Funding for redevelopment and PAL, AI Caucus and RealID deadline

April 17, 2025


 


Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation thank the State Bond Commission for approving $2 million to help with the ongoing redevelopment of the Oak Park housing complex.

The funding will support Rippowam Corporation’s continued renovation of the 166-unit affordable housing development, located on the east side of Stamford. This project includes the demolition and replacement of residential buildings, which crews will arrange in a new layout designed to ensure accessibility and address chronic flooding.  

These new enhancements will improve the quality of life for residents and support much needed economic growth in an underserved community. 
 

Virtual Neighborhood Workshop Series

Join the Stamford 2035 Comprehensive Plan team for a series of virtual Neighborhood Action Workshops from April 21st - May 5th. Participants will have the opportunity to shape Stamford's future by directly influencing the draft plan.
 
North Stamford, Westover, and Turn-of-River-Newfield: Monday, April 21 from 5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
Cove, East Side, and Shippan: Wednesday, April 23 from 5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
Downtown and South End: Monday, April 28 from 5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
West Side and Waterside: Wednesday, April 30 from 5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
Glenbrook, Belltown, Ridgeway-Bullshead, Springdale, Strawberry Hill, and Hubbard Heights: Monday, May 5 from 5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
 
Click here to register and help create a brighter future for Stamford!
 

Artificial Intelligence Caucus

One of our legislative priorities for the ongoing 2025 session is urging for the passage of Senate Bill 2, An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence. This bill calls for:

  • Transparency and accountability
  • Training Connecticut's workforce to use artificial intelligence
  • Criminalization of non-consensual intimate images

I am excited to get to work with our caucus and discuss the best ways to protect our residents from the potential harms of AI with my colleagues. SB 2 will establish groundbreaking AI regulations and pave the way for ethical AI development and education.  Let's get to work!
 

Real ID Deadline: May 7th

Time is running out to get your REAL ID!

Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.

How do I get a REAL ID? 
You must visit a DMV site in-person to get a REAL ID.  Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified license or REAL ID card. Customers with a drive-only license aren’t eligible for a REAL ID license.  Check the CT information portal for more information.

In Connecticut, you'll need:

  • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
  • a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
  • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

For more information, visit the following:

Department of Homeland Security
CT Department of Motor Vehicles
 

Electric Rates

People who live in Connecticut currently pay the second-highest electricity prices in the country, placing an undue financial strain on families, businesses, and communities. Our goal is to implement policies that lower prices and enhance transparency that would benefit all ratepayers.

There are two important pieces of legislation, House Bill 1531 and House Bill 7206, aimed at tackling the rising cost of utility bills while ensuring greater accountability for public utilities. Both bills passed out of Committee and now move to the House and Senate floors for further consideration.
 
These proposals are designed to:

  • Increase public-utility transparency by making them subject to the Freedom of Information Act for the regulated parts of their business
  • Reduce monopoly power and consolidation by preventing utility companies from owning both gas and electric utilities
  • Strengthen oversight to ensure our utilities are acting in the best interest of consumers and not incurring unnecessary costs
  • Ensuring utility capital projects are properly vetted to ensure they are necessary, the least costly and best alternative, and best serve our future energy needs 

These measures give the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Connecticut Siting Council more tools to better regulate utility companies and reduce our energy costs.

Strengthening these regulatory bodies is a crucial step toward protecting consumers from excessive costs and fostering a more fair and sustainable energy system for households and businesses across the state.

Through legislative action and public engagement, we are committed to ensuring a more affordable and equitable energy future for everyone.

Below is a breakdown of your electric bill.
 

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