Mary Fortier

The State Bond Commission approved the release of $155 million to reduce the public benefit charges on electric bills. This action is a result of bipartisan energy affordability legislation (Senate Bill 4) that we passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Specifically, the funding will reduce costs associated with:

• Hardship protection programs: $125 million will go towards assisting low-income customers who struggle to pay their electric bills
• Electric vehicle charging programs: $30 million will cover costs related to the state's EV charging infrastructure and integration

It's anticipated that this bond funding will lead to an average monthly reduction of around $5 to $10 in the public benefits portion of customers' bills, likely taking effect in September 2025 and continue for several months into 2026. Another round of state bond funding is expected to be released in 2026 that will enable this savings to continue into at least the first several months of 2027.

This shift aims to provide some relief to electricity customers facing high rates in the state. This initiative is one step towards making energy more affordable for everyone, and complements a 25% reduction in public benefits charges approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in May 2025, as well as supply rate reductions for Eversource (13%) and United Illuminating (14%) that took effect on July 1, 2025. 

Sunday, August 10^th is National Connecticut Day, which recognizes our contributions as the fifth state to join the United States of America on January 9, 1788. Our great state has a rich history that you can explore at The Museum of Connecticut History (231 Capitol Ave., Hartford) and The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (One Elizabeth Street, Hartford).

You can delve into Connecticut's vibrant cultural scene and plan your next adventure through the official state tourism website: CTvisit.com.

You can apply now to the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, which was established by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE).

This scholarship supports students who:

• Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District including Bristol
• Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
• Are in good academic standing
• Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements

Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:

• High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
• Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program

Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!

Click here to apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator.

Scammers are back at it - IGNORE threatening text messages from CT DMV

Scammers are again sending threatening text messages to people. Ignore and delete the messages. They are a scam.

Connecticut DMV will NEVER contact you by text message.

Visit the agency’s official website if you need DMV information at https://ct.gov/dmv. 

The Connecticut Treasurer’s Office is holding more than $1 billion in unclaimed funds for Connecticut residents. Unclaimed property includes things such as payroll checks, refunds, bank accounts, liquidated securities, and insurance proceeds.

Property is returned at no cost with proper evidence. Be sure to check with the treasurer's office frequently as it gets new unclaimed property every year.

Click here to see if you are eligible and to file a claim.

New regulations will take effect for some electric bikes, or e-bikes, on October 1. The new law pertains to E-bikes without pedals and with batteries over 750 watts. They will be classified as motor-driven cycles and require a driver's license to operate them. E-bikes exceeding 3,500 watts will require registration and insurance, like motorcycles.

E-bikes are gaining popularity but medical professionals are warning that these bikes can be dangerous. Connecticut Children's Medical Center treated 25 e-bike injuries in May and June 2025, compared to three in May and June 2024.

Here’s what parents and kids need to know about riding e-bikes in Connecticut:

• Speed limits matter: Class 2 e-bikes (the ones with a throttle) are capped at 20 mph. Class 3 models can go up to 28 mph—but only if they’re not throttle-powered
• No passengers unless built for two: Most e-bikes aren’t designed for a second rider
• Stay off the sidewalk: Unless otherwise posted, e-bikes are considered vehicles. They belong on the road, in the right lane
• Be courteous and cautious: If riding on sidewalks or shared paths, yield to pedestrians
• New in 2025: Class 1 e-bikes are now allowed on bikes and multi-use trails statewide, unless a town says otherwise.

For more information: https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/.../e-bike-injuries...

Join Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Services for an interactive learning day around Bristol. Designed as an educational scavenger hunt, the objective of the event is to get teens familiar with using public transportation to connect with their community.

This FREE program allows teams to work together to find landmarks, hidden spots, and fun locations around the city to become more familiar with navigating the bus system and plan routes. 

The hunt will conclude at the BPRYCS Main Office (51 High St) for some pizza and a recap of all the adventures! 

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Navigate the city's public transportation system confidently using the public bus system
• Strengthen teamwork and collaboration by working with others to solve challenges and complete tasks
• Boost their city navigation skills, including reading maps and understanding public transport schedules