Weekly Legislative Update February 7

February 7, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

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

It has been an eventful week at the Capitol. Governor Lamont presented his recommendations for the state budget, kicking off the budget process in the Appropriations Committee. The public hearing process is fully underway, and we have a host of bills that are making their way through the committee process.

However, with all of the uncertainty both at home and nationally we definitely have a lot more work to do.

With that in mind, I would ask each of us to take a moment to reflect on compassion and understanding. Now more than ever, we need to support one another. Whether it’s advocating for policies that make life better for our neighbors, or simply taking a moment to listen to each other. We are at our best when we stand together, and our community is strongest when we recognize the struggles people are facing and work toward solutions that lift all of us up.

As always, I appreciate hearing from you—your thoughts and experiences matter. If you have any ideas, concerns, or ways we can better support our community, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Working on the State Budget

Earlier this week, Governor Lamont presented his recommendations for the state budget, marking the beginning of our budget process in the Appropriations Committee and across the legislature.

Over the next few months, my colleagues and I will be listening to agency heads, nonprofit organizations, constituents, advocates, and government officials to determine the best way to operate our government responsibly and effectively.

From transportation and infrastructure to public services and economic development, our budget decisions will shape the future of Connecticut. Budgets are not just numbers—they are statements of our priorities and values.

I am a practical progressive: that means I am committed to crafting a budget that is balanced, ethical, and ensures our government serves the people efficiently. Let’s build a Connecticut that is stable, compassionate, well-managed, and forward-thinking.

Invitation to Testify: Public Hearing on Key Veteran Legislation

Veterans - I would like to invite you to an important public hearing hosted by the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 13, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 1C of the LOB, with virtual access via Zoom and YouTube Live.

Your voice matters and we want you to join us and are even offering a FREE tour of the CT Legislative Office Building and the Capitol at 9:15 a.m.

This hearing will address several key legislative proposals directly impacting veterans, including:

Property Tax Exemptions (S.B. 1091, S.B. 1276) for veterans, including those who are 100% disabled.
No-Cost Driver’s License Renewals for veterans (S.B. 1150) and Free Ridership on Veterans Day (H.B. 6728)
Affordable Housing for Disabled and Elderly Veterans (S.B. 1277, H.B. 6764, H.B. 6768).
Reimbursement of Fees and Specialty License Plates for veterans (H.B. 5787, H.B. 6722, H.B. 6734).
Recognition & Support Initiatives (H.B. 5787, 6722), including Veterans' Month designation (H.B. 6723) and protections against predatory benefit claims assistance (H.B. 6874, H.B. 6909).
Support for the CT Veterans Cemetery (H.B. 5117)
Dental Support for Veterans (H.B. 6755)

Your testimony on this legislation—whether sharing personal experiences, advocating for better resources, or supporting fellow veterans—can make a significant impact. You can participate in person, via Zoom, or by submitting written testimony.

How to Get Involved:
Register to Speak
Submit Written Testimony
Watch Live on YouTube

Legislative Priority: Special Education

Ensuring every child receives a quality education is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a state. Special education programs play a vital role in the learning and development of so many students, yet they are often overlooked or underfunded.

This year, I am proud to co-sponsor House Bill 5001, a comprehensive effort to strengthen and improve special education services across Connecticut. If passed, this legislation will bring meaningful change to the way we fund, support, and deliver special education in our schools.

Here’s some of what this bill aims to accomplish:

✅ More efficient and equitable funding for special education across Connecticut
✅ Stronger parent-educator communication to ensure families are informed and empowered
✅ Investments in recruiting and retaining more special education teachers and staff to meet growing needs

Every child deserves access to the resources and support they need to thrive in school. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this legislation a reality and to ensure Connecticut remains a leader in inclusive, high-quality education for all students.

Take My 2025 Survey

Your voice matters. As we continue this legislative session, I want to hear directly from you about the issues that are most important to our community. If you are a current resident of Stamford—or simply interested in government—I invite you to take a moment to complete my brief 2025 Legislative Survey.

Your feedback is crucial to the work we do. It helps shape the policies I advocate for and ensures that the concerns of our community are heard and addressed.

📋 Take the survey here:

2025 Legislative Survey

Thank you for your time and engagement—I look forward to reading your responses and continuing to work on behalf of our district.

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

Stamford Delegation Session Preview

Join me and the entire Stamford Delegation for a Legislative Session Preview on Monday, February 24th from 6:30P.M.-8:00P.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.

Kids Helping Kids

I would like to invite you all to join me at the 3rd annual Hope Day hosted by Kids Helping Kids. Hope Day is a mental health fair that gives teens and families an opportunity to connect with local mental health organizations and learn about what resources are available in our community. I am looking forward to attending and talking with our local organizations about their work in the community. The event is taking place on February 22nd from Noon - 3 pm at UCONN Stamford.

Women's Business Development Council Grant Applications Now Open

Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development.

The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, business must:

Be in operation for at least two years
Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.

The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.  

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.

Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.

Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today!

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