By Charles Ferraro
State Rep., R-117
Charles Ferraro
To all residents of the 117th District in Milford, Orange and West Haven, thank you for trusting me and electing me for a fifth term as your state representative. It is the honor of a lifetime to represent you and your families in the General Assembly, and I look forward to tackling the challenges ahead. The conversations that we have had over the past year, and throughout my tenure in the state legislature, have prepared me to bring your voices to Hartford and always put our community first. I will continue to do that in the upcoming 2023 legislative session.
After campaigns and elections, which are meant to and tend to divide us, I want to emphasize our commitment to unity and the power that we hold as a community. Our district, consisting of parts of three unique cities and towns, serves as a great example of the strength of diversity. While we remember this, let’s also remember to continue our commitment to being good neighbors to one another.
Especially with winter approaching, and concerns of affordability highlighted by rising costs of home heating oil mounting, it’s more important than ever to check on neighbors and offer a helping hand whenever possible, especially to our most vulnerable neighbors and our seniors.
If you or a family member is in need of home heating assistance, there is still time to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Benefits from CEAP, federally funded by LIHEAP, include health and safety measures such as bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, and weatherization and energy-related home repairs. For more information on CEAP, including how to apply, visit benefits.gov/benefit/1552. This critical assistance could prove vital to you or a neighbor this winter.
I strongly encourage you and your family to be mindful of some home safety tips this winter. In addition to the financial difficulties posed by the increased cost to home heating oil, there is a great safety risk to not properly filling your oil tanks. Old and expired fuel can cause buildup that is both damaging to your oil tank and can produce toxic chemicals that are flammable and unsafe to be exposed to. Additionally, I recommend against the use of kerosene heaters in your home as they similarly pose a safety risk, especially if left unattended.
Together, we can ensure that our community enjoys a safe, healthy and prosperous winter and holiday season. Please continue to reach out to me at Charles.Ferraro@housegop.ct.gov with your questions and concerns regarding state issues.