in rates for assigned risk.
Since the Democrat-led changes to the workers’ compensation law took effect in 2015, Connecticut businesses have saved about a third of a billion dollars in wage replacement and medical treatment for employees who are injured, disabled, or killed in the workplace.
“Senate Bill 61 in 2014 forever changed the way Connecticut businesses pay for workers’ compensation insurance, without affecting the quality of care that employees receive. This is one of the great, unsung business cost-savings stories in recent Connecticut history, and it all began with Democrats on the Labor Committee,” Sen. Osten said
Senate Bill 61 – which at its public hearing was praised by business groups and opposed by hospitals – requires hospitals to negotiate with and charge businesses medical fees that are based on a cheaper Medicare-based formula, instead of a hospital’s outrageously expensive published, billable cost for various medical procedures.
For instance, the change in the law meant that business owners would now pay insurance premiums based on the $14,000 ‘Medicare’ price of a shoulder surgery, instead of a private hospital’s $44,000 ‘list’ price – a 300% cost savings.
Sen. Cohen Welcomes Federal Grant To Help Restore Henry Whitfield House In Guilford
Sen. Cohen Welcomes Federal Grant To Help Restore Henry Whitfield House In Guilford
GUILFORD – Six months after she wrote a letter of support seeking federal funding for the project, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) today welcomed a $500,000 semi-quincentennial grant from the National Park Service for the historic preservation of the Henry Whitfield House Museum on Old Whitfield Street in Guilford.
The funds will be used to repoint stones inside and outside of the 383-year-old granite structure and to replace antiquated electrical wiring.
“Back in April I wrote the National Park Service advocating for this funding because we’ve had this local treasure in Guilford for almost four centuries, and I want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the Whitfield House and learn from it as well,” Sen. Cohen said. “It’s quite an honor that we were chosen to receive this funding, being just one of 17 grants that were approved across the country. It really speaks to the fascinating history of this region of Connecticut.”
“You and Connecticut’s residents continue to offer tremendous public support and enthusiasm for experiencing this unique piece of our nation’s history. We plan to ensure that the Henry Whitfield House will survive for future generations to experience,” said Megan Brown, Chief of the State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants Division of the National Park Service.
Construction of the Henry Whitfield House began in 1639 when a group of English Puritans, including Reverend Henry Whitfield and his family, entered into an agreement with the Menunkatuck band of the Quinnipiac tribe and renamed the area Guilford.
Built of local granite, the house was one of the colonial settlement’s four stone houses that functioned as defensive buildings and private homes. It is now considered to be Connecticut’s oldest house and New England’s oldest stone house. Since 1900, it has been owned and operated by the State of Connecticut as a public museum, and the site is a State Archaeological Preserve.
The museum’s web site notes that The Henry Whitfield House is a physical reminder of the European settler colonialism of the 1600s, as well as the Colonial Revival era of the 1800s-1900s that celebrated and glorified European ethnocentricity and superiority. The museum is striving to confront the facts about the site’s history in order to acknowledge past injustice, recognize how that injustice manifests in society today, and work towards an equitable future for all people.