Electric Rates and Regulatory Accountability, CABE/CREC/RESC Breakfast

February 12, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,

To underscore what a day in the life of a State Representative is like, I thought I’d share a little bit about my day yesterday.
 
I started the day at the CABE/CREC/RESC breakfast in the Capitol building where we discussed the Governor’s budget proposal related to school funding and special education. Was great to see Avon’s Superintendent Dr. Bridget Carnemolla, Board of Education Chair Deb Chute and Board of Education Member Christopher Campbell who is also a member of the CREC Council.
 
Next, we had a press conference in the Hall of Flags to support the many bills in multiple committees that seek to address our high energy costs and specifically the important role regulators play in pushing back on rate hikes in an industry that resists regulation.
 
Running back to the legislative office building, I met with a constituent then attended another press conference to support the non-profits, met with one of our manufacturing-adjacent organizations CONNSTEP, and finished my day with two of the analysts from the Office of Fiscal Analysis to better understand the appropriations budget as it relates to the Conservation and Development Appropriations Subcommittee I am chairing with Senator Joan Hartley (Waterbury).
 
You’ll find details on some of the information mentioned above below in the newsletter as well as an awesome new video about the Roaring Brook Nature Center.
 
Have a great week,

Eleni 
 
CABE/CREC/RESC Breakfast
Tuesday morning, I attended the CABE/CREC/RESC breakfast. It was a great opportunity for legislators, board of education members, and superintendents to gather and for legislators to hear their budget concerns. 
Both the House and Senate Chairs of Education also attended and shared some of the bills before their committees related to school budget, school construction, and generally, education in CT.
 
Electric Rates and Regulatory Accountability
Also on Tuesday, my colleagues and I, representing leadership from the Energy and Technology, Transportation, Environment and Government and Elections Committee held a press conference to talk about a few of the many bills circulating in the legislature to address utility costs, accountability, and the regulatory environment for utilities.
 
I receive a minimum of a handful of emails a week regarding your electric bills. I know people are struggling to pay their bills as they have since Eversource started recoupling their losses over six months ago. The ten-month recovery period ends in May.
As I said at the press conference, we hear you, and we are actively working to find ways to lower cost. One of those ways is having the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) push back against rising electric rates which they did for the first time in a decade. That may upset the utilities companies and their shareholders (who recently received another 5% dividend increase) but, it’s what a regulatory authority is supposed to do on behalf of ratepayers.
 
As the Energy and Technology Chair shared, we will pursue any good ideas regardless of where they come from and that is what we are committed to this session and beyond.
 
Veterans & Military Affairs Committee Public Hearing on Thursday
Veterans – I'm reaching out with an invitation to an important public hearing hosted by the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 1C of the LOB, with virtual access via Zoom and YouTube Live. There will also be a FREE tour of the CT Legislative Office Building and the Capitol at 9:15 a.m.
This hearing will address several key legislative proposals directly impacting veterans, including:
  • Property Tax Exemptions (SB 1091, SB 1276) for veterans, including those who are 100% disabled
  • No-Cost Driver’s License Renewals for veterans (SB 1150) and Free Ridership on Veterans Day (HB 6728)
  • Affordable Housing for Disabled and Elderly Veterans (SB 1277, HB 6764, HB 6768)
  • Reimbursement of Fees and Specialty License Plates for veterans (HB 5787, HB 6722, HB 6734)
  • Recognition & Support Initiatives (HB 5787, 6722), including Veterans' Month designation (HB 6723) and protections against predatory benefit claims assistance (HB 6874, HB 6909)
  • Support for the CT Veterans Cemetery (HB 5117)
  • Dental Support for Veterans (HB 6755)
  • and more

Your testimony on this legislation - whether sharing personal experiences, advocating for better resources, or supporting fellow veterans - can make a significant impact. You can participate in person, via Zoom, or by submitting written testimony.

How to Get Involved:
Register to Speak
Submit Written Testimony
Watch Live on YouTube
 
Get Involved: This Week's Public Hearings
 
Operation Fuel: Financial Assistance Available
Eligible Connecticut residents can apply for assistance with gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuels. Please Click Here for more information including details on eligibility requirements and application materials.
 
Special Education Tour Stops in Hartford on Thursday
The Special Education Committee's Listening Tour will help inform the public of its work in this session. Please note: The Hartford session on Thursday @ 2 p.m. has a Zoom option available.
Help for Unemployed Federal Employees
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has introduced a valuable new resource for federal employees and contractors who have recently lost their jobs or been placed on unpaid administrative leave. These individuals can now apply for unemployment benefits through a dedicated page on the CTDOL website, streamlining access to financial assistance during this challenging time.
Eligibility for benefits is determined on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each applicant’s unique circumstances are carefully considered. CTDOL encourages affected workers to explore this resource and apply as soon as possible to receive the support they may be entitled to. You can start your application HERE.
 
Check Out the Roaring Brook Nature Center Video
Check out the recently created and entertaining video of The Roaring Brook Nature Center by clicking HERE. 
 
Celebrating Black History Month
The contributions and experiences of Black people are not just relevant to the past, but are actively shaping the present day. Black history is now.
 
Thank You Avon Volunteer Fire Department!
(Photo credit: Avon Volunteer Fire Department Facebook Post)

Shout out to the Avon Volunteer Fire Department for being at the ready, and taking a moment to enjoy the snow too, last weekend. Thank you for all you do!
 
Upcoming: Events Celebrating CT Pizza Capital of the U.S.
A bold set of new initiatives was announced recently to celebrate Connecticut's world-famous pizza culture. Check out a series of events beginning with the launch of the Pizza Capital Trail on March 14th right HERE.
 
March 27th: Small Business Lending Expo @ CCSU
For small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing small businesses.
Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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