Bigg News - March 20th | Connecticut House Democrats

Bigg News - March 20th

March 20, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

We are knee-deep into the public hearing season. There are only a couple of weeks left until the committee process finishes up with votes on what should be sent to the leadership teams for consideration to be brought to the floor and voted on as a chamber.

The 2025 legislation session ends on June 4.

In the meantime, I was proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate Democrats to recently address energy affordability and utility accountability for CT residents, which was a must.

You can check out the legislation by scrolling down. You will also find news, updates, alerts, and resources available to East Hartford and Manchester residents.

I hope you're enjoying the warmer temperatures!

Have a great week,

Patrick

Around the Capitol

SB4: Voted Out of Committee

CT House and Senate Democrats voted to address energy affordability and utility accountability by passing SB4, An Act Concerning Energy Affordability Access and Accountability, out of the Energy & Technology Committee.

This bill, which I certainly support is aimed at improving service and reducing costs for electricity ratepayers in the state.

A Win for Ratepayers

Last week, a superior court judge dismissed nearly all of United Illuminating’s claims that state regulators acted unfairly in denying most of the company’s 2023 request to increase electricity rates for its customers in Connecticut.

The judge said the UI complaint was “not a model of clarity” and made it difficult to weigh the company’s arguments.

What is VERY CLEAR is that CT ratepayers have a strong utility regulator looking out for their interests.
For more, please read the CT Mirror story HERE.

Upcoming Public Hearings, Get Involved

You can always check HERE for the schedule and more.

Beware: CT State Police Scam Alert

The Central District Major Crime (CDMC) Headquarters has received multiple reports from Connecticut residents about phone calls from unknown male callers claiming to be members of the Connecticut State Police (CSP) or the U.S. Marshal Services.

The scammers, who speak with a thick accent, tell the victims they are under investigation for “money laundering” and request personal information over the phone.

The calls appear to be coming from 860-706-5652, which is the CDMC main landline.

However, these calls are NOT made by CDMC, and it's believed to be a scam attempt.

While these scam attempts are being investigated, we want to inform the public that these calls are NOT from the Connecticut State Police. Please note that Troopers and Law Enforcement Agencies will never ask for money or personal information over the phone.

If you receive a call that claims to be from the police or any other government agency, DO NOT provide any personal information. Hang up immediately and verify the call by contacting the organization directly using an official phone number.

If the call seems suspicious, report it immediately by calling 911.

National AG Week is March 16-22

Honoring the heart and soul of Connecticut: our farmers. Your dedication fuels the state’s economy, spirit of resilience, sustainability, and community.

Here are some fantastic local resources and programs to help you connect with our agricultural community:

Farmers Markets - Find fresh, locally grown produce near you HERE.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) - Directly support local farms by subscribing to a CSA HERE.
CT Grown Trail - Explore farms, wineries, and more across Connecticut HERE.
Connecticut Farm Bureau - A voice for Connecticut agriculture. click HERE.
Buy CT Grown - Discover and buy local products from Connecticut farms HERE.

Let’s continue to strengthen our local food systems and support the hardworking individuals who make it all possible!

Celebrating Women's History Month

Since last year, the number of women in the Connecticut State Legislature has dropped more than 3%.

If women make up about half of the population, doesn’t it make sense that they should have an equal voice in decisions that affect their lives? We cannot continue in the wrong direction.

Women bring different perspectives, priorities, and experiences to governance. Diverse leadership and representation lead to more well-rounded policies, which reflect the needs of the entire community and strengthen democracy.

It is very important important to me that I hear from women in the district on legislative issues that affect them so I can represent them as best I can.

Free Resources to File Your Taxes

Several free resources are available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes, including:

Small Business Lending Expo @ CCSU on Thursday, March 27th

For small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing small businesses.

Check it Out: SLRP Info Session @ Central April 1st

Autism: Raising Awareness @ The Capitol April 28th

Health Resources

Please take advantage of this free program that can save you up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state. There's no cost, age restriction, or income restriction to join. To sign up, please click here.

Visit the ArrayRx website and enter your name, email address, birth date, home address, and zip code. After signing up, you will be emailed a digital discount card.

For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com.