State Capitol Update from Rep. Roberts

May 5, 2023





*|MC:SUBJECT|*


View this email in your browser



Dear Neighbor,



I hope you and your family have been well.



It's been a busy week for myself and my colleagues in the legislature but I wanted to catch you up on what I've been up to and share with you a legislative update. 



As always, if you have any questions about policy or the legislative process, never hesitate to reach out! I can always be reached by email.

State Rep. Roberts outside the Capitol with legislators and community members for the Faith Acts National Day of Prayer.
Increasing Accountability Among

Utility Companies

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) unanimously voted to begin a search for consultants to monitor the performance of the state's two electric distribution companies - Eversource and United Illuminating. This is an important step toward eventually shifting to performance-based regulation for the companies.

 

The framework for these changes was created in the wake of Eversource and UI's poor and slow response to issues caused by Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020. In response, the Connecticut General Assembly passed the "Take Back Our Grid Act," a robust bill that established standards that utility companies must meet, penalties if those standards are not met, and metrics for determining progress.

Additionally, PURA also announced that it has extended the utility shutoff moratorium for gas and electric service disconnections for residential financial hardship customers until October 31, 2023.

 

These changes will help hold the state's utilities accountable, protect vulnerable communities and ensures that the ratepayers are the priority moving forward.
Session Recap

Connecticut voters asked the legislature for more voting options through a constitutional amendment on early voting that they overwhelmingly approved, and we are answering the call. 



This wek, the House of Representatives approved H.B. 5004, a measure that will allow early voting in our state beginning in 2024.



This legislation modernizes the state's elections and allows for more convenience and fairness in the process, reflecting the realities of hectic modern-day life.



Eligible voters will be able to cast their ballots in person ahead of Election Day for both regular and special elections, as well as primaries.

Passage of this bill in the House is a step towards improving access to the ballot box for all eligible Connecticut voters.



I look forward to the next step – debate in the Senate.

The House just approved HB6689 to make a career in health care a realistic option for more CT students. The Nursing and Mental Health Care Professionals Loan Subsidy Program will mean lower interest rates for students looking to go into health and mental health care.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06689&which_year=2023

The House just approved HB6632 which opens previously closed avenues for local housing authorities housing units. On to the Senate for consideration.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06632&which_year=2023

Today, the house proved our commitment to all CT mothers having access to specialized lactation healthcare. HB 6819 will require the DPH to provide a full list of international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) in the state on their website and will establish a taskforce to study licensure.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06819&which_year=202
In some personal news...

I am happy to share that I have been asked to join the National Conference of State Legislators Youth Homelessness Fellowship. This program brings together legislators nationwide to discuss youth homelessness and find solutions to end it. I thank the NCSL for the invitation and am honored to participate in this work.

If you have questions, or ever need any help please don't hesitate to reach out by phone, (800) 842-8267 or email, Kadeem.Roberts@cga.ct.gov. 



Sincerely,



Kadeem Roberts

Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences