CT Hearing About Irene Press Release

The Connecticut General Assembly

House Democrats

For IMMEDIATE Release Contact: Rose Ryan

September 15, 2011 (860) 240-8527

REP. LESSER SAYS LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS ABOUT IRENE START NEXT WEEK

Twitter, Facebook Accounts Set Up for

Those Unable to Attend Hartford Hearings

State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham, Middlefield, and Middletown) said that the legislature will begin holding hearings investigating the quality and effectiveness of Connecticut’s readiness and response to Tropical Storm Irene beginning next week.

Four committees of the General Assembly—Energy & Technology, Public Safety, Labor & Public Employees, and Planning & Development—will hold hearings on September 19^th and 26^th to hear from representatives and workers from electric, phone and internet companies, along with municipal officials and members of the general public.

"Lots of questions need to be answered about our preparedness for a storm," Rep. Lesser said. "While my hat is off to the heroic efforts of utility crews and our local response in Durham, Middletown and Middlefield, we were only hit by a tropical storm. If Irene had hurricane force winds, how bad would things have been? These hearings are a first step in taking a sober look at the utilities and our readiness."

Rep. Lesser, who sits on the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, said that House Democrats have set up Facebook and Twitter accounts at http://www.facebook.com/pages/After-Irene-CT/262762473747233 and http://twitter.com/#!/AfterIreneCT to accept public comments and suggestions about experiences with the storm and the state’s readiness for and response to it.

“As far as I know, this is the first time the public has had the opportunity to submit official testimony using social media. It's a great way to make sure your voice is heard,” said Rep. Lesser.

On September 19th, the hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. with representatives of CL&P, UI and municipal utilities, followed by municipal representatives and officials from telephone, cable and wireless utility companies. The hearing will conclude at 4:30 p.m.

On September 26th, members of the public will have the opportunity to appear before the committees beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by union representatives and the electric utility companies. Members of the public will have an additional chance for comment before the hearing close that afternoon.

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State Representative Matt Lesser is serving his second term representing the 100th Assembly District of Durham, Middlefield, Rockfall and Middletown. He is Vice Chair of the state legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee.

Rose Ryan

Communications Coordinator

House Democrats

Connecticut General Assembly

Legislative Office Building

Room 5000

Hartford, CT 06106

(860) 240-8527

Rose.Ryan@cga.ct.gov