Year: 2023

Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction (PROTECT) Act

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) have reintroduced the bipartisan Preventing Opportunities for Teen E-Cigarette and Tobacco Addiction (PROTECT) Act to combat the rising usage of harmful e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products among American youth. This legislation aims to address the adverse effects of nicotine found in these products on long-term health and adolescent brain development. The bill has received strong support from various policymakers and organizations, acknowledging the urgent need to counter the escalating public health crisis stemming from widespread teen e-cigarette use. Senator Blumenthal highlighted the urgency of preventing another generation from falling victim to tobacco addiction, emphasizing the detrimental effects posed by e-cigarettes and deceptive marketing strategies used by manufacturers. Representative…

Read More

CONNECTICUT CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $1.7 MILLION FOR TRAFFIC & ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS & STUDIES

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds traffic safety projects that prevent fatalities, serious injuries [HARTFORD, CT] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (D-CT), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jim Himes (D-CT), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) announced $1.749 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support six traffic safety projects across Connecticut. The funds are awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program established to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. “More people are dying on Connecticut’s roadways than ever before, and this $1.7 million in federal funding will help towns plan and make serious safety improvements to prevent these senseless tragedies from occurring,” said…

Read More

Consumer Counsel Challenges United Illuminating’s Rate Increase

The Office of Consumer Counsel filed Motions to Intervene in The United Illuminating Company’s (“UI”) administrative appeals to the Superior Court where the company is seeking to overturn the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (“PURA”) recent ruling rejecting the company’s rate increase request of $131 million over current rates and instead approving an increase of $22 million. “United Illuminating’s appeals have commenced another lengthy process where they will attempt to distort the impact of PURA’s decision and weaken the integrity of Connecticut’s regulatory framework for the benefit of their bottom line,” said Consumer Counsel Coleman. “That’s why my office filed motions to intervene in the Superior Court proceedings on behalf of the customers in their service territory. During the rate case over the course…

Read More

Swift Response: Westport Fire Department Quickly Addresses Treadwell Avenue Structure Fire

On October 27, 2023, at 4:21 PM, emergency services responded to a reported structure fire at a residence on Treadwell Avenue, dispatched by the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch center. Upon arrival, the homeowner had discovered smoke within the house. The Westport Fire Department arrived swiftly with multiple units, including 4 engines, a ladder truck, a rescue team, and the shift commander. Engine 4 from the Saugatuck Fire Station was the first to arrive within 2 minutes and 6 seconds of the dispatch, swiftly addressing the working fire and conducting searches within the home. Fortunately, no injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The Westport Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, while Westport Police Department and EMS…

Read More

Daylights Savings Time…AGAIN

Daylight saving time ends on November 5 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the alarms are working. “Home fires claim more lives every year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half,” said Rebecca Johnson, regional disaster officer, American Red Cross Connecticut, and Rhode Island Region. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. When you turn your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.” Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to…

Read More