• Connecticut Legislative Democrats’ Disconnect From Ratepayers—And Reality

    September 27, 2024

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    As Election Day nears, Connecticut voters must ask: Who truly represents the everyday residents, families, and small businesses? Unfortunately, Connecticut’s legislative Democrats have shown they are out of touch, especially regarding the recent electric rate crisis.

    In the past two years, electricity bills for Connecticut households have surged nearly 30%, forcing families to make tough decisions about necessities. Small businesses, already operating with thin margins, are struggling even more. The situation is dire for many, yet the response from the state's Democratic leaders has been to mock, not support, those affected.

    In September, a concerned citizen from Clinton, with no political background, organized a rally at the Capitol. This event brought together ordinary residents and small business owners, all pleading for relief from rising electricity costs. They weren't political insiders, just Connecticut citizens who felt they had no choice but to speak up.

    I stood with them, alongside several Republican colleagues, because they deserved to be heard. But instead of showing empathy, Connecticut’s Democrat leaders mocked them. Senate President Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff took to social media, dismissing the rally as a "political stunt" and ridiculing the turnout, with an official statement saying, "The only thing smaller than the turnout… is the handful of dollars the Republican bailout of utility companies will save ratepayers."

    This response was not just dismissive—it insulted people who came in good faith to voice their frustrations. To call the rally a stunt shows just how disconnected these leaders are from the real struggles of Connecticut families facing unaffordable energy bills and rising inflation. Mocking their concerns is shameful. This isn't just about one rally. Connecticut families are grappling with some of the highest energy costs in the country. Inflation is already squeezing budgets, and these rising bills are pushing many to the brink. Democrats’ dismissive attitude only adds insult to injury.

    Contrary to Bob Duff's claims on social media that Republicans "never have a plan," we’ve had one since 2023. Republicans introduced legislation designed to tackle the electric rate crisis directly, proposing reforms to increase transparency, competition, and accountability for utility companies. These measures could have prevented the rate hikes we’re now seeing, but Democrats in the legislature repeatedly blocked these efforts.

    Instead of collaborating on solutions, Democrats chose to mock and misrepresent our efforts. Their refusal to engage in serious, bipartisan discussions has left Connecticut residents facing crippling energy bills. When challenged, they deflect criticism by distorting facts and relying on partisan attacks, as they did when they used their taxpayer-funded blog to share a segment of the “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” show that misrepresented my own legislative record.

    This kind of deception is unacceptable and unworthy of public office. Connecticut deserves leaders who respect their constituents and take their concerns seriously, not ones who mock and dismiss them. The current Democratic leadership's approach shows a disregard for the very people they are supposed to serve. It’s time for a change—time for leaders who will listen, collaborate, and act on behalf of all Connecticut residents.

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    Author

    Rob Sampson

    State Senator Rob Sampson represents Connecticut’s 16th State Senate District of Cheshire, Prospect, Southington, Waterbury and Wolcott.

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