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| Veterans Day has come and gone, and I would like to thank all of my fellow service members at home and overseas for their service. |
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| I would also like to thank my colleagues, community members, and government officials who participated in this year’s Stamford Veterans Day Parade. To read more about the event, please click here. |
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Avon Theatre Press Conference
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| Last week my colleagues and I celebrated $1.9 million in state bonding for the Avon Theatre. This investment will help make the Avon a destination and economic driver for decades to come. It was a wonderful event to showcase the importance of investing in the arts! |
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| I would like to thank State Senator Pat Billie Miller and the entire Stamford Delegation for their fellowship. Additionally, I would also like to extend my thanks to Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission for prioritizing the Avon Theatre in this round of funding.
To learn more about the Avon Theatre, please visit their website. You can read more about the funding it received by clicking here. |
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| Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Hearing |
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Thank you to everyone who came out to advocate for veterans at the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Informational Public Hearing (which you can watch in its entirety here). Your voices were truly impactful, particularly regarding issues such as 100% disabled veterans/veterans tax relief, benefits, and licenses. Since becoming Vice Chairman of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, this has been a priority for me, and I am honored to have the opportunity to hear from all of our veterans.
I would like to give a special thank you to Mr. Thomas Patterson, Commander Allen Gerard, Master Sgt. Thomas Finn, Kieran Edmonson, and Reverand Winton Hill for coming up to Hartford to represent our community. |
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| I look forward to having the opportunity to continue engaging in discussions and meetings throughout the state, where we can garner even more support and share how we can make these ideas a reality.
Please email me directly or call my office at (860) 240-8585 to schedule meetings, extend event invitations, or learn more about coffee house events. |
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| Books Across Stamford: Giving Thanks |
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| The Stamford Public Education Foundation hosted its Books Across Stamford: Giving Thanks event this past Saturday. I had the privilege of reading The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz-- a story about self-confidence and finding our own identity within a community. |
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| I believe that fostering a love for reading from an early age is crucial for the intellectual and emotional development of our young ones. By participating in this event, we can inspire children to explore new worlds through literature and ignite their imaginations. |
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| Connecticut Supports a Strong Business Climate |
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| I'm pleased to share some exciting news regarding the progress we have made in Connecticut, thanks to our strong and fiscally responsible policies at the state level.
First and foremost, our bond ratings have reached stellar heights. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to financial stability and prudent decision-making. With these outstanding ratings, we are positioning Connecticut as an attractive destination for investors as well as bolstering economic growth and prosperity.
In addition to our impressive bond ratings, our job growth numbers continue to soar. Through strategic initiatives and a business-friendly environment, we have witnessed a steady improvement in employment opportunities across various sectors. This positive trend not only strengthens our workforce but also enhances the overall well-being of our state. |
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| Furthermore, we have taken bold steps to address our unfunded pension debts by cutting billions from our balance sheets. By tackling this financial burden head-on, we are ensuring a more secure future for both current and retired public servants.
We have also successfully repaid the pandemic-era Unemployment Trust Fund loan. This proactive action sends a clear message that Connecticut is open for business and committed to supporting local enterprises. By relieving this financial obligation, we are empowering businesses to rebound and thrive in the post-pandemic era. For more detailed information on the unemployment repayment, please click here.
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| Small Business Saturday will take place on November 25th. This presents a fantastic chance for us to support our local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses that make our community unique and vibrant.
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| By choosing to shop locally, we not only make purchases but also invest in our community's vitality. Our favorite shops, bookstores, and restaurants rely on our support to create jobs, offer unique products and services, as well as stimulate our local economy.
During the 2023 legislative session, I proudly backed policies and initiatives aimed at boosting small businesses and supporting their dedicated workforce.
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| With the holiday season fast approaching, consider supporting local businesses by purchasing gift cards and certificates. According to Boost Suite, there are 350,376 small businesses in Connecticut, accounting for 99% of all businesses in our state. For a directory of small businesses in our area, please click here.
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| I'm pleased to share that Stamford will receive $2 million in funding to enhance pedestrian, bike, bus, and car access to the Springdale Train Station! |
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| This significant investment will greatly improve the transportation infrastructure, benefiting commuters, residents, and visitors alike. With these improvements, our goal is to create a safer, more accessible, and sustainable transportation hub that meets the needs of our growing community. |
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| Public Act 21-34 established a Right to Counsel Program (RTC) for certain tenants living in residential properties. Individuals who are income-eligible may be able to have a free lawyer represent them if they are facing eviction or loss of their housing subsidy.
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| For those experiencing or potentially facing eviction, this resource provides valuable information for navigating this challenging time. Additionally, you can call 1 (800) 559-1565.
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| Affordable Connectivity Program |
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| The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subsidizes internet connectivity for qualifying households. Individuals can receive a credit of up to $30 per month to help pay for internet services. |
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| ACP is a federal program created to ensure that households can afford the broadband internet services needed for work, school, and other activities. For more information or to check your eligibility, please click here. |
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| Thanksgiving Meal Giveback |
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| Jerkyz, a beloved Jamaican restaurant, has generously partnered with our community to provide 1,000 meals to those in need at the Thanksgiving Meal Giveback on Thursday, November 23rd from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. |
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| Meals will be provided at Jerkyz (227 Summer Street). To learn more, please click here. |
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| Additionally, the Evangelic Community Church will be providing a Free Thanksgiving Feast from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at 1155 Newfield Avenue. |
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| To get your ticket or to learn more information, please use this link. |
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| 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,
Hubert Delany |
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