Robyn A. Porter

I am pleased to report that responsible budgeting and major structural changes made to pension and teachers' retirement plans are putting Connecticut on much more solid fiscal ground and saving taxpayers billions in debt payments.

With many families in Connecticut facing added financial strain due to rising prices, the legislature went into special session earlier this week to provide some relief. A bipartisan bill passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Lamont extends the current suspension of the gasoline tax, provides additional funding for energy assistance programs, and continues premium pay for frontline workers.

November 26 is Small Business Saturday – a day to support small businesses and show how much we appreciate the entrepreneurs that make up the fabric of our vibrant communities.

I am sure we share the same concerns about Eversource and United Illuminating, the state's two main electric distribution companies, which both filed for new standard service supply rates with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that will increase rates by approximately 40%. Once approved by PURA, these new rates will go into effect from January 1, 2023, through the first six months of the year.

An additional $1 Billion boost in federal funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was recently approved by Congress, allowing more households to receive assistance with heating bills this winter.

Earlier this summer, the Biden Administration announced student loan debt relief, and I'm pleased to share that the application is now open!

As a thank you for their tireless work, Connecticut childcare workers will soon receive bonus payments. Governor Lamont released $70 million in state funding for the Wage Supports for Early Childhood Educators program. Through this program, full time childcare employees will receive $1,000 and part time employees will receive $400.

Sadly, statistics show that 1 in 4 women & 1 in 7 men are affected by domestic violence. That is why I am proud that Connecticut is at the forefront in addressing this issue, passing laws that offer more support and protection to victims and survivors of domestic violence.