SB4 Energy Affordability Voted Out of Committee, Work, Live, Ride, Moves Forward

March 19, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

It may already be March Madness, but that means we also need to talk about problem gambling made worse by online sports betting (something I voted against when I first entered the legislature just for this reason). Help is available if you or someone you know struggles with gambling addiction and I’ve included it in this issue. 
 
It’s National Ag(riculture) Week! I’ve shared similar resources online but would like to bring to your attention the links below and many wonderful farms across Connecticut. Maybe this is the year you join a CSA for spring, summer, and fall produce! Spring is almost here, and I’m grateful the giant mountain of snow in front of our house finally melted. 
 
I’ve also shared multiple articles this week on bills that have passed various committees and how we are working to make Connecticut more affordable. 
 
Wishing you a great week ahead,
 
Eleni

Voted out of Committee: SB4

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 the Ratepayer

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.

There’s a reason why I fought hard to keep PURA Chairwoman, Marissa Gillett in her role—she’s the most effective and well-respected regulator in the country. 

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.
 

Breaking it Down: Federal Funding for CT School Districts Now ...

Please click on the image below for a breakdown of federal funding each school district in Connecticut receives, including Avon and Canton.
 

... But Cuts Are Coming Elsewhere

The article below details the cuts coming to CT as part of the current administration’s attempt to cut “waste.”  

In addition to harming our students and seniors, the federal cut to funding fresh produce is also gutting our farmers. Click on the image below to read the CT Public story.

This year, as part of the bipartisan Feeding CT Caucus, Senator Barthel and I introduced a bill that would provide the CT-Nutritional Assistance Program with $10 million. 15% of that would be for farmers to provide fresh produce.

The current bill number is HB7021 (it’s now a Human Services Committee bill) and it has nearly 40 co-sponsors. 
 
Hopefully, we can get this across the finish line so that fresh produce can be provided as it has been and our neighbors won’t go hungry. 
 

Work, Live, Ride (HB6831), Moves Forward

Last week, the Planning and Development Committee moved the transit-oriented development bill out of committee.

This bill is nearly identical to the one that received 90 votes on the House Floor last year. We continue to work toward moving CT forward by addressing our housing shortage, which affects not only people's lives but companies' ability to stay here and grow. 

Click the photo below for coverage of both the public hearing and the committee meeting process.
 

Logo Needed: Avon's America 250
 

2nd Annual Climate Change Student Poster Contest 

With Connecticut becoming one of the first states in the nation to require Climate Change studies in grades 5-12, what a great way for our students to stay engaged in environmental issues and raise awareness!

Your child is invited to create a poster highlighting the importance of protecting the environment and the role each of us plays in reducing climate change. Submissions will be accepted through May 1st. Judging will take place at the Capitol on May 28th.

Submissions will be accepted through May 1st. Click on the image below for more contest details and a submission form.
 

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!
 

Acknowledging the Gambling Madness

With the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments kicking off this week, a.k.a. March Madness, I wanted to remind you that March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which includes a nationwide campaign to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services for problem gamblers.

This year's theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition.
(Image credit: University of Maryland School of Medicine)

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4 million to 6 million people experience mild or moderate issues.

The cost to the country -- $14 billion annually – is incredibly steep. Yet the ability to place a sports-related bet has never been easier – in most cases just a few clicks on a smartphone.

The lower barriers to placing bets and the removal of the social stigma on gambling have had devastating consequences for some. Indeed, one of the most vulnerable demographics to problem gambling is youths. The NCPG cites data from 2018 that shows more than 75% of students gambled.

There are state and national resources for help.

  • Responsible Play CT offers information and a toolkit on problem gambling.
  • The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut. Its number is 888-789-7777.
  • The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (860-344-2244) offers problem gambling services.
  • The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
  • The NCPG's problem gambling toolkit can be found by clicking here.
 

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

For small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing small businesses, this one is for you! Thursday, March 27th, from 9 a.m. to noon at Central Connecticut State University's Alumni Hall.
 

 Reminder: March 31st Public Information Meeting on Route 10 Bridge Replacement 

The CTDOT will host a virtual public information meeting on Monday, March 31st, at 7 p.m. to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the replacement of the bridge on Route 10 in Avon.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2027. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $3.2 million, with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds. 

The meeting will take place on Zoom, and registration is required. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please click HERE.

This meeting will also be live-streamed at CTDOT YouTube channel; no registration is required. Non-English language closed captioning will be available on Zoom and YouTube. The recording will also be posted immediately following the meeting in the list of CTDOT virtual public meetings HERE.

Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please submit comments and questions by Monday, April 14, 2025, to DOTProject0004-0136@ct.gov. Please reference Project No. 0004-0136.
 

On the Road Again: SLR Program Info Session Stops @ Central on April 1st
I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative

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