Martin Foncello

Make Your Voice Heard: PURA'S Eversource Rate Request Case Hearing

PURA has announced five opportunities for residents to weigh in on Eversource's latest rate request, four in person and one remote. The closest in-person hearing is scheduled for Danbury. You can comment in person next month: -Monday, November 23 @ 5:30PM - WCSU's Ives Concert Hall, 181 White Street, Danbury or -Wednesday, December 9 @ 12:00PM - VIA Zoom https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/ooBYaXdqRQy9DElAsFoBPw#/registration Written comments accepted here: https://portal.ct.gov/pura/about/filing-and-forms/make-an-electronic-filing PURA cautioned that these are not intended to be forums for questions, discussion, or direct engagement with commissioners. For the rate year, Eversource proposes an increase in distribution operating revenues of approximately $727 million. This represents an increase of approximately 16% over the currently allowed overall revenues, and approximately 50% over currently allowed distribution revenues. According to the Application, revenues for the remainder of the four-year term would be calculated within the annual Rate Adjustment Mechanism (RAM) proceeding.

Newtown Lawmakers Host Legislative Office Hours

NEWTOWN — State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) recently held an open legislative coffee and conversation hour for residents of Newtown and Sandy Hook, giving Newtown residents an opportunity to speak directly with their state representatives about issues affecting their families and community. The informal gathering provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions, share concerns and offer suggestions about state government and legislation. With a number of new laws from the 2026 legislative session taking effect October 1, the representatives also discussed changes that may affect residents, businesses and municipalities. Both members mentioned how they support a recent push to suspend the state tax on gasoline and diesel to help take some pressure off family budgets and folks who might live on a fixed income. “Having these conversations with our neighbors is one of the most important parts of serving in the legislature,” said Rep. Bolinsky. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to stop by, ask questions and share what is on their minds. These conversations help us better understand what people are experiencing here at home and bring those concerns with us to Hartford.” Rep. Foncello added, “We always want to keep the lines of communication open. Whether someone has a question about a new law, a state program or an issue affecting our community, we want residents to know they can reach out to us.” Residents who were unable to attend but would like to speak with Rep. Bolinsky or Rep. Foncello can contact their State Capitol office at 1-800-842-1423 or email Mitch.Bolinsky@housegop.ct.gov or Martin.Foncello@housegop.ct.gov . Residents can also contact the representatives to learn about upcoming opportunities to meet with them in the district.

New Laws Effective October 1, 2026

Several new laws will take effect October 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some of them below. I co-sponsored a bill to recognize and honor our veterans . Among the provisions is one that allows the fee to be waived for a driver's license for any Department of Veterans Affairs verified veteran. The bill also creates a Veterans Dental Care Program to help eligible veterans get certain dental services. The bill sets an annual program cap of $3,000 per eligible veteran for covered services. We also passed bills to help protect public safety on our roadways. One bill taking effect October 1 would increase the penalty for a driver who is observed illegally passing a stopped school bus three or more times. They will now have their driver’s license suspended for six months. Under a different bill, distracted driving in a highway work zone will now be considered reckless driving, increased from being classified as a misdemeanor. Other major acts include: An Act Concerning the Nonissuance of a Standing Criminal Protective Order in the Case of a Family Violence Crime An Act Concerning the Use of Technology for Virtual Monitoring in Residential Care Homes An Act Concerning Child Welfare Accountability and Transparency An expanded list of those that will take effect on October 1, along with summaries, can be accessed here . Feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit from it.

Newtown Legislators, CT Banking Host Financial Fraud Bingo

NEWTOWN -On Monday, an interactive forum on how to spot and avoid financial exploitation was hosted at Newtown Senior Center by State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107), along with the Connecticut Department of Banking “Bingo master”. The Department offers a Financial Fraud Bingo program as part of its educational outreach. Dozens of residents attended, participated and took away prizes, while sharing important information at the Financial Fraud Bingo game and forum. The Connecticut Department of Banking provided Bingo cards, markers and, with each number called, revealed tip after tip or insights on current banking fraud schemes circulating around the country. In Connecticut, the top three categories of scams reported are imposter scams, ID theft, and online shopping scams. There is no shame in being targeted by a scam—the shame belongs to the person trying to steal from you. "Never feel embarrassed about your suspicions, ask questions of your banking and financial experts, report crimes and don’t blame yourself if you do fall victim. Scammers are getting better each year at defrauding people, no matter the victim’s age. The rise in AI technology is making the scam harder to detect,” said Rep. Foncello. Among the tips were to not answer calls from unknown phone numbers, have direct deposit for Social Security or similar income so a paper check isn’t stolen out of a mailbox, and to never click a link included in a text message from an unknown number asking to verify information. “If your doctor’s office needs to confirm your identity and asks for your birthday, you should write it down and pass the note to the receptionist because other people around might hear that information and it’s one of the keyways to confirm an identity,” noted Rep. Foncello. Seniors are often the targets of family emergency scams, nicknamed “the grandparent scam,” and seniors were reminded to act with their heads and not just their hearts. If someone instructs you to wire or transfer money, the State Department of Banking representative noted that the scammer might instruct you to say to the teller that the money is for construction because the banks are training employees to spot ‘grandparent scams’ if the money is needed for a grandchild. “Financial scams have become more sophisticated, and unfortunately, our seniors are too often targeted because scammers know they may have savings, retirement income, and other readily accessed resources to go after,” said Rep. Bolinsky. “That’s why education and always reminding folks about what to look and listen for is so important. I think this program was a blast and thank our partners at the Banking Department for sharing this fun, action-packed hour with us! It’s not often you can have a little fun and pick up practical tools to recognize a scam before it becomes a costly mistake.” Rep. Bolinsky shared information about how the Aging Committee led the way on a bill to have banks and credit unions become mandated reporters and protect folks from uncharacteristic activity by verifying suspicious withdrawals and other banking transactions before releasing funds. “My House Co-Chair on the state’s Aging Committee, and I have worked with great success to strengthen protections for seniors by making sure financial institutions have the knowledge, tools and responsibility to help identify suspicious transactions and protect their customers,” Bolinsky continued. “We want Newtown residents to know that if something doesn’t feel right, stop, ask questions and don’t be afraid to report it. Scammers may know names, relationships, or other details that they can easily find on social media. To avoid falling victim, Foncello suggested calling the family member directly to verify if there’s an actual emergency, or to come up with a password to ask for only family members would know and to be wary of oversharing on social media. One of the other tips many participants found helpful was to scroll down below AI powered suggestions in search engines because they are not often correct. Another was to double check the email address of the sender if a message looks questionable.

Rep. Foncello Highlights New School Bus Safety Law

Students in Brookfield, Bethel and Newtown are starting a new school year this week! That means buses will be back on the roads and children waiting at the end of their driveways or on the side of a road for the bus. I co-sponsored a bill this session , which was signed into law, requiring a mandatory six-month suspension of a license of any driver who, a third or subsequent time, is caught violating the state law on stopping for school buses. Under existing law, drivers must stop their vehicles generally at least ten feet from the front or rear of a school bus that is displaying its flashing red signal lights and remain there until the bus no longer displays lights. Any person who violates this law faces a $450 fine for the first offense and a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in prison, or both for a subsequent offense. I wanted to remind everyone to be careful on our public roadways when school is in session, especially near bus stops, schools, playgrounds, and athletic fields. Safety tips for drivers: State law prohibits passing a school bus with its lights flashing. Some school buses are equipped with cameras to record passing drivers. Observe the no-passing law and expect the unexpected when traveling near school buses in school driveways. Watch for children, especially when driving in neighborhoods with school zones. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Safety tips for parents and children: Be waiting at your bus stop 5 minutes ahead of the scheduled pick up. Wait 10 feet back from the road and wear visible clothing. Always wait for the bus driver's head nod before boarding the bus or crossing the street. They're watching out for you! Avoid distracting the bus driver for anything other than an emergency.