News

AARP Connecticut Urges PURA to Deny Eversource & United Illuminating Rate Increase Requests

AARP Connecticut encourages potentially impacted ratepayers to voice their position on the rate increase requests.

  • Tell PURA to Reject the UI Rate Increase Request: https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-pura-reject-ui-rate-increase-request
  • Tell PURA to Reject the Eversource Rate Increase Request: https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-pura-reject-eversource-rate-increase-request

AARP Connecticut submitted comments to the Connecticut Public Regulatory Authority (PURA) in opposition to requests for sizable electricity rate increases by Eversource Energy and United Illuminating Company.
“AARP calls on PURA to reject the latest rate increase proposals by Eversource and United Illuminating,” said John Erlingheuser, AARP Connecticut Senior Advocacy Director. “The excessive rate increase requests are an unnecessary and uneconomic expense on Connecticut ratepayers, especially older and low-income residents, who are struggling to pay their utility bills along with other household expenses like food and medicine. We urge PURA to fully examine Eversource and UI’s recent performances and consider the impact and unfair burden these increases would add for residents.”

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Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders Annual Gala is Back!

Mark your calendars - The BCYL Annual Gala is back!💃
Together we have the ability to genuinely make a difference and assist our students in attaining a college degree.
🗓 Saturday, April 6th
⏰ 6 pm - 11:30 pm
📍 Sacred Heart University West Campus
We hope to see you there! All proceeds benefit the Caribe Scholarship Fund.

Secure your ticket today!🎟

Abolition of Slavery in Puerto Rico – Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County

Join the Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County for a critical conversation on the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico!

The Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County is excited to host Professor Aidalí Lay Aponte Ávila from Trinity College for a workshop at the McGivney Center (338 Stillman Street, Bridgeport, CT) on Saturday, March 23, 2024, starting at 12:00 p.m.

Let's explore the historical context, ongoing struggles, and the path forward.

Don't miss out on this enlightening event!

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¿Los colegios comunitarios en CT son gratuitos?

Si bien la asistencia a los colegios comunitarios de Connecticut no es gratuita, los estudiantes que califiquen pueden graduarse sin deudas relacionadas con la matrícula a través de la iniciativa estatal “Pledge to Advance Connecticut”. El programa cubrirá todas las matrículas y cuotas obligatorias de algunos de los estudiantes más pobres del estado.

Pero cuando los funcionarios aumentan la matrícula como lo han hecho en los últimos años, eso no sólo aumenta los costos directos para aproximadamente dos tercios de todos los estudiantes de colegios comunitarios (aquellos fuera del PACT) sino que también podría obligar a aquellos en el programa a cubrir una mayor proporción de los costos relacionados, los que involucran libros, computadoras y transporte.

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Is CT community college free for everyone?

While Connecticut’s community colleges are not free to attend, qualifying students can graduate without tuition-related debt through the state’s Pledge to Advance Connecticut initiative. The program will cover all tuition and mandatory fees for some of the state’s poorest students.

But when officials increase tuition as they have in recent years, that not only increases direct costs for roughly two-thirds of all community college students — those outside of the PACT — but also could force those in the program to cover a greater share of related costs, involving books, computers and transportation.

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GBLN Pa’Lante Speaker Series -Estate Planning 101: Getting Down to Basics and Beyond

We are excited to introduce you to the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network Pa'Lante Speaker Series! This virtual series will serve as a vehicle to highlight topics affecting the Latino community in the Greater Bridgeport Region and beyond, allowing viewers to easily engage and interact with the conversation.

This month's topic is Estate Planning 101: Getting Down to Basics and Beyond

DATE / TIME: Tuesday, March 19th at 7PM

Most Latinos(as) don't realize the assets they leave behind to their heirs have the potential to be a significant issue due to lack of planning.

Join Attorney Ann L. Fowler-Cruz and GBLN President Eddie Martinez for an informative Estate Planning conversation, where strategic planning meets peace of mind. We will discuss asset distribution, incapacity planning, how to avoid probate court, and more!

Our conversation will also include a testimonial by Jamaira Quiles and a Q & A session to answer personalized questions you may have about Estate Planning.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Registration Link

2024 Medicare Summary (English & Spanish)

Its that time of the year, the income eligibility guidelines have changed for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). Accordingly, below are two new flyers (in English and Spanish) that include the new income guidelines for 2024 as well as an MSP flowchart outlining the three Medicare Savings Programs. More than 50% of individuals who are eligible for MSP assistance are not aware that they may qualify.

If a Medicare beneficiary would like to be screened and apply for MSP, the beneficiary may contact the CHOICES program at 1(800)994-9422.

Below are also printable versions of the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s 2024 Medicare Summary, in English and Spanish.

Medicare Summary

Resumen de Medicare

Flowchart English

Flowchart Spanish

MSP Flyer with Graphic

MSP Flyer with Graphic Spanish

Citywide Public Art – Request for Expressions of Interest

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the City of Bridgeport is embarking on its third year of captivating Public Art projects. Over the initial two years, our projects graced the heart of Downtown, thanks to a fruitful collaboration with the Downtown Special Services District (DSSD). Now, as we enter a new chapter, we are delighted to announce broader partnerships to extend the canvas of artistic vibrancy to every corner of our City!

To all the passionate artists out there, we extend a warm invitation to participate in this creative journey by engaging with the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) provided below. If you have any questions please reach out to John O'Grodnick.

Your enthusiastic responses are eagerly anticipated, and we are excited to welcome you to join our remarkable lineup of artists who have significantly contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of our city over the past two years!

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