Legislative Update 11.21

November 21, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Cooler temperatures are headed our way. Higher heating bills won't be too far behind. I have included some information that can help pay or lower your heating bill this winter. Connecticut is on track to modernize its transportation system, making it more reliable, creating jobs, and spurring economic growth. See details about the funding the state has received from the federal government that will contribute to many rail projects throughout the state below. The City of Norwalk has a  job opportunity available right now. Scroll down for more information. I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter, which includes the following topics:

  • Heating Bill Assistance Available
  • Investing in Connecticut Rails
  • Employment Opportunity: City of Norwalk
  • Community Events
  • Native American Heritage Month
  • Reminder: Small Business Saturday is November 30th

Have a great weekend,
Travis

 

Heating Bill Assistance Available

Colder temperatures will soon lead to higher heating bills. November is Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, and we are informing residents about several programs that can help pay or lower their heating bills this winter.

Whether it be state assistance, protection from shutoff service, financial assistance programs, or energy efficiency, there is a plan for everyone.

Here is a closer look at what's available:

State and Other Assistance Programs

  • You can get up to $530 to help pay your heating bill through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply online here or visit your local Community Action Agency. You can also find your closest agency by calling 211. 

Protection from Service Shut-Off

  • Protect your gas or electric service from shut off, from November 1 through May 1 with Winter Protection, for customers facing financial hardship.
  • You may also be eligible for Medical Protection if anyone in your home is seriously ill or has a life-threatening situation.

Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans

  • The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount you owe on energy bills. For every dollar you pay, and every dollar you receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP),  Eversource will subtract a dollar from the amount you owe.
  • An Electric Discount Rate You may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit if you have a financial hardship status on your account.
  • Flexible Payment Plans of up to 18 months are available to help all residential customers with active accounts pay off money owed, regardless of their income.
  • With Budget Billing, pay a fixed amount each month based on your average energy usage to avoid spikes in your bill during heating and cooling seasons.   

Energy Efficiency

  • Eversource has energy efficiency programs, incentives, and money-saving tips to help you reduce your overall energy use during the colder months.  

To learn more about the programs, and which one may be right for you, please call 1-800-286-2828 or visit eversource.com/billhelp. You can get a jump on lowering your heating bill and keeping your home this winter today.

 
Investing in Connecticut Rails
After receiving approximately $291 million from the federal government, Connecticut is ready to improve its railways. The money comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will provide $120 million, and Amtrak will contribute $11.7 million to many rail projects across the state.
This game-changing investment will modernize our transportation system, making it more reliable while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Track and rail improvements will give commuters more options to move around the state, shorten travel times, and reduce traffic and pollution statewide. For a closer look at the specifics of the rail projects, please click HERE
 
Employment Opportunity: City of Norwalk
Please see the flyer below for a nice employment opportunity with the City of Norwalk!
 
Community Events
 
Native American Heritage Month
The Pequot War, which began primarily due to escalating tensions over control of the fur trade in the Connecticut River Valley, forever changed the political and social landscape of southern New England.
The brutal war also influenced colonial and U.S. policies toward Native Americans for centuries. You can find a detailed breakdown HERE.
 
Reminder: Small Business Saturday is November 30th

Please click HERE for a list of small businesses in Norwalk or anywhere in Connecticut. For a list of Black-owned businesses throughout the state, please click HERE

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative

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