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New Laws Effective October 1
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A number of new laws that passed during the 2024 legislative session went into effect on Tuesday, October 1. Thank you for your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings. Public input and feedback had a direct influence on these new laws. I encourage you to continue sharing your views and make your voice heard.
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New laws include increasing safety for home health care aides who are on the front lines of direct contact with clients, giving the elderly population more options for choosing nursing homes, and preventing discrimination for those under mental health care.
The internet is a great informational resource, but it can also be misused by thieves, bullies, predators, scam artists, and other criminals. To protect privacy, online services will be prohibited from collecting personal data without approval from those under 18, and those 13 years of age and younger only with parental consent.
Animal rights were on the radar with the banning of dog races and the gifting of live animals at fairs, and increased penalties for hurting or killing a police dog. Also, the Siberian Husky will officially be the state dog on October 1!
Additionally, to help facilitate voting access for eligible voters, we included a question on the ballot in our next election that will allow voters to choose whether to implement a law for no-excuse absentee ballots. With that in mind, the integrity of our electoral system is central to voter trust and participation in elections and to help safeguard that confidence we extended the time violations of state election laws can be referred to the State Elections Enforcement Commission for investigation.
There are several new laws in addition to the above – please follow the link below for the full list and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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I am proud to announce that the Stamford delegation has secured funding from the Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) totaling $7,655,080 for the Mill River Park Collaborative's proposed renovation project. The Community Commons: Completing Mill River Park is the final phase of the long-term master plan that has already delivered substantial benefits to city residents. This project will continue to enhance the park's amenities, including year-round restrooms, an expansive dog park, seating, play areas, and event spaces.
The funding was approved a few weeks ago at the Community Investment Fund’s meeting in Hartford. Grant funding is subject to final approval by the State Bond Commission.
The extension of the park will serve as an important buffer along Washington Boulevard, Stamford's busiest thoroughfare, thereby enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians. |
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Over the last 20 years, the Mill River Park Collaborative, partnering with Stamford and nonprofits, tirelessly worked to expand the park, build and maintain a greenway, and deliver thousands of hours of free enrichment programming. The park connects and attracts residents from every section of the city, both through its paths and greenery but also through summer camps, carousel rides, food truck festivals, and, later this year, critical subsidized after-school care.
The Community Commons Project is the necessary next phase of growth for both the park and the city. The importance of nature and access to the outdoors is critical to everyone’s health, especially children. Parks are key to communities connecting, and this park serves as the neighborhood’s yard to gather, celebrate, and create community.
Mill River Park has provided residents with an outdoor space that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. This funding will ensure that the park continues to be a safe, welcoming, and fun place for everyone in our community. I'd like to thank my colleagues in the Stamford delegation for collectively fighting for this funding, as well as Governor Lamont and the CIF Board for this investment. |
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Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15, and will be celebrated through October 15. During this time, we’re not just celebrating culture - we’re honoring generations of resilience, creativity, and impact. From art to innovation, the Latino community continues to shape our world in powerful ways. Let’s uplift, honor, and keep making history together |
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Optimum and the Univision Foundation are sponsoring the 17th annual Hispanic Heritage Student Essay Contest. Middle and high school students can submit an essay on their connection to Hispanic culture. Four $3,000 scholarships will be awarded. Click here to learn more. |
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Increase in Early Childhood Relief |
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Great news for families across Connecticut: my colleagues and I have passed several changes to our early child care and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access these programs while also lowering the costs for parents.
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids - the state program supporting low to moderate-income families with the costs of child care - will be capped at 7% of household income, down from the current rate of 10%. This change is estimated to save parents an average of $200 per month.
And effective Oct. 1, 2024, families participating in Care 4 Kids can remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income, an increase from the current limit of 65%. This means parents are less likely to worry about whether accepting a raise at work means they cannot receive child care assistance anymore.
I'm also happy to see the capacity of these programs expanded:
- An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
- An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds
Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for child care while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state.
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Apply for the Legislative Internship Program |
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The application for the 2025 Legislative Internship Program will be open through Nov. 1, 2024.
Please click here for more information and to apply.
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New Lights Coming to 1-95
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that SBEA (Small Business Energy Advantage) roadway lighting replacement will be performed on I-95 in Stamford/Norwalk. This project began September 30, and is scheduled to be completed on Thursday, October 31.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be alternating on I-95 north and southbound Monday, September 30 to Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Signing patterns will be provided by State Forces and will guide motorists through the work zone.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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Upcoming Events at Ferguson Library
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The Ferguson Library will hold several fun events throughout the month. This includes visits by authors Stephen Solomon and Jonathan Lethem, a genealogy workshop for for Italians and Italian-Americans to trace their ancestry, and more!
Then on October 28 at 6:30 P.M., bestselling author Jonathan Lethem will talk about his book, Brooklyn Crime Novel, a sweeping story of community, crime and gentrification, tracing more than 50 years of life in one Brooklyn neighborhood. Brooklyn Crime Novel was named a Best Book of the Year by The Boston Globe, The New Yorker, NPR and PopMatters. Register here.
October is Italian-American Heritage Month, when we honor the contributions of Italian Americans and celebrate their rich heritage. For those interested in learning more about their Italian ancestry, the library is offering a genealogy workshop October 7 on researching Italian families. Then on October 17, you are invited to meet celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich. Register for these events on the library's online calendar.
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Dr. James Forman, Jr., the J. Skelly Wright Professor of Law at Yale Law School, will discuss the book, Dismantling Mass Incarceration: A Handbook for Change, during the annual Howard Kaplan Memorial Lecture on Law and Society on November 14 at 6:30 P.M. at the Main Library. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot. |
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Visit the Ferguson Library website for more information. |
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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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