I hope you and your family have been staying warm and healthy during these winter months.
When I am working in the halls of our state capital, or in the neighborhoods of our beautiful city, I am blessed to hear stories and requests from thousands of people. Some ask for personal assistance, some ask for general information, and some even propose new legislation to shape and change our community. And I would like to share a quote that I believes reflects my feelings on this past week.
“Impossibilities are merely the things which we have not yet learned.” - Charles W. Chesnutt
Our community is one of limitless potential and strength. I have seen that when our people are given access the resources and opportunity they need, that they seldom fail to meet high expectations of a more fair and just society. It is such an honor to experience this, and it such an honor to be your state representative.
As always, I write this message with our community foremost in my mind, and below you will find information about the local events I have attended, legislation I am working on, and observances I hope will be of interest to you and your family.
YOUTH LEADERS
I had an incredible time earlier this week packing books with our student leaders. We spent the afternoon package thousands of books to be sent out to our Stamford classrooms.
We also included a letter on behalf of some of my fellow members the CT General Assembly to highlight the importance of education and advocacy to our students.
I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Milcah Sajous, Joshua Brown, John Brown, the Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF), and all of the students who came to volunteer and package these books.
VETERANS CORNER
I would like to give a welcome home to one of Stamford’s hometown heroes: Cesar Dias.
Dias serves our community as a Stamford Police Officer and as an airman in the U.S. Air-force. He has just returned home following an 8-month military deployment where he served in the Air Force flight line.
Welcome home Airman, thank you for everything you have done for our country and our community, and thank you for your service.
CITY BUDGET
Mayor Simmons recently presented her the FY2023-2024 City of Stamford budget.
Our state and municipal budgets are bedrock that support the foundation of our government, and what we budget for is a direct reflection of our values.
This year's budget is a reflection of those values, Mayor Simmons’ vision, and our objective to build a more inclusive, equitable, and affordable City where everyone can thrive.
This year’s local budget is structured try and ease the property tax burden on our residents and invest in essential services and projects that will enhance quality of life across Stamford.
In the coming weeks Mayor Simmons and her leadership team will be working with our Boards throughout to ensure we have a responsible budget that supports and invests in all Stamford residents.
Visit the link bellow or contact my office for more detailed information on the budget.
One of the bills I am co-sponsoring to support our Stamford schools is House Bill 5003. If passed, it would bring an additional $7.5 million dollars to our school district next year.
Although Stamford schools have historically been underfunded, this bill would help make sure that our schools get their fair share of the education tax revenue from the state. It would also ensure we are taking steps to close the upcoming fiscal cliff Stamford schools are facing.
Another bill I am proud to co-sponsor that will support our Stamford public schools is House Bill 5549.
The bill will require all Connecticut high school students to complete a course in financial literacy as a part of their high school graduation requirements if passed.
Currently, Connecticut does not require financial literacy as part of its required high school curriculum. This bill will allow our high school students to obtain skills that will help with their future financial health post-graduation.
It is our responsibility to set our students up for success, and believe our students need to be prepared for financial realities of the world outside of high school.
MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
March is Women's History Month and March 8 was International Women's Day - a day to celebrate women who have inspired change throughout history, and recognize those who continue to fight for the fair and equitable treatment of women and girls around the world. I am also thrilled to celebrate the many accomplishments of women in Connecticut and beyond throughout the coming weeks!
Let us continue to make Connecticut a safe, fair and equitable place for women and girls. I hope you can join me in recognizing the achievements of those who continue to inspire us and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders and innovators.
Do you want to find out more about the history of Women's History Month? Click here to read more.
The State of Connecticut has a long history of Women's movements, click here to learn to more.
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
