Photos | Sen. Gordon Joins CT Ratepayers to Rally Against ‘Public Benefits’ Charges
September 12, 2024
Sen. Gordon, an invited guest speaker, joined the grassroots rally organized by Cindy Jordan of Clinton to energize the crowd and call for immediate action.
He said, “Today marks the 74th day since the significant rate hikes began in July, with another increase looming this September. It is also the 74th day that we have awaited decisive action from our state leaders to convene a special session aimed at addressing this critical issue. The people of Connecticut cannot afford to wait any longer for relief or for long-term solutions to our energy challenges.
“Across Connecticut, from seniors to families and businesses, the same question echoes: ‘How will we afford our electric bills?’ These concerns are valid and urgent as many struggle to keep their lights on and their doors open. This is why we are gathered today—to amplify your voices and ensure they are heard loud and clear.
“Our objective is clear. We are not here to point fingers or engage in a blame game. We are here to demand action. This is democracy in action. It is essential that not just our elected representatives, but every citizen, lends their voice to this cause.
“The path forward is also clear: we must continue to rally together to ensure that our collective call for a special session is undeniable. There is absolutely no reason we cannot hold a special session, and I am calling on Democrats to work with us in a bipartisan effort to provide immediate relief to the people and businesses of Connecticut who are suffering.
“Delaying action until the legislature reconvenes in January is not an option. The time to act is now. We must address these rate hikes immediately to mitigate further hardship for our citizens. Together, let’s make sure that the next step is taken for the good of all in Connecticut.”
Senate and House Republicans in August twice gathered to call on the Governor and legislative Democrats to hold a special session to address the skyrocketing rates. Most recently, Republican state lawmakers initiated a petition among legislators to further spur the Governor to act. They have since launched SpecialSessionCT.com as a means for all constituents to demand that their representatives sign on to the petition.
Sen. Gordon, along with Senate and House Republicans, offered a package of policy proposals as early as 2023, and again in 2024, to forestall the double-digit increases that customers see today. Notably, the Republican package included a proposal to study the removal of fees and costs associated with state government policy decisions from energy bills, and instead appropriately transfer these costs to the state budget—to mitigate the “Public Benefits” charge on bills that has led to widespread consumer outrage.
Learn more about what Senator Gordon and his Republican colleagues are doing for energy affordability:
