Legislative Update July 21

August 4, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you and your family have been enjoying the warmer weather and brighter times.

This past week, my family and I traveled to Washington D.C. to visit the “National Museum of African American History and Culture.” I read many inspirational quotes while touring the facility. However, there was one quote I believe best summarizes my thoughts and feelings from this past week.

“I, too, am America.” - Langston Hughes

Our city, our state, and our country is more than just a geographical location; it is a tapestry woven with threads of diversity, kindness, and understanding. The bonds that tie that tapestry together are unbreakable.

As your Representative, I am continuously filled with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration, and I am inspired by the acts of selflessness and generosity that I see every day in our beautiful community.

Further in this email I have included information on meetings I have attended, resources I have helped secure for Stamford, legislation I helped enact, and local events and resources I hope will be of use to you and your loved ones.

Events I Attended

Meeting with Department of Social Services Commissioner

Earlier today, I met with the Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton-Reeves.

Senators Looney and Duff, Speaker Ritter, Minority Leader Rojas, Human Services Chairs Lesser and Gilchrest, and I listened to Commissioner Barton-Reeves provide an update on the recent improvements DSS has made to address customer and system complaints.

Town Hall with Woman on Watch

On July 12, I participated in a town hall discussion with Women on Watch, or WOW, a locally based advocacy group. We had a fantastic conversation about my major accomplishments from the 2023 session, as well as my plans and goals for the upcoming session in 2024.

Funding to Stamford

The biennial budget that was passed in June brought significant funding to Stamford. The city was given millions of dollars in state funds, including over $17 million in funding for local schools, also known as Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funds.

The budget also allocated funds to several Stamford based nonprofits, including the Stamford Senior Center and the Boys and Girls Club.

Finally, in addition to the money included in the budget, two Stamford based organizations received funding through Connecticut's Good to Great Grant Program. $500,000 was awarded to the Avon Theatre Film Center to reconfigure its existing layout to create a smaller more intimate auditorium that will be utilized for film-making classes, poetry slams, niche films, and other activities. Additionally, Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens received $500,000 to replace their greenhouse with a modern, state-of-the-art greenhouse, which will be used to create and host a wide range of exhibits and programming.

I am immensely proud of the funding that was secured for our city. It could not have been done without the dedication and comradery of the Stamford delegation. This is a great win for the community, residents and visitors alike.

Connecticut is a Leader on Tax Relief

My colleagues and I delivered on our promise to lower taxes for those who need the most help. According to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Connecticut is a leader on tax relief for low- and middle-income earners. While other states cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, Connecticut stands out for providing nearly $500 million in relief for individuals and families.

Below are some of the highlights of tax relief we passed this year:

Lowering the income tax rates to save many middle-class households $300-$500 a year
Raising the state income tax credit from 30.5% to 40% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit - providing $210 on average for households earning less than $60,000 per year
Expanding an existing exemption for certain pension and annuity earnings, providing additional financial security for retirees and those close to retirement

We know that when our most vulnerable get the support they deserve, they can support Connecticut's continued growth.

Connecticut: A Leader in Reproductive Rights

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's devastating decision overturning Roe v. Wade, I am pleased that Connecticut has been a national leader in passing a number of measures defending residents, healthcare workers, and those from out-of-state seeking reproductive services and resources.

To further protect reproductive rights in our state, a number of items we passed last session were recently signed into law including:

Public Act 23-128, which enacts protections for Connecticut medical providers who offer reproductive health care services against adverse actions taken by another state;
Public Act 23-52, which allows pharmacists to prescribe birth control;
Public Act 23-41, which increases access to reproductive health care services by college students at public institutions of higher education; and
Public Act 23-56, which establishes safeguards against the collection, sharing, and selling of personal data online, including health-related information.
Public Act 23-147, which improves maternal healthcare by expanding birthing hospitals in Connecticut.

Individuals seeking abortion services can call 1-866-CTCHOICE (1-866-282-4642) or visit the website by clicking here below to find providers available in their area, community services, and other useful resources.

Connecticut remains committed to protecting a person's fundamental right to make their own decisions concerning their reproductive health and well-being.

Upcoming Events

The Diaper Bank is hosting Connecticut's first Menstrual Equity Summit at UConn Stamford on August 3 starting at 8 a.m. Attendees will learn more about endometriosis research, discrepancies in healthcare, and more. The event is free to attend, but a $10 donation is recommended to support the Diaper Bank of Connecticut. Click here to register.

Mayor Simmons is holding a cleanup event at Rosa Hartman Park in Stamford. Volunteers will be gathering on Saturday, July 22 at 9:30 A.M. on Brown House Road. Mayor Caroline Simmons will be joined by Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo, and both will both be available to answer questions about the environment.

Farmers' Market Food Assistance

Local farmers' markets are one of the best ways to eat Connecticut grown food in your home. We have so much local fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat and much more available in our great state. Many farmers' markets now accept the EBT card or SNAP benefits.

Simply bring your EBT card to the table with the sign that says "SNAP/EBT accepted here" at participating Farmers' Markets and Farm Stands. The Market Master will swipe your card for the amount that you want and give you Market Tokens that can be used at all the stands at that market.

GRANTS AVAILABLE TO HELP CHILDREN IN NEED

Many families in our state are feeling the financial pain of inflation. Probate Court-appointed kinship guardians caring for children may be eligible for thousands of dollars in grants. They can use this money on housing, food, clothing, child care, transportation, glasses, summer camp, and other enrichment activities.

Local Probate Court have annually awarded $2 million in grants from the state Kinship Fund and Respite Fund to guardians of low-income children. The Kinship Fund awards grants up to $550 per child or $2,200 a family per year. The Respite Fund is also capped $2,200 per year.

Guardians can apply for both funds, though a separate application for each is required.

Residents can find grant applications online or by contacting their local Probate Court.

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

Sincerely,