Rising Gas Prices May Be Price Gouging

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March 11, 2022
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine. I reached out to a fellow community member, Olena Lennon, and she provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.
Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine. 
 
Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine. 
 
Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine. 
 
Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.  

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.
 
Gas Price Gouging
Connecticut and the nation have seen gas prices increase at an alarming rate during this time of global unrest and the effect of market volatility on commodity prices.

While price fluctuations are expected, there are some unscrupulous businesses that exploit these conditions to gouge consumers at the pump. Attorney General Tong recently announced that the

 rising gas prices have triggered an official “abnormal market disruption” notice, meaning additional consumer protections against price gouging are in effect.

If you believe a business is engaging in price gouging, you may file a report with the Office of the Attorney General online or call (860) 808-5318.

 
PURA Hearing & Tree Trimming
Part of our efforts to keep our constituents informed on issues relating to the utility companies is passing along notices where public participation is encouraged.

As a result of Section 1 of

Public Act 20-5, the Take Back Our Grid Act, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) will have an open proceeding to investigate, develop, and adopt a framework for implementing performance-based regulations for the electric distribution companies in Connecticut – Eversource and United Illuminating.

A virtual Public Listening Session will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 6:30PM and the public and non-traditional stakeholders are encouraged to participate and offer comments
Register to Participate
If you are not able to attend the virtual forum, but are interested in submitting written comments, please send them to PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov referencing Docket No. 21-05-15 in the subject line.
After significant and sustained advocacy by many of you, the CT Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) has required United Illuminating and Eversource to establish direct toll free phone numbers for residents to call to ask questions about vegetation management/tree trimming and pruning.

This is an important step in making sure that you have a say in how tree management is done in your neighborhoods, and will help insure that the utility companies do not perform unnecessary pruning or removal, or do so without permission. The numbers are below.  Please use them!
 
Testifying in Public Hearings
This week I testified in both the Veteran's Affairs and Banking Committees, if you didn't get a chance to see, please feel free to watch below.
SB 343 would create a grant program available for CT Veterans to apply for reimbursement for certain licensure and training/tuition fees when entering the trades. I submitted this proposal to the Veterans Affairs committee for consideration and am very grateful for their attention to this issue.
I testified in support of SB 271, which would provide targeted student loan debt forgiveness for law enforcement, firefighters, and social workers. I would like to thank Orange Police Chief Bob Gagne for his advocacy on this issue, and Sen. Maroney for leading this effort.
 
Upcoming Roadwork in Woodbridge

This is a reminder that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be replacing traffic signals in 11 locations including Woodbridge. Work will begin on or about April 1, 2022. Expect delays Monday through Friday from 9AM - 3PM and Saturday and Sunday from 6PM - 10AM.

Lane Closure Info

  • Woodbridge (Intersection #167-211) Route 69 (Litchfield Turnpike) and Bradley Road.
 
In the News

 
 
Scam Spotlight
Hiding from telemarketers isn't as easy as it once was. In this week's Scam Spotlight, I'll explain the difference between scam calls and telemarketers, and how to add yourself to the "No Call List."

Are you all caught up on previous Scam Spotlights? Visit

 my webpage, or click the buttons below, to make sure.
 
Introduction to Scam Spotlight
Scam Spotlight: Small Businesses
Scam Spotlight: Seniors
Scam Spotlight: Phishing
Scam Spotlight: Charity