Legislative Update January 26

January 26, 2024

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you in good spirits! I'm excited to give you a glimpse into my recent endeavors, both locally and in Hartford.

As your representative, I'm dedicated to amplifying your voice and working tirelessly to address the concerns and priorities of our community. It's your insights that steer my actions and help me champion our shared goals.

Please remember that my office is always open to hear your thoughts, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have.

I'm truly grateful for your support and I'm honored to represent you in our state legislature. Together, let's keep striving to make positive changes in our community.

The Parent Leadership Training Institute Retreat

Recently, I attended the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) Retreat, where I had the opportunity to explain the impact that community organizations like PLTI had on my own life.

I highlighted how organizations like PLTI helped show me how to navigate systems of government in industry. More importantly, I expressed how organizations like PLTI help and instill the confidence I needed to take some of the major leaps in my own life.

State Treasurer Legislative Priorities

Earlier this week, State Treasurer Erick Russell welcomed legislators for an open conversation, shedding light on his office's crucial role in our state.

The event proved to be highly productive, fostering transparent discussions centered around Connecticut's pension funds-- an essential element underpinning the state's budgeting and fiscal management.

Visiting Stamford High School

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Michael Brown's AP History class, an experience that truly enriched my understanding of our students' educational journeys.

During my time with the class, I was struck by the unwavering commitment and diligent effort put forth by both the students and Mr. Brown. Witnessing firsthand our future leaders enhancing their ability to think critically was truly inspiring.

School Meals for All Press Conference

I was proud to stand with School Meals for All and fellow legislators yesterday to support funding to continue free breakfasts and lunches for students who are eligible for reduced-price meals.

Food insecurity is a widespread issue that affects numerous households. For those who struggle to put food on the table and fall outside the eligibility criteria for income-based assistance, the availability of a complimentary meal can have a significant positive impact.

Just as importantly, we need to remove the stigma for children who need meal assistance. School is hard enough without dealing with the additional pressures of being hungry or asking for help. That's why I remain committed to supporting programs that promote food security and eliminate the stigma associated with receiving meal assistance.

Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Induction

Recently, twelve distinguished veterans were welcomed into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame-- an esteemed recognition for those who continue to make remarkable impacts in their communities following their military careers.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the following 12 individuals being inducted into the CT Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2023:

John M. Chan – Avon - U.S. Air Force
Michael J. Dalton - Waterbury – U.S. Army
Richard G. DiFederico Jr. – Oakville – U.S. Navy
Maurice J. Fradette – Farmington - U.S. Navy
Michael S. Gozzo – Hamden - U.S. Marine Corps
Richard T. C. LeFave – Voluntown - U.S. Army
Joseph Luca – Meriden - U.S. Marine Corp
Daniel B. Reilly - Torrington – U.S. Air Force
William F. L. Rodgers - Newtown – U.S. Marine Corps
Lorenzo A. Santamaria – Guilford - U.S. Marine Corps
Charles F. Smith – Killingworth - U.S. Air Force
Peter C. Tragni - Waterbury – U.S. Army

Each veteran inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame has a unique story of service, sacrifice, and dedication. Their ongoing commitment to helping others serves as an inspiration to us all. These veterans exemplify the values of bravery, resilience, and compassion that define our nation's heroes.

Connecticut Launches New Portal for Jobseekers

Connecticut has launched its new jobs portal, jobs.ct.gov, which is aimed at assisting state residents — and those seeking to move here — in the process of finding a job.
Jobs.ct.gov joins health.ct.gov and business.ct.gov as the next service category in Connecticut's ongoing journey toward an all-digital state government that streamlines and improves access to services and resources. Some of the resources available through jobs.ct.gov include:

Powerful job search tools
Job search tips and personal help
Free and low-cost training, certificate, and classroom programs
Resources to help employers hire, train, and retain employees

All of the resources are Connecticut-specific and focus on connecting jobseekers with the variety of employment and workforce development opportunities.

The strong and steady statewide economy continues to add jobs, but employers in some industries still face workforce shortages, and jobs.ct.gov will be a valuable resource to them. This portal also importantly provides employers with information to reach greater numbers of skilled jobseekers from diverse backgrounds, which is critical to a more equitable Connecticut economy.

If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at 860-240-8585 if you ever need anything or by email at hubert.delany@cga.ct.gov

Sincerely,