Cracking Down on Street Takeovers & Utility Scam Alert

April 19, 2024

Our work at the Capitol is intensifying as we work against the clock to pass as many good bills as possible. The House unanimously supported a proposal cracking down on street takeovers. I'll break down how this bill will protect our community and hopefully deter this illegal activity.

This week, organizers revealed there will be seven Puerto Rican parades and festivals across Connecticut this year. Please keep scrolling to find out which event is closest to Stamford and why it's important to celebrate our Puerto Rican heritage.

Beware of a new scam preying on unsuspecting utility customers! Please keep scrolling to find out how the scheme works and how to avoid becoming a victim.  

Here are the sections of today's email:

  • Cracking Down on Street Takeovers
  • Puerto Rican Festival and Parades
  • Speaking to Students About State Government
  • Utility Scam Alert
  • Demolition of Old Parking Garage
  • Apply Now for Achievement College Scholarship
 
Cracking Down on Street Takeovers
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives took bipartisan and unanimous action to help cities and towns improve safety as we voted 148-0 to pass House Bill 5413 to control street takeovers, which have proven to be a concern for many of our residents.
 
Street takeovers have become a local and national issue since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This cannot become the new normal. These takeovers by the illegal use of all-terrain and other type of vehicles, pose a significant threat to public safety, endangering participants, innocent bystanders, and law enforcement officials.

HB 5413 seeks to provide more tools to municipalities to combat street takeovers, including:

  • Allowing cities and towns to destroy ATVs, dirt bikes, and motorcycles seized and forfeited for violating a municipal ordinance
  • Authorizing municipalities to adopt ordinances that penalize street takeovers and impose fines as well as the seizure of vehicles
  • Changing and tightening penalties for violating state law on street takeovers, including permanent driver's license revocation for a third violation of the statute 

I am glad my bipartisan vote provides additional tools and increased penalties to cities and towns to help deter street takeovers, which create public safety hazards for drivers, pedestrians, and others. The bill now moves to the Senate.
 
Puerto Rican Festivals and Parades
Organizers unveiled the full slate of Puerto Rican Parades and Festivals in Hartford. While there are no events in Stamford, there will be ample opportunities to celebrate Puerto Rican pride and heritage across Connecticut. We will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County this summer.
I applaud our great state for continuing to showcase Puerto Rican heritage. By attending these events, you will gain a better understanding and appreciation of the impact Puerto Ricans have had in our country. We’re dedicated to honoring the past and embracing the future with our cultural legacy.
Come out to a Puerto Rican festival or parade and enjoy the music and food!
 
Speaking to Students About State Government
It was a pleasure to speak to a group of wonderful students about our local and state government! I discussed my political journey on the way to the Connecticut House of Representatives. I enjoyed answering questions and sharing what I’ve learned over the years. Thank you to Stamford’s Parent Leadership Training Institute for inviting me to speak to this awesome group!
 
Utility Scam Alert

The state is warning all of us about a possible scam targeting utility customers whose bills are overdue. No third-party supplier will ever contact customers with billing issues.

Only Eversource or United Illuminating bill folks for both supply and delivery costs. If you receive correspondence from anyone other than those two companies pertaining to your electric bill balance, you should assume it is not legitimate.

These scams are taking place now ahead of scheduled utility service shutoffs for non-payment on May 2.
If you think you have been scammed, reach out to:
  • PURA’s Education Outreach and Enforcement Customer Assistance Unit by emailing pura.information@ct.gov
  • The Office of Consumer Counsel by emailing occ.info@ct.gov or calling 860-827-2900
  • The Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5318
 
Demolition of Old Parking Garage

Crews will continue demolition work of the old parking garage and pedestrian bridge at the Stamford Transportation Center. The Connecticut Department of Transportation tells me the entire 1985 parking garage will be torn down. Commuters who still use the old parking garage should relocate to the newly opened facility, which opened in February, on South State Street.

Due to the demolition work, Station Place Road eastbound will be closed for about six months. Take a look at the map below and click on it for more information on detours.
 
Apply Now for Achievement College Scholarship
100 Black Men of Stamford, Inc. invites you to apply for the Achievement College Scholarship Program. Secure up to $5,000 for your academic year and apply again each year of college. Simply submit the application form, essay, recommendation, service confirmation, and transcript by May 15, 2024. 
To apply, scan the QR code or click on the graphic above. Questions? Email Scholarship@100BMOS.com and take the first step towards your educational goals!