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.

 

Berthel opposes extension of Lamont''s emergency powers

HARTFORD- State Sen. Eric Berthel, R-32,  Tuesday issued a statement on the Senate's passage of a Democratic resolution extending Gov. Ned Lamont's COVID emergency executive powers through Feb. 15, 2022. 

This is the sixth time that these powers have been extended, which will now total nearly two years of state government under the emergency executive authority of Governor Lamont.

“It is time to move on. Our state boasts the highest vaccination rate in the nation, a fact of which Governor Lamont continues to be vocal. Meanwhile, the state is kicking off a $1.4 million fall season marketing campaign, enticing out-of-state residents to visit Connecticut's local attractions, hotels, restaurants and other public places. These conflicting messages defy logic. If we are truly in a public health emergency, the legislature has proven to be capable of convening in short order to debate and vote on policies relative to public health or otherwise," said Berthel.

 "These debates and decisions must be made in the 'People's House' by their elected representatives; not by unilateral edicts from a Governor and select individuals. Today, I voted 'no' on this measure, as I have done each time it has come before the legislature. I will continue to use my seat to support the ideals of co-equal branches of government, which allow the collective voices of those in the 32^nd District to be heard."

 The resolution, which passed the House on Monday, cleared the Senate 18-15 with three absent.

 

Berthel represents Connecticut's 32^nd Senatorial District, which includes Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury. www.senatorberthel.com

This is a press release from his office. 

 

Klarides-Ditria urges end to Lamont's emergency powers

When the Connecticut House of Representatives meets Monday,  it will be in a special session to vote on a seventh extension of the Governor's emergency powers, this time at least until February. The Governor insists that Connecticut's public health and civil preparedness emergency declarations must be extended.  However, our neighbors in Massachusetts have still managed COVID effectively in their schools and workplaces, even though Gov. Charlie Baker ended his state's emergency declarations months ago. Meanwhile, the true emergency facing Connecticut - the erosion of our public safety in the face of rising violent crime and a wave of juvenile car thefts - has gone unaddressed, largely thanks to Democratic inaction in the legislature. If you agree with me that this emergency can no longer be ignored, visit www.StopCarThefts.com and write a message to those lawmakers still on the fence about protecting your safety. Take Action Now Joint Statement from Republican Leadership You can also call the majority in Hartford and let them know how you feel about the extension of the Governor's executive powers using the numbers below. Sincerely,

Rochelle announces $2M bond request on agenda for Ansonia Copper & Brass site

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, Derby and state Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Ansonia, Derby, today learned their $2 million state bonding request for renovation of the 175,000-square-foot Extrusion Mill building at the Ansonia Copper & Brass site has been placed on the state's bonding committee agenda by Gov. Ned Lamont. 

The project calls for renovation of the extrusion mill to facilitate the economic revitalization of this now empty, but once major manufacturing site.

 

"We are making meaningful progress in the economic redevelopment of our community," said Rochelle. "These would be the first major state funds secured to renovate and revitalize the Ansonia Copper & Brass site, which has been a priority of mine for many years. With this needed funding, we hope to lure developers to the site, grow our grand list, increase property values, bring jobs to the region and give the city the opportunity to lower property taxes. This $2 million in new bond funding will truly help to stabilize our region economically and I am appreciative to have such strong partners in Sen. Cabrera and the Governor to make this happen."

 

"This additional $2 million for Ansonia Brass is a game changer! On top of the nearly $1.5 million already secured for Ansonia we are well on our way to moving Ansonia forward. It was great to work alongside my friend and colleague Rep. Kara Rochelle and Governor Lamont to make this happen. This is only the beginning of more great things to come for Ansonia," said Cabrera.

 

The funds requested by Rochelle and Cabrera through the legislative bond request process will assist with the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the Ansonia Copper & Brass Extrusion Mill facility, including remediation of the roof, siding and HVAC systems, selective demolition of portions of the mill and adjacent buildings, and improvements to site access and utilities.

 

This expected multi-million dollar win for the community comes on the heels of Rochelle and Cabrera, in partnership with the city, securing $1 million in state funds from the Department of Economic Community Development for the brownfield cleanup at the adjacent Farrell SHW building in Ansonia and the more than $1.2 million in the state budget for increased and improved services for the Waterbury Rail Line. 

Together, these major investments signal a shift by the state to refocus strategic resources on economic redevelopment in the Valley.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Rochelle shares info on Lamont's easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Friends and Neighbors, In case you missed it on Monday, Governor Lamont announced Connecticut will begin easing certain business restrictions in two phases. The first phase will start on May 1 and pushes the business curfew back from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. This phase also allows bars to reopen with no table size limits. The second phase happens on May 19 and ends all remaining business restrictions. This means curfews will be lifted and social distancing mandates will be up to businesses. Masks will still be required.

This is promising news that will depend on low rates of infections and increases in vaccination rates. Read the full announcement here.

Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, represents the 104th District. This is a press release from her office.

Cassetti announces 2 tax relief programs for Ansonia residents

Community Message!

Good evening residents of the Great City of Ansonia.

This is Mayor David Cassetti. I hope you are all safe and doing well! I want you to know that your city government has been working hard on your behalf during this difficult time, and that some help is on the way.

Next week I am recommending that the Ansonia Board of Aldermen adopt TWO separate tax relief programs made possible by Governor Lamont’s Executive Orders.

The FIRST tax relief program will give ELIGIBLE residents and business owners an extension of time to pay city taxes and fees. Eligibility will be based on lost income or revenue. An application for this program will be made available online this month.

The SECOND tax relief program will reduce interest on late payments for taxes and fees down to 3% for a period of 90 days. This Low Interest Rate program will be available to ALL taxpayers without need for application.

Now, the Governor only requires ONE of these programs to be adopted. However, I believe our taxpayers are entitled to the MAXIMUM amount of tax relief possible. That’s why we will DOUBLE DOWN by adopting BOTH programs.

I would also like to take this opportunity to urge ALL residents to wear masks when leaving their homes. Now IS NOT the time to let our guard down!

BUT PLEASE REMEMBER NOT TO LEAVE PROTECTIVE MASKS AND GLOVES BEHIND! Leaving your protective equipment in parking lots and public areas just creates a mess for others to clean-up, and does not help our situation.

Finally, please check the City’s website and Facebook pages for information on accessing this Tuesday’s virtual Board of Aldermen meeting and a second virtual Town Hall occurring this Thursday night.

Have a wonderful weekend. Until next time, stay safe and ANSONIA strong!

*Code Red message shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria shares information on mortgage relief, blood shortage

Dear Neighbors, There continues to be a lot of new information each day as our state deals with the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In an effort to keep you as informed as possible, I will be sending the ipdates, in addition to posting more frequently on my Facebook page which you can view here. As we proceed together through an incredibly difficult and fast-changing environment related to the Coronavirus outbreak, my House Republican Caucus and I have had many conversations with constituents, business owners, friends, and family. As a result, we have identified several areas that should be addressed. Yesterday, we sent a letter to Governor Lamont respectfully requesting his consideration of certain action items to address unmet needs and unintended consequences created by the Coronavirus and the federal, state and local response. The document conveys the problems we have been hearing from constituents, as well as corresponding proposals to help solve those problems.  You can view that letter here. Governor Lamont Announces Mortgage Payment Relief During COVID-19 Crisis Connecticut Residents Economically Impacted by COVID-19 May Receive 90-Day Grace Periods to Make Mortgage Payments; Financial Institutions Agree Not to Negatively Impact Credit Reports as a Result of Accepting Payment Relief Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has reached an agreement with over 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to offer mortgage relief to the state’s residents and businesses who continue to face hardship caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Under the agreement, the following relief policies are being offered by participating financial institutions: 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments: Participating financial institutions are now offering mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, which will allow homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. In addition, the institutions will: Provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation; Confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and Provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if faced with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19. Relief from fees and charges for 90 days: For at least 90 days, participating financial institutions will waive or refund mortgage-related late fees and other fees including early CD withdrawals. No new foreclosures for 60 days: Financial institutions will not start any foreclosure sales or evictions. No credit score changes for accessing relief: For those taking advantage of this COVID-19-related relief, late or missed payments will not be shared with credit reporting agencies. Officials are stressing that customers with loans should stay in close contact with their financial institution to identify their particular needs and work on customized solutions. The Department of Banking will maintain updated list of participating institutions on its website.     More information can be found in Governor Lamont’s press release: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2020/03-2020/Governor-Lamont-Announces-Mortgage-Payment-Relief-During-COVID19-Crisis CTDOT Announces Bus Program on the Waterbury Branch Line The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced the start of substitute bus service on the Waterbury Branch commuter rail line, beginning Monday, April 6, 2020. Ridership has been down since the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic; buses will allow riders to maintain social distancing, and will have the added benefit of allowing rail line infrastructure improvements to progress more quickly. Connecticut rail service has seen a significant decline in ridership overall, the result of increased teleworking and requests by Governor Ned Lamont for citizens to “Stay Safe, Stay Home.” The Department also announced increased cleaning of buses and trains to keep frontline employees and customers safe. ​ The Department of Transportation and Metro-North are working together on a $116 million capital improvement project, when completed, will enable increased Waterbury Line rail service. The enhanced bus service will be provided by Peter Pan and will provide additional travel options for those who must still travel. All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Hartford Line and Shore Line East customers may purchase rail tickets using the CTrail e-Tix mobile app or through Ticket Vending Machines located at New Haven Union Station, New Haven State Street Station and all Hartford Line stations. The Department strongly encourages the public to reserve bus service for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY such as getting to and from work or for procuring essential needs such as food and medication. Customers should practice social distancing while waiting at bus stops and while riding the bus (The Centers for Disease Control recommends a distance of six feet from others, when possible). Customers who feel sick should not use public transportation. Updated Waterbury Branch Line substitute bus schedules will be posted to the following web site. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel. ​ Waterbury Branch Line: www.mnr.info/mnr Daily update from the governor's office Each afternoon, Governor Lamont and his staff update the public on the ongoing crisis and actions the state is taking at a press conference. These updates are posted on the state's Coronavirus web page which you can view here. There is also a useful Frequently Asked Questions document that you can view here. Red Cross Announces a Severe Blood Shortage One of the most important things you can do to ensure that we do not have another healthcare crisis on top of COVID-19 is to give blood. There is currently a severe blood shortage. This blood shortage could impact patients who depend on lifesaving blood to survive. In partnership with the American Red Cross the Connecticut State Police is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Connecticut Policy Academy. You must make an appointment to donate blood at this drive. Added precautions have been implemented to ensure that blood drives and donation centers are safe for donors and their staff. To find a blood drive in your area and make an appointment to donate, please go to this link and put in your zip code. If you have any questions or concerns on this or any other issue, please contact me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or call 860-240-8700.   Sincerely, State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce to host Lamont at annual meeting

Gov. Ned Lamont

SHELTON - The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce 55th Annual Meeting & Breakfast featuring Gov. Ned Lamont will be held at 7:30 a.m. June 19 at Brownson Country Club.

This will be the Governor's second visit to Brownson, having joined the Chamber as "candidate Lamont" during last fall's Meet the Candidates series. 

With the regular Legislative Session scheduled to conclude June 5, the Governor will share his vision and priorities for the state's economy.

This is a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton.

Rochelle responds to Lamont's proposed budget

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia and Derby, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Ned Lamont’s two-year proposed budget. 

Kara Rochelle

“Governor Lamont presented to the legislature his version of the budget last week and I want to assure you that in the history of the General Assembly the legislature have never passed a budget as a Governor has presented it.
"I hear the concerns of our residents and this is the first step in a long process of revision. The bipartisan Appropriations and Finance Committee is analyzing the Governor’s proposal and working to produce a budget that reflects the legislature’s priorities. Following that proposal, we can expect additional negotiations that I hope will lead to a balanced, bipartisan budget that benefits the most people,” Rochelle said. 

“I will be critically analyzing each budget proposal to ensure the people of Ansonia and Derby are being fairly considered," she said. "My priority is to continue advocating for the working class, rebuilding the middle class, proper funding for our schools, improving our train service, and spurring economic development, decent wages, tax relief for working class families, reigning in healthcare costs, and building the long-promised Valley Fire School amongst other issues that deeply affect our residents,” Rochelle said. 

“I encourage residents to be in touch, attend my twice-monthly community conversations in Ansonia and Derby, and share your questions, concerns, and ideas for how best to move forward," she said. "I will share with residents via Facebook and Email opportunities to make their voices directly heard at legislative public hearings. I want to thank everyone who has participated so far. I look forward to working hard for all of you over the next several months.” 

The governor’s proposed budget is the first step in a drafting process that typically produces a unified and blended budget from various parties by the end of the legislative session. 

Lamont’s budget can be accessed here: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/2019-Legislative-Proposals.

The Appropriations Committee will hold public hearings at the Legislative Office Building on the following dates, which residents can use as an opportunity to share their thoughts on Gov. Lamont’s budget proposal. 

Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2C

Friday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2C

To access the calendar, click here. 

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.