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Like the rest of you, I’m in absolute shock over the Eversource bill I received last month. Between an historic heat wave, payment for the 2017 Millstone power purchase agreement, and payment for the compassionate pandemic shut off moratorium all hitting at the exact same time, rate payers are reeling from this sudden increase. Read below for actions we are taking to try to bring relief to rate payers.
I attended a meeting and presentation in Tariffville on Wednesday night to discuss the upcoming survey by our Town of Simsbury Planning Department regarding the upcoming revision to the Tariffville Neighborhood Plan. Read more below about where to find the survey and to participate in it.
Cleanup is mostly complete after a microburst, heavy rain, and strong winds caused serious damage in Simsbury. We are grateful there were no serious injuries or loss of life, unlike in the recent flooding in Western Connecticut. Please keep scrolling to learn more about the microburst damage and steps taken to bring relief to the affected areas.
There is still time to save on back-to-school supplies during Sales Tax-Free Week. Please keep scrolling to find out about stretching your dollar while shopping.
August is Black Business Month. Your contributions could lead to their success. Please read below for a list of black-owned businesses that you can support in our neighborhoods.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Electric Rate Shock
- Tariffville Neighborhood Plan Survey
- Storm Damage & Cleanup
- Sales Tax-Free Week is August 18-24
- Expansion of Free Community College Program
- Battle Against Credit & Debit Card Skimming
- Black Business Month
- Community Events
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Along with several of my colleagues, I submitted a letter to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) last week, which you can read here, calling on PURA to revisit its decisions
- to allow Eversource to recoup its costs of the Millstone power purchase agreement over a ten-month period rather than the twenty-two months proposed by PURA Commissioner Marissa Gillette and
- to simultaneously allow Eversource to begin the implementation of the Electric Vehicle grid improvement costs.
Equally important is our need to address the structural and systemic issues that lead us to continually struggle here in Connecticut with the highest electric rates in the contiguous United States. I can tell you that lawmakers are paying attention, and solutions are being worked on right now for proposals when the next full session begins.
This is a very complex problem, decades in the making, and the next steps we take must be transparent with the opportunity for public input. thoroughly researched, vetted, and have a realistic capacity to change Connecticut rate payers' energy costs going forward.
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One of the issues that we must grapple with, in my opinion, is that decades ago the decision was made to give a near monopoly to a publicly traded company which has a legal fiduciary obligation to its shareholders to maximize their profits. I can tell you that come January, everything is on the table. Should our utilities be Public Benefits Corporations that don’t have that same fiduciary obligation to maximize shareholder profit, while still profiting? Should we have public utilities? Should we introduce real competition into the Connecticut energy marketplace? These are all questions and solutions being discussed.
Meanwhile here are a few things you can do to help lower your bill:
- Get a free home energy audit to bring down your usage
- Set the AC to a higher temperature, especially during the hottest times, keeping your curtains and shades drawn to keep heat out, and click here for additional energy conservation tips
- Consider and investigate switching to an alternate energy supplier
- Visit this Eversource page to learn about payment plans, hardship requests, and other available assistance
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| Tariffville Neighborhood Plan Survey |
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On Wednesday night, I attended a meeting of the Tariffville Village Association for a presentation by our Town Planner, George McGregor, of the Tariffville Neighborhood Plan Survey. The town is looking for input from all residents about the future of Tariffville. It must be completed by Septebmer 6. If you haven’t received a copy or haven’t filled it out yet, especially if you live in Tariffville, please CLICK HERE to participate.
Then, mark your calendars for September 26 for the interactive workshop to discuss the results and vision for Tariffville’s future!
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| I would like to thank everyone who was involved with helping storm victims, keeping the community safe, and cleaning up the damage after last week's microburst delivered dangerously high winds and heavy rain in Simsbury. The storm knocked down trees, some into homes, and took out power to so many homes and businesses. However, the damage was contained to such a narrow path that if you didn’t live in one of the affected areas you were probably completely unaware of this damage until you saw it on social media or the news. It was difficult to comprehend the severity of this situation until I saw it in person. |
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| While power has been restored and streets are clear of debris, it will take quite some time to clean up the damage in some individual homes. We are working hard with our state and federal partners to bring all available resources to assist those who were affected by this storm. |
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| I appreciate Governor Ned Lamont for sending five tree crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation to help us out. U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes showed tremendous leadership when she quickly responded to my call and spent two hours with us surveying the damage in person. She was instrumental in mobilizing the state-level help that came to the rescue. |
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| I must also share my deep gratitude to our amazing Public Works Department, Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company, and Simsbury Police Department who all worked around-the-clock to support those in need. Thank you as well to our outstanding Simsbury Public Library staff for helping residents stay cool, provide Wi-Fi, and charge their devices on what would have been their day off. This community continues to amaze me. |
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| Sales Tax-Free Week is August 18-24 |
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Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week is underway and runs through Saturday, August 24. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Retailers throughout the state offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax-Free Week, providing consumers with even more ways to stretch their spending power.
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During this tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced less than $100 are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing less than $100 regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. It applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
Shop smart and locally whenever possible to support small businesses and to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!
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| Expansion of Free Community College Program |
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| I am excited to announce an expansion of tuition-free community college program in Connecticut! Now, any high school graduate and legal resident of Connecticut, even those with past college experience, can benefit. I strongly encourage business owners to bring this to the attention of their current employees. For instance, legal assistants in my law office were grateful to learn they can earn a paralegal degree or certificate completely for free at our community colleges, which opens up additional professional opportunities and higher earning potential for them. |
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Here are other changes for 2024:
- Elimination of the 48-month timeframe to complete your program to receive free tuition
- Continuous enrollment is no longer required to keep your free tuition eligibility
- Tuition-Free funding is designated as the “Mary Ann Handley Award”
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| Battle Against Credit & Debit Card Skimming |
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The state is taking action after a spike in credit, debit, and EBT card skimming scams throughout the country. According to an analysis conducted earlier this year, the number of debit cards compromised in skimming crimes nearly doubled in 2023, impacting more than 315,000 cards and 3,500 financial institutions.
The state is working to educate consumers and frontline workers on the signs of potential fraud. Make sure you protect yourself when making a purchase. Before using a credit, debit, or EBT card, you should:
- Use the safest payment method available. Tapping your digital wallet or a contactless card can be safer than inserting or swiping your card. If that's not an option, inserting the card's chip is safer than swiping.
- Cover the pad when typing in your PIN.
- Check for a gas pump security tape.
- Pay at the cash register.
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards.
- Visually inspect the card reading device to see if something looks off or abnormal, such as sticky keys, an added bulk, or mismatched colors.
- Give the device a wiggle before using it to make sure it is intact.
- Inspect the card slot before inserting a card to see if it appears to be different or heavier than usual, or if any components seem loose or altered.
I encourage you to report suspected skimming devices or fraudulent purchases to store managers and law enforcement and file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection through ct.gov/DCP. |
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August is Black Business Month! It's the perfect time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses for their vital contributions to the economy. Make a conscious effort to shop from these businesses, whether it's retail, restaurants, or services. Share your experiences on social media, use hashtags like #BlackBusinessMonth, and leave positive reviews to boost their visibility.
Below you will find a list of some black-owned businesses in Simsbury:
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| You can also help black businesses by attending local events or online panels celebrating Black entrepreneurs, and considering collaborations if you're a business owner. Donations and investments in Black-owned startups are another great way to show support. Educate yourself and others about the challenges Black entrepreneurs face to foster a more supportive community. Let's celebrate and uplift Black entrepreneurs, not just in August but year round! |
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The Simsbury Culture, Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting the End of Summer Blast at Simsbury Farms on Saturday, August 24. The event begins at 5:00 P.M. and includes inflatable amusements for children, a face painter, a Balloon Twister, and a concert by Soul Sound Revue from 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. The grand finale, spectacular fireworks above the Simsbury Farms Golf Course, will light up the night sky starting at 8:40 P.M. The fireworks show is expected to last approximately 15 minutes.
This event is free to Simsbury residents and there will be food available for purchase. Onsite parking at Simsbury Farms is limited, parking lots at the Apple Barn, Orkil Fields, and Covenant Presbyterian Church will also be utilized for parking. Participants are asked to bring their own chairs or blanket.
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Give yoga a shot at Schultz Park on Sunday, August 25 at 8 A.M. This class is for all levels and emphasizes the powerful connection between breath and movement. You'll move mindfully while building strength and balance on the mat. Enjoy this opportunity to slow down, move mindfully, and breathe deeply. Please bring a water bottle, mat, and bug spray.
Reserve your spot here.
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The Kinetic Ukes Ensemble will deliver a fun, relaxing vibe to timeless songs on Sunday, September 22 at 2 P.M. at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. Musicians perform joyful tunes in a variety of genres from classic ukulele songs to modern country, blues and rock. Popular tunes from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s make up the core repertoire, with true oldies (1920’s) and more contemporary songs sprinkled here and there.
The Kinetic Ukes summer concert series is FREE! Bring your chairs and Sunday afternoon picnics, and feel free to sing along! This event is rain or shine. Learn more here.
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Stop by the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 27 from 12 - 5 P.M. for Brewstock Boos & Tunes! You will get to sample local brews, enjoy a costume contest, Halloween games, food trucks, and live music!
General Admission SAMPLING tickets will include a set number of sample tickets, which can be exchanged at any brewery for FREE samples. Those who do not wish to sample beer may purchase the general admission ticket.
Security will check ID for general admission sampling ticket holders upon entry. Please bring your own lawn chairs or blankets for the day.
CLICK HERE for more information including a list of participating breweries and food vendors.
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