Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

December 24, 2024


 
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Hey Neighbors,

From my family to yours, I want to take a moment to send my best wishes for the holiday season. May it bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness and time well spent together. Remember that no matter how we celebrate, we also share many blessings. So, in the spirit of the season, please spread the joy that makes this time of the year truly special.

Looking ahead to the new year, I am excited for all that we will accomplish together. It is my sincere honor to represent you and work on issues that matter to our community and Connecticut.

Happy Holidays and happy New Year!

 
A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect Wednesday, January 1.
One law will expand Connecticut's paid sick leave policy to all companies with at least 25 employees. This new law lets employees take care of their families without adding any additional stress or financial strain.

It will soon become easier than ever for companies to help employees pay off their student loan debt. Through one law, the tax credit for employers making payments for an employee will be expanded - helping Connecticut residents and businesses alike.

We are also protecting those affected by coerced debt, which is created as a result of a domestic violence victim being forced by an abuser into incurring credit card debt. Credit card companies must now review the details of cases to determine if the debt is coerced debt, and abusers will be held liable for the debt.

Other laws going into effect Jan. 1 include a bill improving the health and safety of Connecticut residents, measures to make our elections more secure, and more.

You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

New Laws January 1, 2025
As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol!
 

Colder temperatures will soon give way to higher heating bills, and we are informing residents about several programs available that can help pay or lower their heating bills this winter.

Whether it be state assistance, protection from shutoff service, financial assistance programs, or energy efficiency, there is a plan for everyone.

Here is a closer look at what's available:

State and Other Assistance Programs

  • You can get up to $530 to help pay your heating bill through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply online here or visit your local Community Action Agency. You can also find your closest agency by calling 211. 

Protection from Service Shut-Off

  • Protect your gas or electric service from shut off, from November 1 through May 1 with Winter Protection, for customers facing financial hardship.
  • You may also be eligible for Medical Protection if anyone in your home is seriously ill or has a life-threatening situation.

Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans

  • The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount you owe on energy bills. For every dollar you pay, and every dollar you receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP),  Eversource will subtract a dollar from the amount you owe.
  • An Electric Discount Rate You may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit if you have a financial hardship status on your account.
  • Flexible Payment Plans of up to 18 months are available to help all residential customers with active accounts pay off money owed, regardless of their income.
  • With Budget Billing, pay a fixed amount each month based on your average energy usage to avoid spikes in your bill during heating and cooling seasons.   

Energy Efficiency

  • Eversource has energy efficiency programs, incentives, and money-saving tips to help you reduce your overall energy use during the colder months.  

To learn more about the programs, and which one may be right for you, please call 1-800-286-2828 or visit eversource.com/billhelp. You can get a jump on lowering your heating bill and keeping your home this winter today.

 
If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at 860-240-8585 if you ever need anything or by email at maryam.khan@cga.ct.gov.

Sincerely,

Maryam Khan

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