Patrick Biggins

Dear Neighbor,

Next month, new laws will go into effect. Some of them are from years ago, while others are the result of legislation we passed this year. Some of the changes that are coming include additional funding for schools, securing our elections, protecting libraries, and more. 

In Hartford, we're still getting important work done. This week, I met with legislators and leaders from homeschool advocacy groups to discuss our state's homeschool requirements. I'm hopeful that through these conversations we can find common ground and agree on common-sense solutions, further improving education quality and safety for kids across the state. 

In this week's update, I'll detail those topics, highlight potential changes in your energy bill, issue a warning on summer travel scams, and highlight some healthcare resources accessible to members of our community. 

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with any suggestions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Patrick Biggins
State Representative
 

This week, the Electric Discount Rate expanded from two to five discount tiers, with the 10% tier being eliminated.  Customers in that tier have been moved to a new tier based on the new eligibility requirements.

Under the new structure, customers are eligible for a 5%, 15%, 20%, 40% or 50% discount off their monthly electric bills if they meet household income requirements or receive a public assistance benefit for at least one household member and have a financial hardship status on their electric account.

Customers struggling to pay their energy bill are encouraged to connect with Eversource to get assistance. To find the right options, visit eversource.com/billhelp or call 800-286-2828.

There is a plan for everyone, including:  

• State and Other Assistance Programs
• Protection from Service Shut-Off
• Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans
• Energy Efficiency 

As you make plans to travel this summer, it is important to stay alert, especially when it comes to scams targeting travelers like you.

There is a rise in fraudulent websites posing as legitimate services offering to assist travelers with passport and visa documentation. These sites charge users fees to access application forms, which are free through the official U.S. Department of State website. These sites aim to collect your private and personal information and charge unnecessary fees.
How to spot these scams:

• Be cautious of third-party sites with URLs that do not end in ".gov"
• Avoid advertisements that promote "fast results" or "shortcuts" for obtaining your passport or visas

Make sure you are planning ahead of your trip by researching official passport processing times directly through the U.S. Department of State, and give yourself plenty of time to obtain your documentation before your scheduled trip to avoid looking for a fast solution and becoming a victim of one of these scams. If you come across a suspicious website, report it to the Federal Trade Commission HERE.

Keep you and your family safe while traveling this summer by staying informed and aware of any potential scams. Safe travels!

The National Immigration Law Center provides practical advice for addressing immigration-related actions in the workplace.

This guide explains:

• The most common immigration actions affecting employers
• Recommendations for how employers can prepare
• Employers’ rights and responsibilities
• What employers can do after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action

Click HERE to read the guide in its entirety.

Full disclosure? I hope that you're encouraged to pick up a book, any book, and just read. Reading is a wonderful way to relax, relieve stress, enhance brain activity, and more.

In the last few weeks, I've read: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel is a great book about friendship and learning how to forgive. Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea is about one person's journey in North Korea and their eventual journey out of the country.