Ensuring the Safe Retail Sale of Cannabis & Help with Utility Bill

March 3, 2023

Many of you will already know that recently the Simsbury Board of Selectmen voted to ban the retail sale of cannabis in town for the next 18 month. During the moratorium, retail cannabis cannot legally be sold in Simsbury.

That doesn’t mean, however, that we don’t have cannabis use in Simsbury because its use and its retail sale elsewhere in Connecticut remains legal.  At the state level, I sit on the General Law Committee, which is the committee of cognizance for cannabis regulation. 
Currently, there are at least six proposals pending regarding state regulation of the retail sale and manufacturing of cannabis. In my work on the General Law Committee, my focus is ensuring that cannabis sold on the retail level is the safest it can be for consumers, and that is not overtly enticing to children.

Please take a moment to watch the video below where I question the Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection about how we can regulate this product.
 

One of the benefits we have here in Connecticut, as we approach regulation of retail cannabis sales, is that we are not the first state to have done so. We can look to other states, see where their mistakes have been made, and use that knowledge to provide the safest environment for cannabis use for our residents. 

My colleagues and I are diligently working on ensuring that our regulations will protect those who choose to buy cannabis.
 
HELP WITH ENERGY BILL
Many family budgets are tighter now after Eversource doubled its rates on January 1. The price hike is forcing some families to work even harder just to keep their heat and lights on throughout the winter.
  
My legislative colleagues and I are working to find solutions, both long and short-term, to ensure every family in Connecticut has access to affordable utilities.

 How you can save now:

  • Last year, the Governor announced the launch of the collaborative short-term Customer Relief Plan, a $120/year credit towards your electricity bill, for all Eversource and UI customers, which can offer a savings of $10/month on your utility bill
  • Energize CT is a publicly funded resource where you can secure lower rates for a minimum of 4 months from third-party suppliers and learn how to make your home energy efficient to lower consumption
  • There is an additional $30 million boost in funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which you can apply for here through May 31, 2023
  • Additional energy assistance is available by contacting Human Services Department, community action agency, or me directly

In addition to these resources, House Democratic Leadership has formed a bipartisan commission with industry-experienced representation to evaluate alternative energy programs and legislative proposals that we can raise to protect families from severe rate hikes like this in the future.

I understand that the soaring energy prices continue to affect working families, which is why my colleagues and I remain committed to working on solutions that will provide resources and assistance to ease the cost burden on you.