Priorities

How Do We Lower Electricity Costs in Connecticut?

Increase Transparency and Accountability

Residents deserve to know exactly where their money is going. Utility bills should be easy to understand, and regulators must hold utility companies accountable for excessive spending and unnecessary rate increases.

Review Public Benefit Charges

Many Connecticut residents are surprised to learn that a significant portion of their electric bill comes from fees and mandates beyond the cost of electricity itself. State leaders should review these charges and ensure they are fair, transparent, and affordable.

Encourage More Energy Competition

Consumers benefit when there are more choices in the energy marketplace. Connecticut should pursue policies that promote competition and innovation while protecting consumers.

Invest in Reliable Infrastructure

Strategic investments in grid reliability can reduce long-term costs, improve service, and minimize costly outages that impact families and businesses.

Expand Connecticut's Energy Supply

Increasing access to diverse and reliable energy sources can help stabilize prices and reduce dependence on limited supply options.

Put Ratepayers First

Every energy policy should be evaluated based on one simple question: Will it lower costs and improve reliability for Connecticut families and businesses?

Housing and Local Control

Connecticut is facing a real housing affordability challenge and Norwalk is no exception. Young families, seniors, recent college graduates and working professionals are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to live in the communities they call home. We need thoughtful solutions that create more housing opportunities, support economic growth and help residents remain in the cities and towns they love.

Preserving Local Control

At the same time, housing policy should not come at the expense of local decision-making. Norwalk's needs are different from those of many other communities across Connecticut. Our city is already experiencing significant development and growth and local leaders and residents understand the unique challenges related to infrastructure, traffic, schools, public safety and neighborhood character. Any effort to address housing shortages must be developed in partnership with municipalities, not through mandates that diminish local control.

Responsible Growth for Norwalk

Certain parts of the 137th District have experienced concentrated housing growth and moving forward we need a more balanced approach that protects neighborhood character and ensures infrastructure keeps pace. Any new development should be accompanied by investments in roads, transportation, public safety, schools, utilities and other infrastructure to ensure growth is sustainable and does not place additional burdens on taxpayers.

Expanding Homeownership and Workforce Housing

Norwalk should continue to explore opportunities for homeownership, workforce housing for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and young professionals. We should encourage housing options that help residents build equity and remain part of the community for the long term.

A Balanced Path Forward

The solution is not choosing between housing and local control. The solution is smart planning, meaningful community input and policies that recognize the unique needs of cities like Norwalk. By working together, we can expand housing opportunities, protect our neighborhoods, strengthen our economy and ensure Norwalk remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.

Modernize Education Funding

Every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their learning needs or background. Connecticut's current Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula is outdated and does not fully reflect the realities facing school districts today, especially Norwalk.

Update the ECS Formula

The current funding formula should be modernized to better account for the growing population of Multilingual Learners(MLL) and the resources required to help them achieve academic success. Funding should reflect the real costs of MLL services, academic support and family engagement.

Add Special Education Funding to the Formula

Special education costs continue to place significant pressure on local school budgets. Connecticut should add a dedicated Special Education weight to the ECS formula so state aid more accurately reflects the needs of students requiring specialized services and supports.

Reduce the Burden on Local Taxpayers

State education funding should keep pace with rising costs and student needs. By providing fair and predictable funding, Connecticut can reduce the reliance on local property taxes to support essential educational services.

Expand Special Education Reimbursement

Districts should not be forced to divert classroom resources to cover extraordinary special education expenses. Increasing reimbursement through the Excess Cost Grant will provide relief to local communities while ensuring students receive the services they deserve.

Fund Students Based on Their Needs

Education funding should be driven by student needs, not geography or a community's tax base. A modernized ECS formula will provide more equitable funding, stronger support for students and teachers and greater accountability for taxpayer dollars.

Quality education should not depend on a family's zip code. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and Connecticut must ensure that education funding reflects that commitment.