Legislative Update January 31

January 31, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you and your family well during these winter months. As we move forward in this legislative session, I want to take a moment to update you on the work we’ve been doing and the issues shaping our state.

It has been an action-packed few weeks—both in our country and right here in Connecticut. From critical discussions on ensuring our state remains fully funded to standing up for the most vulnerable members of our community, the work has been non-stop. And while challenges remain, so does my resolve—to serve our district with integrity, to advocate for policies that uplift our residents, and to ensure our government remains efficient, ethical, and responsive to the needs of the people.

I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. Further in this newsletter, you’ll find updates on the actions I’ve taken, the legislation I’ve supported, and resources that I hope will be helpful to you and your family.

Thank you for being engaged and for being a part of this work. Together, we will continue to move Connecticut forward.

Immigration Policies

In recent weeks, I’ve heard from so many in our community who are deeply concerned about the increased actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Let me be clear: Connecticut stands with our immigrant communities, and so do I. My colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that everyone—regardless of status—feels safe, supported, and welcomed in our state.

No matter your immigration status, you have rights. You are protected under the U.S. Constitution and Connecticut law, and it is crucial that you know how to exercise those rights.

To help with this, the ACLU of Connecticut has put together a comprehensive Immigrants' Rights & Resources Guide, which provides important information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones. I strongly encourage everyone to review and share these resources, and I will continue to provide additional information in the coming months.

Additionally, my colleagues in the Connecticut Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus have raised serious concerns about the increased presence of ICE in Stamford, Bridgeport, Willimantic, East Hartford, and the Park Street area of Hartford. We have sent a letter to our federal counterparts demanding answers and are working closely with municipal leaders and local organizations to ensure our communities get the resources they need.

If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance or support, please reach out. Stay informed, know your rights, and remember: you are not alone. Connecticut is your home, and we will continue to fight for you.

ACLU Know Your Rights Guide

This Week at the Capitol

We held an important vote on Tuesday. The House voted to enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty. This legislation was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths.

The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances. Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.

In the Veteran and Military Affairs, Judiciary, and Appropriations committees, my colleagues and I raised many concepts to be discussed this session. This is an important step in the legislative process when deciding which bills will be brought in front of the legislature this session. Every committee meeting, every debate in the House chamber, and every conversation with constituents shapes the policies that impact our daily lives. I take this responsibility seriously—listening, drafting, and fighting for legislation that reflects the real needs of our communities. I know this is a time of uncertainty in our country. I am committed to continuing to advocate on behalf of everyone- immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, working families, and all who call Connecticut home.

Stamford MLK Day Parade

This year I was deeply honored to serve as the Grand Marshal for the Stamford MLK Committee’s annual celebration. It was a day filled with reflection, unity, and inspiration as we gathered to honor and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The ceremony at Bethel AME Church was heartwarming, and afterwards it was an incredible experience to witness the play “The Meeting” at the Yerwood Center—a powerful portrayal of the dual messages of Dr. King and Malcolm X.

Thank you to the Bethel AME Church, the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford, the Stamford MLK planning committee, and the Yerwood Center for hosting this memorable day, and thank you to the incredible clergy, leaders, and volunteers who made it possible.

Stamford Chamber of Commerce

Earlier this month, my colleagues and I attended the annual Legislative Breakfast at the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, where we had the opportunity to meet with local business leaders and discuss how we can work together to strengthen our city.

With over 100 business leaders and senior executives in attendance, this sold-out event was a reminder of just how vital our local businesses are to Stamford’s growth and success. As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to ensure that the policies we pass reflect the direct needs of our community—whether that’s supporting small businesses, strengthening our workforce, or ensuring economic opportunity for all.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with those who help drive our local economy and will continue working to ensure that Stamford remains a thriving place to live, work, and do business.

Let’s keep the conversation going. A strong Stamford starts with all of us.

Child Tax Credit: Fighting for Connecticut Families

I’m proud to join more than 60 of my colleagues in introducing Proposed House Bill 5986: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A REFUNDABLE CHILD TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX.

This bill would create a permanent, refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (for up to three children) for tax filers earning:

$100,000 or less (single filers)

$200,000 or less (married filing jointly)

Every $1 in child tax credits generates $1.38 in local economic activity. With nearly 40% of Connecticut families struggling to make ends meet, this credit will provide direct relief to 550,000 children across the state.

Connecticut is the only high-cost-of-living state with a broad-based income tax that does not adjust for family size or childcare expenses. It’s time to change that.

HUSKY for Immigrants

This week, I was proud to speak at the HUSKY for Immigrants press conference at the Capitol. Expanding healthcare access for all immigrants—regardless of status—is a policy I have championed for years, and I remain just as determined to fight for it now.

Immigrants are an essential part of our society. They are the engine of our economy, they strengthen our communities, and enrich every industry. The strength of our state is in our diversity, and we must ensure that those who contribute to this system are able to benefit from it.

This fight is about fairness. It’s about dignity. And it’s about recognizing that no one should be denied healthcare because of their status. I’m proud to stand alongside so many others who believe in a Connecticut that works for everyone.

Local Events

The cold snap in Connecticut may lead some to use portable heaters in their homes to help stave off Jack Frost.
Using these heaters come with some risks, however, as they are the leading cause of home fires in January and February.
Here are some precautions you should take, according to FEMA, if you use portable heaters:

Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
Keep anything that can burn – i.e. bedding, clothing, mattresses, furniture, paper products -- at least three feet away from portable heaters.
Plug in portable heaters directly into outlets; do NOT plug them into extension cords or power strips.
Inspect and replace damaged cords, broken outlets or loose connections.
Use portable heaters with automatic shutoffs so, if they tip over, they turn off.
Only use portable heaters approved by a recognized testing lab.

It's extremely important to stay warm, but it's also important to stay fire safe this winter.

Stamford's Harry Bennett and Weed Memorial & Hollander library branches and the Stamford Senior Center are offering free assistance with your federal and state income tax returns this year. From February 1st to April 15th, AARP tax counselors will be available at these locations to help you file your taxes this season with ease. Visit the link below to find more information about what you need to bring and when tax counselors will be available at the locations.

Free Tax Assistance

🚨 Warning: Unpaid Toll Text Scam Alert 🚨

I want to make sure all of you stay safe and informed! A new scam is circulating where fraudsters are sending text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll and asking for payment. Please DO NOT click any links or provide any personal information.

Here are some tips from the FBI:
⚠️If you receive one of these messages, file a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov. Include where the number of the originating text came from, and the website from which the number was generated.

⚠️Delete any scam texts received.

⚠️If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
⚠️Always verify any toll-related charges directly through official state websites or customer service.

Stay vigilant and share this message with your friends and family to help protect our community!

If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to email me directly or contact my office at (860) 240-8585.

Sincerely,

Hubert Delany