Rep. Delany Legislative Update 8/10

August 10, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you have been well and have been enjoying the warm Summer months.

Last week, I spent a lot of time in Stamford, connecting with our residents and experiencing the different cultures in our diverse city.

 

We speak 75 different languages in our city, and the evidence of our rich culture can be seen any time you go through our downtown area. From our neighborhoods to our businesses, to our advocates and government officials, I have been overwhelmed by the determination and generous spirit of our community. 

 

As always, below you will find a recap of local events that I was invited to as well as someone information I believe you will find useful.

Please reach out if there is anything that I can do for you.
 

JAMAICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                                     
 

I had the opportunity this weekend to go to Leone Park and celebrate the history, beauty, and strength of the Jamaican people as we celebrated the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence Day.

 

Our Jamaican community is one of the vibrant backbones of our city, our state, and our country. Thank you so much for including me!

 

I would like to extend a special thank you to Shari Jhonson and her family for helping to organize the members of her community!
                                                                 

 
INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                                        
 

On Sunday we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the India’s Independence Day!

 

We raised the American, Indian, and Connecticut flags, and then we celebrated the rich culture and history of our Indian and Indian American communities.

 

Thank you to the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Stamford Mill River Park and George Boyce, Mayor Caroline Simmons, and all of my legislative colleagues who attended the ceremony! 

 

Fun Fact: India is the largest democracy on earth!! 
                                                                

 
DOWNTOWN STAMFORD BUSINESS TOUR
 
 

My legislative colleagues and I toured a few of the businesses in our downtown area and discussed some of the programs at the state and local level that may be helpful to their establishments.

 

Thank you just a State Representative Stephanie Thomas, Mayor Simmons, State representative Dan Fox, State Representative Cory Paris and our community leaders for joining me!
 
FREE CT MUSEUMS WITH LT. GOV. BYSIEWICZ
                                                               

Last week Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Mayor Caroline Simmons, and I spoke at the Stamford Bartlett Arboretum to highlight the CT Summer at the Museum program 

 

The program provides free admission for kids and their families to over 90 museums across Connecticut!
                                                                 

See a list of participating museums
Read the Article Here
 
STAMFORD BONDING

                                                                 

Read the Full Press Release
 
RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE
SEEKING ABORTION SERVICES IN CT
                                                                   
In the wake of the Supreme Court's devastating decision overturning Roe v. Wade, it's not enough that we fight for the right to choose - we must also ensure individuals know how to exercise that right and empower them to reach out for support.

With that in mind, Connecticut has launched a reproductive rights telephone hotline and website to provide assistance to those seeking factual information on abortion and to connect them to reliable services and resources.

Individuals seeking abortion services can call

1-866-CTCHOICE (1-866-282-4642) or visit the website by clicking the button below to find providers available in their area, community services, and other useful resources.
CT.gov: Abortion Access in Connecticut
Connecticut remains committed to protecting a person's right to make their own decisions concerning their reproductive health and well-being.
 
SUPPORTING CT'S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Connecticut's hospitality industry was hit hard by COVID-19. While many of our favorite restaurants, hotels, wineries, breweries, entertainment venues and more have made progress in their recovery, we know they're still trying to rebuild.

Starting this week, more than 1,700 eligible CT-based hospitality businesses will receive checks in the mail through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's CT Hospitality Industry Support Program. The new grant program was established in the biennium state budget passed during the 2021 legislative session allocating $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support hospitality businesses that experienced financial losses because of the pandemic. 

                                                             


Businesses will receive checks directly from the state Department of Revenue Services in amounts ranging from $7,500 to $49,999. The base grant for businesses located in distressed municipalities is $15,000. Businesses DO NOT have to apply for the grant.

To receive a grant, existing businesses must meet several criteria, including a decline of 15% or more in gross receipts when comparing calendar years 2019 to 2021. Grants can be used to support payroll and benefits; employee retention; mortgage, rent, utility, and other operating expenses; existing equipment/facilities maintenance; or costs to support COVID-19 mitigation and infection prevention strategies.

These grants will help offset some of the financial challenges these businesses experienced in the face of the pandemic and stabilize them for future challenges.

You can learn more about this new grant program

here.

Our state continues to support our business community and this program is another example of that commitment.