Help With Your Energy & Delays Expected on Route 8

January 31, 2025

Do you need help paying utility bills? Operation Fuel is taking applications for emergency energy and utility assistance to those in need. Please read below to learn if you're eligible for this valuable funding.

This week, the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation providing enhanced survivor benefits for families of state employees who were killed in the line of duty. I'll break down how this law will make a big difference.

Drivers can expect delays as crews install upgraded guardrails on Route 8 in Bridgeport. I'll let you know exactly where, the detours, and how long the project is expected to take.

Scammers are resorting to texting people claiming they owe an unpaid toll. I'll show you what the text looks like and dig deeper into how to avoid becoming a victim.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Help With Your Energy Bill
  • Line of Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
  • Slowdowns Expected on Route 8 at Exit 2B 
  • Scam Alert: Unpaid Toll Text
 
Help With Your Energy Bill
Operation Fuel's Energy Assistance Program opened this week, which means eligible Connecticut residents will be able to apply for assistance with gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuels. 
This program offers Connecticut households one-time energy assistance grants up to $500 towards a utility bill or one-time fuel delivery.
Click here for eligibility requirements & application materials
 
Line of Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
Many of my colleagues and I gathered in the House chamber on Tuesday to vote and approve legislation that will enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty.  
This proposal was inspired by the tragic losses last year of two Connecticut state employees. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed in a hit-and-run on I-84 in Southington in May 2024. Andrew DiDomenico, a CT Department of Transportation worker, was struck and killed while picking up trash at an on-ramp to I-91 in Wallingford in June 2024.

Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change, which we helped ratify, means that both surviving families will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.

Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty. State employees do the jobs that make Connecticut a safer place to live and work. This agreement serves as a symbol of our deep gratitude and respect for those workers.
 
Slowdowns Expected on Route 8 at Exit 2B
You can expect delays if your commute brings you to Route 8 at Exit 2B in both directions in Bridgeport. The off-ramps will be closed as crews install improved guardrails and attenuators. The work begins on Sunday and is expected to finish on the morning of Monday, February 10.

The detour for the Exit 2B northbound on-ramp is Chopsey Hill Road to Boston Avenue to East Main Street to Exit 5 on-ramp to Route 8. The detour for the Exit 2B on-ramp southbound is Chopsey Hill Road to Island Brook Avenue extension to Capital Avenue to Lindley Street to the Exit 2A on-ramp southbound. The detour for Exit 2B off-ramp is Exit 2A off-ramp. Traffic control signing patterns and state troopers will guide drivers through the work zone.

The detours could last longer due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. CLICK HERE for more information.
 
Scam Alert: Unpaid Toll Text

I want to ensure all of you stay safe and informed about a new scam where fraudsters are sending text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll and asking for payment. Please DO NOT click any links or provide any personal information.

The image below gives you an idea of what the bogus text looks like.

Here are some tips from the FBI:

  • If you receive one of these messages, file a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov. Include where the number of the originating text came from, and the website from which the number was generated
  • Delete any scam texts received
  • If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges
  • Always verify any toll-related charges directly through official state websites or customer service
  • Stay vigilant and share this message with your friends and family to help protect our community