Paid Advertisement Utility Bill Shock Becomes an Inconvenient Issue During Election Season stating, "Respectfully, Chris- Ain Connecticut, residents views of Senator Looney, but Crisci expressed frustration fine Cohen has been in office summer draws to a close can't say I often agree with are reeling from an unwelcome I do agree that this is nothing phenomenon known as "Utili- new. Everyone involved knew ty Bill Shock." Rising electric this was an issue, and many bills have sparked outrage. chose to ignore it." Crisci em- leaving many questioning why phasized that two key questions their expenses have soared, es- demand answers: how Con- pecially now that the air con- necticut arrived at its current ditioning season is winding situation and who is responsi- ble for the various pass-through fees inflating electric bills. down. Connecticut Republicans have sounded the alarm, demand- ing explanations and solutions from Governor Lamont as constituents voice their frus- trations. Senator Republican leader Harding (R) and House Minority Leader Vinny Can- delora (R), among other GOP figures, have called for a spe- cial session to address the cri- sis. However, Democrats have largely remained quiet, with Senator Looney (D) accusing Republicans of attempting to score political points during this contentious election sea- son. Looney stated, "They're looking to take advantage, scapegoating Democrats for 2017, and now all of a sudden, they want to run away from it. Republicans are banking on the complexity to simplify and take political advantage." In the midst of this political back-and-forth, Senate hope- ful Paul Crisci has stepped for- ward with both concerns and proposed solutions. A two-time candidate for the District 12 senate seat, Crisci remarked, "I Crisci highlighted the funda- mental issue at stake: the man- agement of taxpayers' dollars. "Electricity just happens to be the issue of the moment, but the core issue is how Majority lead- ership in Hartford is handling finances." he stated. During his 2022 campaign, Crisci raised concerns about the state's fiscal management, only to be dis- missed as "clueless." He insists that what the politicians label a "rainy day fund" is instead a redirection of ARPA funds, federal aid meant to help states during the pandemic. "Connecticut received $2.8 billion in ARPA funds from the U.S. Treasury Department, Why were these funds not used to pay the moratorium fees Governor Lamont instituted during the COVID crisis?" Crisci questioned. He empha- sized the controversial "Public Benefit Charge" listed on Ever- source bills, urging scrutiny of how long the Democratic ma- jority has been in power with out addressing these concerns. over the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure charges that ap- pear on Eversource bills also as a "public benefit charge". "Res- idents are being asked to pay for infrastructure that should be funded by the already high vehicle property taxes Con- necticut residents pay," he ar- gued. "Considering more than 90% of residents have shown little or no interest in owning an electric vehicle, it seems un- fair." Moreover, Crisci criticized Senator Cohen's push for a 100% electric vehicle mandate by banning gas-powered vehi- cles no later than 2035, calling it a potential burden that could lead to even higher costs for taxpayers. "This is why residents need to take a closer look at the people running for office and stop just voting along party lines. Con- necticut needs fresh blood in office, and the statistics sup- port that," Crisci said. He not- ed that U.S. News & World Report ranks Connecticut 49th for fiscal responsibility, while Save on Energy ranks it second worst in the country for electric bill costs. Crisci firmly believes that electing representatives who prioritize constituents' needs over party loyalty is crucial. He aimed sharp criticism at Cohen, for six years, yet she cannot offer one solution to this issue. Her only response to constitu- ents' concerns was sympathy and a promise to help her own family which would alleviate some of Crisci also reminded everyone the financial strain on residents. that back in October 2022, just 4. Create an Open Market for weeks before her last election, Energy: Establish a competi Senator Cohen posted a similar tive energy market overseen by statement informing District 12 elected representatives respon- residents that they could attend sible for advocating for their an in-person public hearing by districts. the Public Utilities Regulato- 5. Review DEEP's Role: Al- ry Authority (PURA) to voice low DEEP to make regulatory their displeasure. "I'm sorry," recommendations but ensure Crisci disputed. "In my opin- that elected officials make final ion, a senator's job is to fight energy decisions, keeping them on behalf of their constituents, accountable to constituents. not ask them to advocate for 6. Explore Clean Energy Op- themselves." When asked about his plans if elected, Crisci outlined key measures he would champion if elected: 1. Reform PURA: Replace it with an independent council representing each district in Connecticut comprised of en- ergy professionals focused on clean, affordable energy op- tions. 2. Ban Pass-Through Fees: En- sure that bills sent to residents only include the products or services purchased and any ap- plicable state taxes. 3. Utilize COVID Relief Funds: Direct funds intend- ed for COVID relief to pay off debts owed to Eversource, PAUL CRISCI For State Senate * District 12 Still No Politics. Just Common Sense. PCforCT.com Paid for by Paul for Senate, Mann Hasen, Treasurer. Approved by Paul Crisci. tions: Ensure that all forms of clean energy are available as options for Connecticut resi- dents, including but not limited to nuclear and hydrogen ener- gy, as well as studying the in- crease of natural gas supply. As the election approaches, the choices made by Connecticut voters will profoundly influ- ence the state's approach to the ongoing utility crisis. Cris- ci stated, "It's imperative that these decisions focus not on party loyalty but on candidates who will address the needs of the people. The issues are com- plex, but solutions are within reach if we are willing to prior- itize the interests of Connecti- cut residents over partisan pol- itics." Paid Advertisement Utility Bill Shock Becomes an Inconvenient Issue During Election Season stating , " Respectfully , Chris- Ain Connecticut , residents views of Senator Looney , but Crisci expressed frustration fine Cohen has been in office summer draws to a close can't say I often agree with are reeling from an unwelcome I do agree that this is nothing phenomenon known as " Utili- new . Everyone involved knew ty Bill Shock . " Rising electric this was an issue , and many bills have sparked outrage . chose to ignore it . " Crisci em- leaving many questioning why phasized that two key questions their expenses have soared , es- demand answers : how Con- pecially now that the air con- necticut arrived at its current ditioning season is winding situation and who is responsi- ble for the various pass - through fees inflating electric bills . down . Connecticut Republicans have sounded the alarm , demand- ing explanations and solutions from Governor Lamont as constituents voice their frus- trations . Senator Republican leader Harding ( R ) and House Minority Leader Vinny Can- delora ( R ) , among other GOP figures , have called for a spe- cial session to address the cri- sis . However , Democrats have largely remained quiet , with Senator Looney ( D ) accusing Republicans of attempting to score political points during this contentious election sea- son . Looney stated , " They're looking to take advantage , scapegoating Democrats for 2017 , and now all of a sudden , they want to run away from it . Republicans are banking on the complexity to simplify and take political advantage . " In the midst of this political back - and - forth , Senate hope- ful Paul Crisci has stepped for- ward with both concerns and proposed solutions . A two - time candidate for the District 12 senate seat , Crisci remarked , " I Crisci highlighted the funda- mental issue at stake : the man- agement of taxpayers ' dollars . " Electricity just happens to be the issue of the moment , but the core issue is how Majority lead- ership in Hartford is handling finances . " he stated . During his 2022 campaign , Crisci raised concerns about the state's fiscal management , only to be dis- missed as " clueless . " He insists that what the politicians label a " rainy day fund " is instead a redirection of ARPA funds , federal aid meant to help states during the pandemic . " Connecticut received $ 2.8 billion in ARPA funds from the U.S. Treasury Department , Why were these funds not used to pay the moratorium fees Governor Lamont instituted during the COVID crisis ? " Crisci questioned . He empha- sized the controversial " Public Benefit Charge " listed on Ever- source bills , urging scrutiny of how long the Democratic ma- jority has been in power with out addressing these concerns . over the electric vehicle ( EV ) infrastructure charges that ap- pear on Eversource bills also as a " public benefit charge " . " Res- idents are being asked to pay for infrastructure that should be funded by the already high vehicle property taxes Con- necticut residents pay , " he ar- gued . " Considering more than 90 % of residents have shown little or no interest in owning an electric vehicle , it seems un- fair . " Moreover , Crisci criticized Senator Cohen's push for a 100 % electric vehicle mandate by banning gas - powered vehi- cles no later than 2035 , calling it a potential burden that could lead to even higher costs for taxpayers . " This is why residents need to take a closer look at the people running for office and stop just voting along party lines . Con- necticut needs fresh blood in office , and the statistics sup- port that , " Crisci said . He not- ed that U.S. News & World Report ranks Connecticut 49th for fiscal responsibility , while Save on Energy ranks it second worst in the country for electric bill costs . Crisci firmly believes that electing representatives who prioritize constituents ' needs over party loyalty is crucial . He aimed sharp criticism at Cohen , for six years , yet she cannot offer one solution to this issue . Her only response to constitu- ents ' concerns was sympathy and a promise to help her own family which would alleviate some of Crisci also reminded everyone the financial strain on residents . that back in October 2022 , just 4. Create an Open Market for weeks before her last election , Energy : Establish a competi Senator Cohen posted a similar tive energy market overseen by statement informing District 12 elected representatives respon- residents that they could attend sible for advocating for their an in - person public hearing by districts . the Public Utilities Regulato- 5. Review DEEP's Role : Al- ry Authority ( PURA ) to voice low DEEP to make regulatory their displeasure . " I'm sorry , " recommendations but ensure Crisci disputed . " In my opin- that elected officials make final ion , a senator's job is to fight energy decisions , keeping them on behalf of their constituents , accountable to constituents . not ask them to advocate for 6. Explore Clean Energy Op- themselves . " When asked about his plans if elected , Crisci outlined key measures he would champion if elected : 1. Reform PURA : Replace it with an independent council representing each district in Connecticut comprised of en- ergy professionals focused on clean , affordable energy op- tions . 2. Ban Pass - Through Fees : En- sure that bills sent to residents only include the products or services purchased and any ap- plicable state taxes . 3. Utilize COVID Relief Funds : Direct funds intend- ed for COVID relief to pay off debts owed to Eversource , PAUL CRISCI For State Senate * District 12 Still No Politics . Just Common Sense . PCforCT.com Paid for by Paul for Senate , Mann Hasen , Treasurer . Approved by Paul Crisci . tions : Ensure that all forms of clean energy are available as options for Connecticut resi- dents , including but not limited to nuclear and hydrogen ener- gy , as well as studying the in- crease of natural gas supply . As the election approaches , the choices made by Connecticut voters will profoundly influ- ence the state's approach to the ongoing utility crisis . Cris- ci stated , " It's imperative that these decisions focus not on party loyalty but on candidates who will address the needs of the people . The issues are com- plex , but solutions are within reach if we are willing to prior- itize the interests of Connecti- cut residents over partisan pol- itics . "