Rep. Delany Legislative Update 6/10

June 10, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope that you and your family are well and are enjoying the warm, soon-to-be Summer Days. 

This past week has been filled with changes for me, my family, our community, and our state. 

This past week I asked my better half if she would take me as her fiancé, this afternoon I stood by my colleagues to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday, and tomorrow our city will be hosting a March For Our Lives rally in support of strong common-sense gun laws. 

Although there is still a lot of work to be done. I ask that that you remain hopeful as we continue the fight to make our community an equitable and fair place to live

Below is more detailed information on the actions I have taken, legislation enacted, and the upcoming events and resources for Stamford:
 
SHE SAID 'YES!'

A few days ago I asked the most incredible woman if she would have me as her husband to be. From the day her and I met I’ve been so filled with color, love, gratitude, and joy. Through every experience she has helped make me a better man. 

Ayanis Lindo, I love you so much, and I cannot imagine a world without you!
 
JUNETEENTH BILL SIGNING

I had the honor Friday to attend a bill signing ceremony at the Amistad ship in New London for legislation establishing Juneteenth as a legal state holiday in Connecticut.

Juneteenth — the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States — is a recognition of June 19, 1865, when the enslaved in Galveston, Texas, first learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

We cannot understate the importance of Juneteenth.
I also had the chance to speak in support of establishing Juneteenth as a legal state holiday in Connecticut when the bill was brought to the floor during the session. 

The pride that I felt in speaking that day and listening to my colleagues in the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus during the debate was immeasurable.
 
 
RALLY TO DEMAND AN END TO GUN VIOLENCE

This Saturday at Mill River Park in Stamford at 11 a.m., there will be a rally to demand an end to gun violence and urge Congress to act on meaningful change.

Nineteen children and two adults were killed at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24 in what is now the second-deadliest U.S. school shooting behind Sandy Hook.

Amid this senseless tragedy, the U.S. Senate is stalling on passing universal background checks for gun ownership. As the federal government fails to act, the push for meaningful change starts with a first step.

Saturday is a call to action to stand with thousands others at hundreds of March For Our Lives events nationwide.
 
CHILD TAX PAYMENTS APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

The application for the Child Tax Payment, included as part of a historic $650 million in tax cuts in our 2022 state budget, is now open through July 31. Recipients will receive funds beginning in late August.
Information on the 2022 CT Child Tax Payments
Any Connecticut resident who claimed at least one dependent child under the age of 18 on their 2021 federal income tax return may be eligible to receive a maximum payment of $250 per child (up to three children) with the following income guidelines (higher incomes may be eligible for a reduced rebate):
 
SATURDAY IS CT OPEN HOUSE DAY

This is Saturday is Connecticut Open House Day!

Residents and families across the state can enjoy more than 200 museums, arts and cultural venues, historical sites, farms and restaurants, with free or discounted admission or special offers.
Connecticut Open House Day, now in its 18th year, celebrates the state’s diverse array of history, art, culture, nature and adventure experiences.

Please click here and scroll down to see some of the participating venues by county.
 
CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS ARE OPEN

It is now easier than ever to visit a Connecticut State Park.

ParkConneCT, a transportation service that offers fare-free buses to Connecticut beaches and state parks, is now open for the summer season. This expanded service will run through Labor Day. ParkConneCT makes our state parks and beaches more accessible, ensuring that all residents will be able to enjoy Connecticut's beautiful outdoor offerings.  

The following parks are included in the ParkConneCT program: 

  • Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)
  • Silver Sands State Park (Milford)
  • Fort Trumbull State Park (New London)
  • Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden)
  • Sherwood Island State Park (Westport)
  • Osbornedale State Park (Derby)
  • Indian Well State Park (Shelton)

As a reminder, all statewide buses will continue to operate without fare collection until December 1. If you are looking for a great outdoor activity during the summer months, I encourage you to take advantage of the free ParkConneCT buses.

For more information on the program, including a schedule, please click here.

 
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