Anne Hughes

Eversource’s proposal to raise electric bills by another $25 per month is outrageous and unacceptable. Connecticut families are already stretched thin by the high burden of property taxes, rising gas and grocery costs, healthcare, childcare, and utilities. Requiring residents to pay even more while Eversource reports nearly $1.7 billion in profits and pays its CEO $13.5 million is exactly why we passed modest protections in 2023 to limit profit at the expense of ratepayers.

As a member of the Energy and Technology Committee, I have worked to strengthen utility accountability legislation and raise amendments to increase consumer protections following Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman’s review. This proposal only reinforces the urgent need for stronger oversight and a utility system that puts ratepayers and infrastructure investment ahead of corporate profits.

The legislature has taken steps in recent sessions to reduce pressure on electric bills, including temporarily replacing the public benefits surcharge with a customer credit. We cannot allow massive rate hikes to wipe out that progress toward greater affordability.

Connecticut residents deserve affordable, reliable energy — not endless increases that force families to choose between paying their electric bill and paying for basic necessities. Together, we must continue fighting for stronger consumer protections and meaningful reforms that hold utilities accountable.

And don’t get me started on the fight with the federal government to increase our renewable energy supply in our state.

#ThisIsWhyWeCantHaveNiceThings!

Redding

Residents are invited to attend Redding’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 23, as the community comes together to honor the brave service members who gave their lives in service to our country. Participants will gather at 11:30 a.m. at Redding Elementary School, 33 Lonetown Road, before the parade steps off at noon and proceeds to the Redding Green.

Easton

Easton will mark Memorial Day with a full morning of community events on Monday, May 25, as part of the America 250 celebration. The day begins with the 15th Annual Easton Memorial Day Mile Race at the Easton Fire House, 1 Center Road. Sign-in opens at 7:30 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30 a.m., with proceeds benefiting the Easton Senior Center. Participants can walk or run the course, which starts and finishes at the firehouse ahead of the parade festivities.

The annual Memorial Day Parade will follow, with participants gathering at 9 a.m. at the Easton Fire Department and the parade stepping off at 9:30 a.m. Along the route, residents will see a special display of American flags lining Center Road in tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. Following the parade, a memorial ceremony will take place at Easton Town Hall, followed by remembrances at Union and Aspetuck cemeteries. The event is one of Easton’s longstanding community traditions, bringing together local organizations, sports teams, veterans, and residents in honor and remembrance.

Weston

Weston’s annual Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25, beginning at 10:45 a.m. Hosted by the Weston Volunteer Fire Department, the parade will start in front of Weston High School and proceed along School Road, Weston Road (Route 57), and Norfield Road before concluding at Town Hall. A memorial ceremony on the Town Green will follow the parade, along with free hot dogs provided by the firehouse.

The parade is part of a weekend-long community celebration featuring carnival rides, food trucks, live music, family activities, and community races. Festivities include the Memorial Day Fair running Friday through Monday, a 5K and Kids Fun Run hosted by the Weston High School PTO, and “West Fest,” a weekend music festival with local bands and food vendors.