Opening Doors to Housing

May 28, 2025


 

As we continue debating bills in the House chamber, my colleagues and I took urgent action on a priority bill involving housing. I'll dig deeper into how this legislation will support Waterbury residents as we struggle with rising rents.

My colleagues and I honored the late Charles Rangel, who was a civil rights activist who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. I'll take a closer look at his achievements and lasting legacy.

Lastly, I was proud to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Hartford Whalers at the State Capitol. Please keep scrolling to learn more about the impact the team still has on our state today.

You will find the following sections below: 

  • Opening Doors to Housing
  • Remembering Congressman Charles Rangel
  • Honoring My Cousin on the House Floor
  • 50th Anniversary for Hartford Whalers
 

Opening Doors to Housing
Amid one of the most constrained housing markets in the nation, families find it challenging to secure homes. Rents are rising, available housing is scarce, and outdated policies are standing in the way of new construction. This housing crisis limits economic opportunity, strains our education and healthcare systems, and affects public safety.

We passed a bill increasing housing supply, streamlining regulations, protecting vulnerable residents, and empowering local communities with tools with lasting solutions.

Provisions in this measure provide funding to regional bodies to support towns in proactively planning for affordable housing. This is coupled with a robust $50 million annual grant program to assist public housing authorities in directly increasing housing supply for our lowest-income residents. 

Finally, for those who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of homelessness, this bill offers meaningful support by funding mobile shower and laundry services—meeting urgent hygiene needs while promoting public health and restoring a sense of dignity. Additionally, we affirm the humanity and vulnerability of unhoused individuals by banning hostile architecture designed to exclude or punish them.

Addressing the issue of housing is a complex challenge with no simple solutions, but this bill represents a meaningful step forward in supporting those in need.
 

Remembering Congressman Charles Rangel
Rep. Hubert Delany honored former U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel
and listed his accomplishments following his passing.

The Connecticut House of Representatives held a moment of silence to honor the life of former U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel. He was 94.

Rangel served in the Korean War and earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his bravery and heroism. Upon his return to the U.S., Rangel participated in a four day civil rights march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery.

Rangel was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1971 and served New York state in Congress for 46 years. He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the first Black member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, and its eventual chairman in 2007. He sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law throughout his tenure including President Barack Obama's historic health care reform law.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Rangel in January at an event commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Hartford Healthcare. We reflected on the incredible strides our nation has made in advancing civil rights and the ongoing work required to uphold Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and unity.

Thank you, Congressman Charles Rangel, for your perpetual devotion to our country.
 

Honoring My Cousin on the House Floor

It was an absolute privilege to introduce my cousin, Ms. Elena Cortes, to my colleagues on the House floor this past Tuesday. Elena is a remarkable young woman and a proud senior at West Haven High School, where she has consistently distinguished herself through academic excellence and leadership.

A dedicated scholar and member of the National Honors Society, Elena exemplifies the values of hard work, integrity, and service. I have no doubt that her future is bright, and it was an honor to recognize her achievements in a meaningful setting.
 

50th Anniversary for Hartford Whalers

This week, the state celebrated 50 years since the Hartford Whalers played their first game in Hartford. My colleagues honored the anniversary with a proclamation offering sincerest congratulations to the team. 50 years later, the Whalers' impact is still felt, whether through the nostalgia of the green and blue or the passionate hockey culture they sparked.

The Hartford Whalers logo is a symbol that remains deeply tied to Connecticut’s identity. This emblem has become one of the most recognizable in sports history, symbolizing the team’s enduring legacy and the city’s rich hockey heritage.

The Whalers played in Hartford starting in 1975 before leaving to become the Carolina Hurricanes at the end of the 1997 season.