Hubert Delany

Earlier this month, I also met with the leadership at Mill River Park to tour their facilities and hear their  plans to request funding for the completion of their development projects.

Their application will advance their goal to complete a “Community Commons "area at the heart of one of Stamford’s most important parks.

The Mill River Park Collaborative, in partnership with Stamford and many nonprofits, has works tirelessly to expand our park, build and maintain our greenways, and deliver thousands of hours of free enrichment programming every year.

See below for some highlights:

Early Voting

Connecticut was one the few states in the country that did not allow early voting that provides voters with options to accommodate busy and hectic schedules. Effective July 1, voters will have 14 days of early voting for general elections, 7 days of early voting for most primaries, and 4 days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries.  
 
Voting Rights Act

Our state has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. This new law prohibits intimidation, deception, or obstruction related to voting and allows aggrieved parties to seek remedies in court.
 
Debt-Free Community College Eligibility Changes

The law extends eligibility for the state’s debt-free community college program to returning students by removing requirements that a qualifying student must be a first-time enrollee at a community-technical college and awards must be applied during a student’s first 48 consecutive months, thus allowing returning students to receive the award if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
 
Baby Bonds

Under the law, $3,200 would be placed in a trust on behalf of each baby born into HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program, starting July 1. Those investments would grow over time and recipients could access that money between the ages of 18-30.
 
Endometriosis Data and Biorepository Program

Endometriosis is an underdiagnosed condition. For those suffering from this condition, endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus with nearby reproductive organs often affected. The law requires UConn Health Center to develop an endometriosis data and biorepository program to enable and promote research on early detection and ways to manage the condition in adolescents and adults.
 
Menstrual Products

Certain public agencies will start providing free menstrual products including public colleges and universities, homeless and domestic violence shelters that receive state aid.

Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input and please continue expressing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.

Click here to see all of the laws that went into effect. 

The first session is on Tuesday, July 11, at 4:30 p.m., at the Harry Bennett Library branch.
The second session is on Tuesday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the main branch (auditorium) of the Ferguson Library.

To learn more about the program, click HERE. 

Under the program, Connecticut children 18 years of age and under – plus one accompanying adult – can receive free admission to any of the participating museums, including historic house museums, historic sites, historical societies, art museums, children’s museums, science centers, special-interest museums, natural history museums, university museums, arboretums/botanical gardens, and zoos.

The full list of participating museums around the state can be found here.

Participating museums have the discretion to administer the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program to the best of their ability and according to their needs. Certain restrictions may apply, and capacity may be limited (e.g., limit to one adult per household, block-out dates, exclusions for special events, etc.). Connecticut residents should check each museum’s website to learn of any restrictions before visiting.

An additional $1,000 voucher will also be available to Connecticut residents who:

• Reside in an Environmental Justice (EJ) community or Distressed Municipality.
• Participate in a state or federal income qualifying program.
• Have an income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

Once approved for their rebate, individuals then can seek out a participating store in Connecticut a rebate can be used at for purchasing one of the eligible bikes.

Click here to find more information about the program.

Eligibility requirements for the program include:

• Meeting financial need specifications
• Qualifying for and receiving a CHFA first mortgage
• Being a current resident of Connecticut and demonstrating residency for the most recent three years

The impact of this program will reverberate in the short- and long-term for Connecticut residents; not only will there be a new generation of homeowners, but these residents will begin the process of building inter-generational wealth to pass on to the next generation.

Other benefits of the program include:

• A 0% interest rate with no monthly payment required
• 10% of the loan balance forgiven annually until it is fully forgiven on the tenth anniversary
• Financing for up to 20% of a down payment and 5% of closing costs

Part of what makes Connecticut great is that we seek to lift up all residents, regardless of income or background. This program is one more example of that commitment to our community.