Utility Rate Increase Rejection, Women's Equality Day, and more

August 25, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! Below, please find information on a press conference I attended recognizing National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, PURA's decision rejecting UI's proposed rate increase, and more. You can use the links below to navigate between sections.
     
    Breastfeeding Press Conference 
    Last week, I had the honor to join Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, the Dept. of Public Health Commissioner Juthani, and the House Chair of the Public Health Committee, Fairfield's own Rep. McCarthy Vahey, at a press conference in recognition of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. While there is no doubt that fed is best, for women who are interested and able, there are many health benefits to both women and babies who breastfeed. Breastfeeding can be an important tool in narrowing the maternal health gaps that currently exist. However, most women can likely attest to the fact that very often, breastfeeding is anything but easy. For this reason, I am excited to be Co-Chairing the MAPOC Subcommittee on Women & Children and also our working group to explore licensing the profession of clinical lactation consultants so that HUSKY can cover this critical support for our state's low income mothers. Our work continues and I will share updates on the working group's recommendations. 
     
    UI Rate Increase Rejection 
    This morning, it was announced that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) rejected electric utility company United Illuminating's proposed distribution rate increase of $131 million over the next three years. Instead, the rate will increase by just under $30 million, which will increase rates by 6.6% as compared to the 35% proposed increase.

    While this rate increase is not nothing, it is a far cry from what UI initially proposed. The public overwhelmingly objected to the initial proposal in the public comment period, and the power of our collective community is what saved UI customers significant savings over the next several years. Utility providers must provide safe, reliable, and affordable power to their customers, and UI is no exception.
     
    Women's Equality Day
    🖋️ On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was certified - giving women the right to vote...but the fight was not easy. It took activists and reformers nearly 100 years to win that right after a massive, peaceful civil rights movement. 

    It must be acknowledged that it took another 45 years and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before Black women were able to realize their right to vote. I'm grateful that CT has continued to prioritize expanding voters' access to the polls with legalizing Early Voting and getting No Excuse Absentee Voting on the ballots for voters to decide. It is critical that we continue to ensure voters have access to making their voices heard. 
     
    Black Business Month
    August is #BlackBusinessMonth! Are you familiar with ShopBlackCT.com? It is a volunteer initiative and not-for-profit website featuring 2,000 Black-owned businesses in CT. 

    The mission of ShopBlackCT.com is to challenge structural racism and transform the legacy of economic and social inequity in the U.S. by providing a platform to drive business to and awareness of local Black-owned businesses. Check it out today, search by category or location and pick some businesses to support this weekend!
     
    Community Overdose Vigil
    In CT, over 4 people die due to drug overdose every day. This epidemic impacts so many families across our state and right here in our community. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please find resources here: https://www.usa.gov/substance-abuse or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) hotline at: 1-800-622-4357 

    Please join us next Thursday, August 31, from 7-9pm at the Sherman Town green for a candlelight vigil to help end overdose, remember, without stigma, those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
    All are invited to speak and share about their loss of a loved one, continued struggle or pathway to recovery.
    Please bring your own chair.
    Music provided by Jim Savage, LCDC, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Consultant and closing remarks by Reverend Sara Smith from UCC, Bridgeport. 
     
    Summer Saturdays on the Museum Commons

    Explore all of the historic properties on the Museum Commons between 11 am and 2 pm as part of Summer Saturdays! More than 400 years of diverse stories can be found in the Victorian Barn, Sun Tavern, and Victorian Cottage, which has a dedicated early childhood space. https://bit.ly/3QFbIkL
    Donations are welcome. Summer Saturdays will run through Saturday, September 2 and will occur rain or shine.
     
    Historic Homes Bus Tour
    Are you interested in learning more about the historic buildings in Fairfield? If so, you won’t want to miss Fairfield’s Historic Homes Bus Tour with Histoury on Sunday, September 24.
    Fairfield features historical buildings dating to the 1700s, reflecting a delightful variety of architectural styles with unique stories all their own. From the comfort of a charter bus, the tour will feature 20 buildings and include several special interior stops, such as the Fairfield Museum!
    Registration is required. $75 for adults; $49 for students; contact the Museum for a 10% off discount for Members. https://bit.ly/3qF9EOT
     
    I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Leeper
    State Representative
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