Robyn A. Porter

When someone is released from prison, when their sentence has ended, where should they go if they do not have a place to live?

Who should they turn to for help with basic necessities?

What is the humane way to treat someone who has served their time in prison and is now trying to restart their life?

Would you believe that individuals in Connecticut, when released from prison, are often dropped off in the middle of our cities and towns with their bags, which might be all of their possessions…with no place to live, no place to go?

Yes, believe it.

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of the Equity Match Grant Program. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2023.

These laws mark the tireless work put in by my colleagues and me throughout the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions to address your concerns and make necessary changes in Hartford.

I am pleased to report that responsible budgeting and major structural changes made to pension and teachers' retirement plans are putting Connecticut on much more solid fiscal ground and saving taxpayers billions in debt payments.

With many families in Connecticut facing added financial strain due to rising prices, the legislature went into special session earlier this week to provide some relief. A bipartisan bill passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Lamont extends the current suspension of the gasoline tax, provides additional funding for energy assistance programs, and continues premium pay for frontline workers.

November 26 is Small Business Saturday – a day to support small businesses and show how much we appreciate the entrepreneurs that make up the fabric of our vibrant communities.

I am sure we share the same concerns about Eversource and United Illuminating, the state's two main electric distribution companies, which both filed for new standard service supply rates with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that will increase rates by approximately 40%. Once approved by PURA, these new rates will go into effect from January 1, 2023, through the first six months of the year.

An additional $1 Billion boost in federal funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was recently approved by Congress, allowing more households to receive assistance with heating bills this winter.