Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Cabrera votes to extend cost-savings measures, including heating assistance


HARTFORD - State Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, Monday joined the state Senate in special session as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. 

Senators voted to keep the state's gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs. 

The bill passed 33-0 and now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont.

 

"Cutting the gas tax and making public bus rides free have been a success and it just makes sense to keep these going through spring of next year," said Cabrera. "The additional funding for energy assistance should also help during the winter. I know for many; costs are still too high, and bills are piling up. I've experienced the same in my life and I know these cost-saving measures will provide some relief, as will the bump in funding for hero pay. These frontline workers embody the spirit of Connecticut and community and I'm proud to vote yes on a funding increase to the essential worker fund."

 

Most prominently, the Senate voted to retain the state's holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. 

That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from Jan. 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, Dec. 1.

 

Additionally, the Senate voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.

 

Further measures passed today by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.

 

The Senate also acted to invest $30 million into the state's heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, as a contingency in the event federal funding cannot support program costs. 

This adds to $97 million in state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents struggling to pay for heating costs. On the heels of EverSource and United Illuminating filing rate increases increasing electricity bills by up to 40%, and with already-high numbers of individuals seeking aid continuing to increase amid financial challenges for many, this allocation is vital in helping countless Connecticut families stay warm without sacrificing other important needs.

 

Additional actions taken Monday include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward Operation Fuel and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. 

The Senate also voted to ensure retailers' existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after Jan. 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.


Cabrera represents the 17th District.


This is a press release from Cabrera's office.

 

'Turnback Tuesday' visits Carl Lutters Cutlery & Grinders in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits the short-lived business, Carl Lutters Cutlery & Grinders.

Carl was employed by the Williams Typewriter Co. from 1905-1907. J. Newton Williams was an inventor and manufacturer of typewriters. While Carl was working for him, he opened up his cutlery business out of his home in 1906 at 141 Hawkins St. Unfortunately his business only lasted for the year and by 1907 he moved to NY.

This business/advertising card is part of the Derby Public Library’s historic collection.


Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.


Valley Council for Health and Human Services to honor 4 at annual meeting via Zoom


The Valley Council for Health and Human Services will hold its annual meeting via Zoom at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 6.
Three individuals have been chosen to receive the Lewis Savitsky Staff Excellence Award, and one for the Richard O. Belden Award.

Here are descriptions of what the award is about.  Attached is why each was chosen.

 

The Lewis Savitsky Staff Excellence Award will be presented to an individual for extraordinary service as an employee in the non-profit community who has made a positive impact on the quality of life of residents in the lower Naugatuck Valley. The award is named in honor of Lewis Savitsky a long-time employee of Valley United Way who was active not only with Valley United Way, but also with multiple groups in the community.

This award will go to Susan Agamy, Spooner House- Elizabeth Laden, Griffin Health- and Nancy Cahoon, BHcare.

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The Richard O. Belden Community Service Award is for an individual or organization outside the non-profit sector whose efforts have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of residents in the lower Naugatuck Valley. It is being presented for the first time in 2008 in honor of the late State Representative Richard O. Belden and his high standards of ethics and community involvement throughout his long and storied life.

This award will go to Corey Shoop, Wines and More! in Milford.

 

Corey and his team continuously make efforts to support community organizations that serve the Valley and beyond. 

He has been integral to the Rape Crisis Center of Milford’s fundraising efforts throughout the pandemic and has continued the relationship beyond. 

Wines and More! is always looking for new ways to get involved in community organizations in its area, and its support has helped raise funds to increase services to victims of sexual assault and their families in the Valley towns of Ansonia, Seymour, Derby, and Shelton that RCC serves. 

We are very grateful for Corey and his team and they deserve the recognition!



This is a press release from Valley Council for Health and Human Services. 

 

Huntington Fire Co. 3 in Shelton preparing for Popcorn with Santa


Get ready for Popcorn with Santa! See him on the road in the Huntington District of Shelton from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 17.


This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Handmade ornaments given to Ansonia mayor for City Hall Christmas tree

                    Mayor David S. Cassetti shows handmade ornaments.


Mayor David S. Cassetti
received handmade ornaments for the City Hall Christmas tree.

Ornaments were made by Elizabeth Morales and Khenzie Montini. We all thank you!!


This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.


My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts weekly sales

 

My Sister's Place Thrift Store is at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

All profits support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.


This is shared from the store's Facebook page.