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For the fourth time this year, Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol has been activated.
The protocol is in effect through 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14. During this time, temperatures on the heat index are expected to exceed 100 degrees.
The Farmington Community & Senior Center, at 321 New Britain Ave. in Unionville, is the town's designated cooling center during hot weather. It is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
You can find other cooling centers by visiting 211ct.org or by calling 2-1-1.
Also, please check on people (your neighbors, friends and loved ones) who may need assistance. Stay safe! |
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Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, Aug. 17, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week
- Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
- Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
- This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.
A list of exempt and taxable items during Sales Tax-Free Week can be found here.
A list of FAQs can be found here.
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The State Bond Commission approved the release of $155 million to slightly reduce the public benefit charges on your bill. This action is a result of bipartisan energy affordability legislation (Senate Bill 4) passed this past session.
The funding will reduce costs associated with:
- Hardship protection programs: $125 million will go toward assisting low-income customers who struggle to pay their electric bills
- Electric vehicle charging programs: $30 million will cover costs of the state's EV charging infrastructure and integration.
The result will be about $10 to $20 off our monthly bills. While not a comprehensive solution I and others are looking for, it is a start. I will continue pushing for real change in how we address electricity rates and fees.
In addition to looking at ways to impact our rates here in Connecticut, it is also critical that there are federal approaches to reduce costs.
I support Sen. Richard Blumenthal's call this week for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide oversight over local transmission projects that significantly increase energy costs for consumers. Read more about Sen. Blumenthal's proposal here.
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The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is urging state residents to sign up for the CT Alert emergency notification system as extreme weather incidents continue to increase.
According to DESPP, more than 5,000 residents signed up for CT Alert just over the last month — more than during any one of the last three years. Nearly 226,000 people have signed up for the emergency notifications.
DESPP offered a number of tips on how to prepare for potential severe weather:
- Download the CTPrepares app to your mobile phone to find out how to prepare for any emergency.
- Create an emergency kit to keep in your home so you are ready for any emergency.
- Put together a “go bag” with copies of important documents, prescriptions, battery-operated radio, and other items such as a cellphone charger.
- Make sure you have an evacuation plan, particularly if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.
Signing up for CT alert system can be done online or by texting CTALERT to 888-777.
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| Westwoods Recreation Complex Update |
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With temperatures soaring past 90 degrees this week, I know there are plenty of families who are eagerly anticipating the opening of the new splash pad, which is part of the Westwoods Recreational Complex.
Alas, the splash pad won't be finished this summer. According to an update from the town, work on the complex -- which also includes eight pickleball courts, 80 new parking spaces, office space, a storage building and restrooms/locker rooms -- "is making steady progress." The project is expected to be substantially completed this fall, with the possibility of the pickleball courts being available for use.
For updates and detailed information about the project timeline, visit:
Westwoods Recreational Complex - Project Scope and Timeline
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| New Britain Avenue Closure |
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New Britain Avenue will continue to be closed to through traffic between Meadow Road and Scott Swamp Road (Route 6) through Monday, Aug. 18, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The closure is due to utility work for the residential development at 1600 New Britain Ave.
During the closures, drivers are encouraged to detour via Judson Lane, Plainville Avenue, or Main Street. Businesses along New Britain Avenue will remain open and accessible. |
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Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions. My office number is 1-800-842-8267. I can also be reached by email: Mike.Demicco@cga.ct.gov. For more updates, please follow my Official Facebook Page.
Sincerely,
Mike Demicco |
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