April 19, 2017

Zawistowski, Storms Vote in Favor of Independent Consumer Advocate

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HARTFORD – State Representatives Tami Zawistowski (R-61) and Scott Storms (R-60) recently voted in favor of legislation that establishes an independent consumer advocate for the Metropolitan District Commission in Hartford County.

The legislation, H.B. 6008 – An Act Establishing An Independent Consumer Advocate For Metropolitan District Of Hartford County Consumers, establishes a new independent consumer advocate, appointed by the consumer counsel, to advocate for and represent Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) customers in all matters that may affect them, including rates, water quality, water supply, and wastewater service quality. H.B. 6008 establishes the consumer advocate’s qualifications, rights, and responsibilities, which include preparing quarterly reports and holding an annual public forum on his or her activities.

“This bill establishes a much-needed independent consumer advocate to act on behalf of MDC consumers for a wide range of matters – from rates to water supply and water quality,” said Rep. Zawistowski. “It also offers protections to MDC member towns in the event one or more of the municipalities served by MDC fails to make required payments. As ranking member on the Planning & Development Committee, I supported this bill in committee, and again on the House floor. It’s a good bill that should improve customer service and responsiveness to water-related issues.”

As passed in the House, the amended bill provides certain protections to member towns in the event of a municipal default in payment of their share of MDC operating costs.

“I believe that the Amended Bill will allow the MDC to better serve the people of Windsor and other member towns within the district,” said Rep. Storms. “The Independent Consumer Advocate will certainly improve citizen involvement in the MDC processes, and I fully endorse the protections offered by this bill to the member towns and the people of the 60th District. I was pleased to have been able to support this effort.”

H.B. 6008, as amended, passed the House of Representatives unanimously and now awaits further action before the Senate. Both Reps. Zawistowski and Storms are co-sponsors of the bill.

For more information, please contact the representatives by calling (860) 240-8700 or by emailing Tami.Zawistowski@housegop.ct.gov or Scott.Storms@housegop.ct.gov.