Legislative Update March 24th

March 24, 2025



 

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you and your family well as we move closer to warmer months and brighter days.

 

The fight for a better, more just, and effective government continues. From standing up for diversity to crafting key legislation on some of the most pressing issues of our time, the work has been both challenging and rewarding. But what continues to inspire me is the will and determination of our community—the way our neighbors fight for themselves and each other.

 

Despite the division we may see in Washington, I see an army of good people here in Connecticut working tirelessly to make life better for those around them. I’ve seen them come to the Capitol to testify, spend late nights and weekends volunteering to help those in need, and advocate for policies that strengthen our communities. Their dedication fuels my own, and I carry their hard work with me through every long day and late night as we push for meaningful change.

 

This week’s newsletter includes updates from the House Session, a recap from our Stamford Delegation Town Hall, legislation I’m working on, and resources and events that may be helpful to you and your family

 

As always, I am dedicated to hearing your concerns and working on solutions that make a difference. If there’s ever anything I can do to help, please feel free to email me or reach out to my cell phone at (203) 397-6167.

 

Legislative Session Updates

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives met to approve judicial nominations, pass immediate special education funding, approve funds for local non-profits, and vote in favor of a state conservation plan. I'm honored to have been a part of the group of lawmakers pushing for these key social and environmental improvements in our state. 

 

I am also proud to have once again voted to pass a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.

 

The bill we passed is a modified version of the legislation we approved the week prior. It will deliver the same level of funding for special education, but pulls that money from different sources. I am pleased that we were able to find a compromise with Governor Lamont to pass this legislation. 

 

Legislation I Am Supporting

I also wanted to take a moment to share two bills I am proud to support and co-sponsor this session, S.B. 02 and H.B. 5002.

I am proud to support S.B. 02: An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence, a critical step toward ensuring fairness, regulation, accountability, and transparency in AI systems used in Connecticut.

This legislation sets clear safeguards for AI-driven decisions that impact individuals' lives. For example, any organization using AI to make significant decisions must have human accountability built into their systems. This means: 

  • A real person must oversee AI-driven decisions to ensure they are fair, unbiased, and legally compliant.
  • That person must also have a legal obligation not to discriminate against individuals based on race, gender, disability, or any other protected category.

AI technology is evolving rapidly, and Connecticut must lead in establishing responsible and ethical regulations. I invite you to read my new article on AI regulation and why I support SB 02 here:

Read my Op-ed Here

Fighting for Housing Solutions: HB 5002 & Key Housing Legislation

 

Housing is one of my top priorities this year, and H.B. 5002: An Act Concerning Housing and the Needs of Homeless Persons is a key bill in our efforts to lower housing costs and expand access to safe, affordable homes. If passed, this bill will:

 

Reform land use laws to spur new construction and support municipal infrastructure expansion
Work with housing authorities to build more public housing
Strengthen tenant protections to prevent homelessness
Increase funding for homelessness prevention programs

 

In addition to HB 5002, I am also supporting several other key housing bills this session. 


H.B. 7033: AN ACT PROHIBITING A MUNICIPALITY FROM IMPOSING ANY PENALTY ON HOMELESS PERSONS FOR PERFORMING LIFE-SUSTAINING ACTIVITIES ON PUBLIC LAND

H.B. 6894: AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS

 

Stamford Town Hall

The Stamford Delegation and I had the opportunity to meet with community members at the Ferguson Library for a Legislative Town Hall to discuss key issues and address concerns.

 

It was great to connect with residents and share the work we are doing at the state level, particularly in response to federal policies and executive orders that impact our communities. Now more than ever, it is critical to make your voice heard, and I remain committed to advocating for you.

 

Thank you to all the families, friends, and neighbors who attended. I look forward to continuing these conversations and working together to ensure Connecticut remains strong and resilient. If you ever need assistance or have concerns, I am always here as a resource for you and your family.

 

Fighting for Diversity: BPRC Public Hearing

The Connecticut Black & Puerto Rican Caucus (BPRC) Public Hearings were a resounding success, bringing together voices from across the state to speak directly to lawmakers about the issues impacting our Black and Latino communities. 

 

These hearings were not just discussions—they were a powerful demonstration of democracy in action, where community members, advocates, and organizations stood together to fight for a kinder, more inclusive, and more just government.

 

I want to give a special shout out to Jere Eaton, a dedicated Stamford advocate who attended hearings, as well as to all the Stamford families, organizations, and individuals who showed up to lend their voices and share their lived experiences. Your participation is what makes these conversations meaningful and helps drive real policy change.

 

As we move forward, we will continue to elevate community voices and push for legislation that reflects the needs of our people. Thank you to everyone who took the time to testify, organize, and engage—your advocacy matters.

Black and Puerto Rican Caucus February 26th Public Hearing
Black and Puerto Rican Caucus March 3rd Public Hearing
Black and Puerto Rican Caucus March 10th Public Hearing
 

Trust Act Rally

As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I had the opportunity to hear powerful testimony from advocates, families, and community leaders in support of House Bill 7212, which seeks to strengthen Connecticut’s Trust Act. I also stood alongside these families at the Trust Act Rally outside the Capitol, where I was proud to support their fight for justice and dignity.

 

Connecticut’s Trust Act ensures that local and state law enforcement do not share immigration status information with federal authorities, with certain exceptions for serious crimes. HB 7212 builds on these protections by further restricting the sharing of personal information, such as home and work addresses, school locations, and schedules, unless there is a signed judicial warrant or subpoena.

 

Immigrants are a vital part of our communities, and their safety and ability to live without fear of unjust enforcement is my priority. Strengthening the Trust Act is about protecting families, workers, and students from unnecessary harm and reinforcing Connecticut’s commitment to fairness and justice.

🔗 Read more about my support for the Trust Act here: 

Trust Act Rally Article
Trust Act Public Hearing Article
 

Stamford Veterans Resource Center Anniversary

We celebrated the second year of operation for the Stamford Veteran Resource Center. The celebration was to honor the incredible work being done by the center and their dedicated staff and volunteers. The Stamford Resource Center provides critical resources to veterans in our community and is a place for all veterans and their families to gain access to services they need. Having this resource center in our community is a major asset and I look forward to continuing to support their work.

During the event, I had the honor of delivering citations to the local veteran heroes who helped us pass the 100% property tax abatement for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans.

I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Kieran Edmonson, Thomas Finn, Philip Alan Gerard, Winton Hill, Kenneth Wenberg, Maureen McGovern, and Thomas Patterson for your incredible testimony and advocacy on behalf of the veteran community in Stamford and across Connecticut. 
 

Reproductive Rights Caucus Priorities

As a member of the Reproductive Rights Caucus, I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues to unveil our legislative priorities for this session. Our collective goal is clear: to ensure that everyone in Connecticut has access to the full spectrum of affordable, high-quality reproductive healthcare they need and deserve.
 
Unfortunately, reproductive rights and healthcare are under attack as never before – not just from other states, but from the federal government, where efforts to restrict access and criminalize care are escalating. Here in Connecticut, we refuse to let these threats go unanswered. We must stand firm against those who are trying to intimidate our doctors, nurses, residents, and people who come to Connecticut from other states seeking safe, legal care that is protected by our state laws.

We must do everything we can to safeguard the privacy of patients and protect those who deliver reproductive healthcare, including through telemedicine, from legal attacks. We took a crucial step forward last week by passing a measure that allocates $800,000 to Planned Parenthood of Southern New England to supports its operations. This includes stockpiling mifepristone, an essential medication used for reproductive healthcare. Our work does not stop here. We must continue to protect and expand access, ensuring that no one is denied care due to fear, financial barriers, or political interference.

Reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right. The people of Connecticut deserve dignity, privacy, and access to the care they need to live as their true, authentic selves – and I will continue fighting to make that a reality.
Watch the full Press Conference Here
 

In the News: Stamford Fire

The recent four-alarm fire on Bedford Street was a devastating loss for our small businesses and local community. My heart goes out to all those impacted by this tragedy.

 

While we are grateful that no civilians were harmed, the damage to these businesses is heartbreaking. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Stamford Fire Department and first responders, whose swift action and dedication prevented even greater devastation.

 

Stamford is a resilient city, and as we move forward, I am committed to working with local leaders, business owners, and state agencies to ensure those affected get the support and resources they need to rebuild.

Read More about the Bedford Street Fire here
 

Pride and Politics Panel

I am excited to share an upcoming Pride & Politics discussion, where leaders in the LGBTQ+ community will discuss navigating the world of politics through their personal and professional experiences.

 

Join Treasurer Erick Russell, Darien Deputy Registrar of Voters Corey Frate, and Justice of the Peace Jeffrey Busch for an insightful conversation on Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 PM at the Norwalk Conservatory (24 Belden Avenue).

 

This event is a great opportunity to hear from LGBTQ+ leaders about their experiences in public service and the importance of representation in politics. All are welcome to attend!

 

Mill River Park's Easter Bunny Trail

Hop into spring with us on April 12 from 3 - 5 PM for Mill River Park’s Easter Bunny Trail event on the Park's West side! Enjoy a fun-filled day with a bunny trail featuring 12 egg stations, and a photo-op with springtime inflatables. The Carousel will also be open with Easter-themed treats and rides both available for purchase.

 

Don't forget to bring your basket!

 

Registration is required.

More Information and Registration Here
 

Tax Return Resources

There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.
 
Button: Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool - https://directfile.irs.gov/
 
The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here is some of the eligibility date for VITA:

  • Household income less than $68,000
  • If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
  • No income from a rental property

The Ferguson Library is offering free tax help at the Harry Bennett and Weed Memorial & Hollander branches through April 15th. 

Click here for more information
 

Job Assistance For Displaced Federal Workers 

If you are a Connecticut resident who has been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know this…CONNECTICUT HAS YOUR BACK.
 
The federal government may have turned its back on you, but Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers here are eager to benefit from your expertise.
 
The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time.
 
Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.
 

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

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