Josh Elliott

As we continue to pursue more long-term solutions to reduce rising costs of energy, I wanted to make you aware of an upcoming outreach event to help residents access critical financial assistance from United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), the Community Renewal Team (CRT) and Operation Fuel.

I am pleased to report that responsible budgeting and major structural changes made to pension and teachers' retirement plans are putting Connecticut on much more solid fiscal ground and saving taxpayers billions in debt payments.

I hope you are well. Many of you were wondering what the utilities were saying as a defense of these prices increases - so I wanted to forward what they sent to us.

I am sure we share the same concerns about Eversource and United Illuminating, the state's two main electric distribution companies, which both filed their new rates for standard service supply rates with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that will increase rates by approximately 40%.

Once approved by PURA, these new rates will go into effect from January 1, 2023, through the first six months of the year.

This weekend, several new laws in Connecticut will go into effect on October 1. These laws are a result of my colleagues' hard work during the 2022 session. Below are just some of the laws that will take effect and what they mean for you.

If you or someone you know is a recent high school graduate headed to college or university, I have some important information to share with you! The deadline to apply for financial aid through Connecticut's free community college program is fast approaching. Students looking to take advantage of the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) program are encouraged to apply by Friday, July 15.

A number of new laws passed during the 2022 legislative session will implement positive and meaningful change in our state, and many took effect on July 1.

There is a link below for a complete list, but here are some highlights:

On July 1, minimum wage workers received a well-deserved raise.

Back in 2019, Connecticut House Democrats made it a priority to pass legislation that focused on assisting working families by increasing the minimum wage over of several years until it reaches $15 in 2023.