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Last week, I was deeply honored to receive the Joyce Grayson Award from the Connecticut Nurses Association. Named in memory of my colleague Joyce Grayson, this recognition carries profound meaning.
To be acknowledged by fellow nurses — who give so much to care for others and strengthen our communities — is truly humbling. I remain committed to protecting healthcare workers, advancing safety, and ensuring every voice in our profession is heard.
Thank you to the Connecticut Nurses Association for this meaningful honor. I will carry Joyce’s legacy forward and continue fighting for the future our profession deserves.
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This week brought an important victory for communities across Connecticut. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has stopped the proposed sale of Aquarion Water Company to a nonprofit entity that would have stripped away all public oversight and left families vulnerable to unchecked rate hikes.
I want to stress just how serious this was: if the deal had gone through, the new Aquarion Water Authority would not have been subject to PURA’s review. That means no independent watchdog, no line‑by‑line scrutiny of rate requests, and no consumer protections. Families would have been left at the mercy of a board that has historically approved every single rate increase without question.
What this decision means for residents:
- Aquarion serves about 722,000 residents in 62 towns, including Plainville.
- The rejected plan projected annual rate hikes of 6.5%–8.35% through 2035, with more increases every five years. Bills could have doubled in the next decade.
- Without PURA oversight, households would have had no safeguard against runaway costs.
- By blocking the sale, PURA ensured that water rates remain subject to public review and accountability.
Today, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) sided with the consumers over energy suppliers. By denying Eversource’s sale of Aquarion Company, PURA rejected a massive price increase in water bills and protected the critical oversight that Connecticut residents deserve.
The last thing Plainville needs is increased water prices without accountability. Plainville already has enough issues at home, and I know from many constituents that we are sick of buying bottled water instead of drinking from the tap, and of repeatedly replacing appliances because of sediment. I am determined to fight for better water quality and will keep you updated as we work toward real solutions.
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I joined Foodshare in Farmington this week to help distribute food to families in need. In just one day, 154 people came through the line — a reminder of how vital these programs are for our communities.I encourage everyone to learn more about the Mobile Food Pantry schedule here, and if you’re able, to support your local food pantries and Foodshare. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes without.
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In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about resources for winter heating, upcoming energy rate increases, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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While the $500 million emergency fund plans to cover the lack of funding for the national Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), there are other state resources available now.
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and Eversource offer resources for those in need to help to cover the cost of their home energy bills this winter. Visit ct.gov/dss or the Eversource website for more information.
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Starting January 1, rates for the supply portion of your electric bill are going up for customers of Eversource and United Illuminating (UI). Higher energy demand in winter and constrained natural gas supply push electricity costs higher.
Eversource customers will see an approximately 10.5% increase in their total bill, driven by a 29% jump in the supply portion. Savings from reduced public benefit charges, which we passed during the 2025 legislative session, aren’t enough to offset the higher supply costs.
UI customers will see about a 6% increase, but public benefit charge reductions mean bills are still 4% lower than last winter.
Review your usage and look for ways to cut back this winter, consider switching to a third-party supplier on EnergizeCT.com, and explore state assistance programs such as the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, Matching Payment Program, and Low-Income Discount Rate.
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The Department of Social Services (DSS) has successfully launched a new streamlined and user-friendly experience for callers with an upgraded phone system.
The Benefits Center phone number has not changed. Customers still contact DSS at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632).
The new system includes:
- A simplified phone menu designed to help customers reach the right service
- A self-service experience for checking case status and benefit information
Customers who enter their Client ID when calling will benefit from a customized service and be routed to the correct call queue. Additionally, for those who prefer to self-serve, the system now allows them to:
- Check if DSS has received their documents and when they were reviewed
- View their case status and, if active, access benefit details
Customers now have access to call-back options, allowing them to:
- Save their place in line, or
- Schedule a call at a time that works best for them
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The Connecticut Intelligence Center, a law enforcement partnership within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, is warning about a dramatic increase in financial scams targeting the elderly in Connecticut and the nation.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 859,532 complaints in 2024, with losses reported at $16.6 billion, a 388% increase from 2023. In 2024 “false pretense” scams cost an estimated $31.9 million to Connecticut victims, most of whom were 65 or older, according to the 2024 Crime in Connecticut Report.
What to Watch Out For
- High pressure, urgent timeline (“you must send money now”).
- Request to pay with gift cards, wire transfer, prepaid cards, personal checks or cryptocurrency.
- Caller says you must not contact family or police.
- Caller ID spoofing (it may show a local number or government agency but is fake).
- Unwilling to meet in person or hesitation to identify themselves with official credentials.
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What to Do if You Believe You Are a Victim
- Contact the local police to report the incident.
- Do not transfer money and do not give any payment information.
- Do not give any personal information or confirm/repeat social security numbers, birthdates, bank information or account numbers.
- Verify by calling the family member with a known number not one provided by the caller.
- If you have already made a payment contact your bank or the payment service immediately
Where to Go for Help
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Frank Robinson Thanksgiving Bowling ClassicLessard Lanes (136 New Britain Ave., Plainville)Saturday, Nov. 22, 4-7pmRead more here
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Plainville Fire Company Christmas Tree SalePlainville Fire Department (77 West Main St., side parking lotWeekends starting Friday, Nov. 28 - Sunday, December 7 - times vary (see graphic for times)Read more here
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Recycle Your Pumpkin
Sub-Edge Farm (199 Town Farm Rd., Farmington)
November 1-30, farm shop hours - Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm - Sunday, 10am-3pm |
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Bright Lights Christmas FestivalSouthington Town Green (75 N. Main St., Plainville)Friday, Dec. 5, 5:30-8pmRead more here
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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