Several new affordability measures will greatly benefit Connecticut seniors. Beyond bills creating new utility protections, state lawmakers also passed legislation creating a family caregiver tax credit.

Data show more than 773,000 adults in the state – more than a quarter of its population – care for a family member or friend with a complex medical condition or disability.

Natalie Shurtleff, associate state director of advocacy and outreach at AARP Connecticut, said the tax credit provides financial relief to people who need it.

"Family caregivers often spend a lot of money out of pocket to keep their loved ones at home," she said. "Our data shows, on average, caregivers are spending about $7,200 each year."

People who incur eligible expenses to care for and support an eligible family member would be able to receive a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $2,000. This comes as many adults fall into the "sandwich generation" in which they both care for an older family member and raise their kids, leaving them financially squeezed.

Beyond the affordability programs, the state is also doing more to improve fraud protections. Federal Trade Commission data finds consumers nationwide paid an average of $212 to gift card scams collectively, and typical losses are around $5,100 per incident. Shurtleff said the new protections will prevent further damage.

"The bill that passed is going to enhance penalties," she said, "and really give law enforcement more tools to address this type of fraud."

The General Assembly also passed legislation calling for the state Banking Committee chairpersons to create a 19-person working group to study consumer fraud and the best ways to protect against it.

Source: Public News Service