Legislative Update February 28th

February 28, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you and your family well and staying warm during these winter months.

It has been an eventful week both nationally and here in Connecticut. I have been working tirelessly on key legislation, engaging in critical debates, and standing up for the issues that matter most to our community.

From advancing meaningful policies to advocating for solutions that improve everyday life, my commitment remains steadfast: to fight for you and ensure our government works for all of us.

As always, I write this newsletter with our community at the forefront of my mind. Below, you’ll find updates on legislation I’ve helped pass, the bills I am proud to co-sponsor, the issues I’m championing, and resources that I hope will be helpful to you and your family.

Thank you for your continued trust and support—I am honored to serve you.

Legislative Session Updates

This week, my colleagues and I were hard at work in the House Chamber, passing meaningful legislation that supports the people of Connecticut. To me that work was guided by a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

I do not support Washington’s war on diversity and their targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity, and I plan to legislate that way, too.

We fighting hard and taking action to protect the rights and well-being of students, veterans, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those seeking reproductive healthcare.

Here’s a summary of some of what we accomplished in the chamber week:

✅ Protecting Schools & Students – This bill will provide structure for our students. Ensuring designated administrators handle immigration matters and interactions between ICE and school officials, and that school staff cannot be disciplined for following legal protections.

✅ Investing in Special Education – We secured $40 million in special education funding, providing immediate relief to over 140 school districts. While the governor has raised concerns about this funding, I remain optimistic that we can reach a workable agreement to ensure students receive the support they need.

✅ Standing Up for Reproductive Rights – We provided critical funding to Planned Parenthood to ensure continued access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and comprehensive sex education.

✅ Supporting Immigrants & LGBTQ+ Communities – We funded organizations that assist immigrants, refugees, and displaced individuals, ensuring they receive advocacy and support services, including those that serve LGBTQ+ communities.

✅ Providing Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans – The House passed legislation expanding tax relieffor 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans, easing their financial burden and recognizing their sacrifices.

This is what it means to govern with fairness and compassion. We are delivering real solutions, standing up for basic rights, and working to build a Connecticut that reflects our values of inclusion, opportunity, and justice for all.

News Briefing on CT's Responses to the Trump Administration

My colleagues State Rep. Matthew Blumenthal, State Rep. Jonathan Jacobson, and I proudly stood alongside Attorney General William Tong, our constitutional officers, and other state legislators to address the recent federal actions and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of Connecticut residents.

During this press conference, we discussed Connecticut’s participation in a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional actions and its delegation of power through the Department of Justice as well as our positions on a variety of issues affecting the residence of our state

There is uncertainty ahead, and much more work to do—but let me be clear: we will not back down. We will not be deterred or turned away when it comes to defending the fundamental rights of our residents.

Click below to view the full coverage of the event and the items discussed

Read: 5 takeaways as top Connecticut Democrats look back on Trump's first month

Watch the full press conference here

Working with Advocates for Equity & Progress

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Connecticut Voices United for Legislative Advocacy, Equity, and Progress Breakfast with 100 Black Men of Stamford and the New Haven Metropolitan Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. These organizations came to the Legislative Office Building to discuss key issues, the bills they support, and policies that may negatively impact their communities.

I was honored to speak with attendees and listen directly to their concerns, and addressed to key policies that will affect our black and brown communities.

These groups play a critical role in advocating for equity and fairness for all residents, and their voices are essential in shaping policies that uplift our communities.

I am proud to support their efforts and will continue working alongside them to ensure that their priorities are heard and addressed.

Our work is strongest when we engage with those directly impacted by the policies we create, and I look forward to continuing these important conversations.

Read: National coalitions of Black men, women voice concerns to Hartford lawmakers

End Homelessness Caucus

Last week, I was proud to stand with my fellow lawmakers and members of the public to outline the priorities of the End Homelessness Caucus. We are a group of bipartisan lawmakers working to obtain lifesaving funding and programs for unhoused people across Connecticut.
Despite efforts from shelters and community organizations to provide aid, not enough is being done to help those without reliable housing. One out of every four people trying to get into shelters have been denied due to a lack of space. We need more funding to expand state provided services and help those in need.

This session, the End Homelessness Caucus priorities are to:

Pass H.B. 6894: AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS – if passed, this bill would form a council to create a more comprehensive and effective approach to the homelessness crisis, addressing it's causes and potential solutions.
Pass H.B. 7033: AN ACT PROHIBITING A MUNICIPALITY FROM IMPOSING ANY PENALTY ON HOMELESS PERSONS FOR PERFORMING LIFE-SUSTAINING ACTIVITIES ON PUBLIC LAND – this policy would help prevent our state from criminalizing homelessness, and ensure we are not making life harder for those who are already spending so much of their energy just fighting to survive.
Add $33.5 million as an annual line item in the budget for homelessness services.
Add $5 million-dollar annual line item in the budget to fully fund cold-weather services.

These priorities reflect the real needs of our communities, and I am committed to ensuring that the policies we pass deliver tangible change and lasting impact.

Legislation I am Supporting

I want to share with you two bills I am proud to co-sponsor this legislative session, H.B. 5328 and S.B. 08.

H.B. 5328 addresses the long-term care insurance and affordability crisis across the state. Companies are pricing out thousands of individuals out of their plans after they paid into them for decades. Some are forced to drop benefits to save money resulting in not being able to take advantage of the benefits they paid into. I am honored to be a cosponsor of this bill to protect long-term care policyholders by limiting premium increases.

The proposed bill would:

Prohibit insurers from requesting premium hikes that exceed the annual average Consumer Price Index for urban consumers for policies held for 15 years or more.
Cap all premium increases a t 5%.
Require insurers requesting increases of 20% or more to spread the increase over at least five years.

S.B. 08 aims to enhance workers' rights, including unemployment for striking workers and support for factory workers. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill and I am dedicated to strengthening the rights and protections of the Connecticut workforce.

I would like to thank Kevin Tobias and Jean Saintilare : two local activists and union workers. Mr. Tobias and Saintilare recently helped secure union benefits for themselves in their colleagues, and a local strike and Stamford.

They also took the time to advocate on behalf of their community, and they helped inspire my support of this legislation this year.

Kids Helping Kids Annual Hope Day Recap

The third annual Kids Helping Kids Hope Day was a huge success! The day was filled with activities and resources to help educate the community on the mental health challenges impacting our youth. The event had incredible turnout and featured 40 vendors who are dedicated to making a difference in our community.

I want to extend my gratitude to the hard-working volunteers of Kids Helping Kids who put on this incredible event. Their dedication to fighting the stigma around mental health is remarkable and I am proud to support their efforts on this cause.

Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Public Hearings

The Connecticut Black & Puerto Rican Caucus is pleased to announce its upcoming public hearings, providing an opportunity for organizations and individuals to share their concerns and perspectives. Your input is invaluable, and we look forward to hearing from you.

To ensure a structured and productive discussion, the hearings will be divided into two sessions:

Constituents (individuals not representing organizations) will have a hearing on:

March 3, 2025, at 4:30 PM | To Register Click Here

Lobbyists, organizations, and state agencies will have a hearing on

March 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM | To Register Click Here

Virtual options are available for all hearings. Zoom details will be provided upon completion of registration.

We kindly request all participants to adhere to the designated dates to maintain the intended structure of the hearings. For any questions or further information, please contact us at CTBPRC@gmail.com.

Upcoming Legislative Town Hall

Join me and the entire Stamford Delegation for a Legislative Session Preview on Thursday, March 6th from 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. We will discuss many topics related to this year's session and value your input and questions. This event is open to the public at the Ferguson Library Main Branch at One Public Library Plaza in Stamford.

Update on Stamford Health and Anthem BCBS Insurance Contract

I am excited to share some good news about your healthcare options in Stamford. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut and Stamford Health have reached a new multi-year contract. This new deal ensures that Stamford Hospital and other Stamford Health facilities and physician practices remain part of Anthem’s network.

Unemployment for Federal Workers

The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has introduced a valuable new resource for federal employees and contractors who have recently lost their jobs or been placed on unpaid administrative leave. These individuals can now apply for unemployment benefits through a dedicated page on the CTDOL website, streamlining access to financial assistance during this challenging time.

Eligibility for benefits is determined on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each applicant’s unique circumstances are carefully considered. CTDOL encourages affected workers to explore this resource and apply as soon as possible to receive the support they may be entitled to.

Click here to learn more and begin your application

ACLU Resources

In recent weeks, I’ve heard from so many in our community who are deeply concerned about the increased actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Let me be clear: Connecticut stands with our immigrant communities, and so do I. My colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that everyone—regardless of status—feels safe, supported, and welcomed in our state.

No matter your immigration status, you have rights. You are protected under the U.S. Constitution and Connecticut law, and it is crucial that you know how to exercise those rights.

To help with this, the ACLU of Connecticut has put together a comprehensive Immigrants' Rights & Resources Guide, which provides important information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones. I strongly encourage everyone to review and share these resources, and I will continue to provide additional information in the coming months.

Additionally, my colleagues in the Connecticut Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus have raised serious concerns about the increased presence of ICE in Stamford, Bridgeport, Willimantic, East Hartford, and the Park Street area of Hartford. We have sent a letter to our federal counterparts demanding answers and are working closely with municipal leaders and local organizations to ensure our communities get the resources they need.

If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance or support, please reach out. Stay informed, know your rights, and remember: you are not alone. Connecticut is your home, and we will continue to fight for you.

ACLU Know Your Rights Guide

Guidance to K-12 Public Schools Pertaining to Immigration Activities

If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to email me directly or contact my office at (860) 240-8585.

Sincerely,

Hubert Delany