Rep. Delany Legislative Update 3/4
March 4, 2022Greetings Neighbor,
Although times are turbulent I believe that brighter and warmer days are on the horizon. I hope you and your family have been keeping well.
In addition to my legislative duties, I also serve our community as a military journalist and communications advisor in the U.S. Army Reserves. My unit has called me to serve, and next week I will be away on assignment to fulfill my obligations with the U.S. Army. Although I'll be away, my commitment to this district and our state is still a priority. I will not have communication with my office. However, my team will still be operational, and I still encourage everyone to contact my office with any issues, opinions, and concerns.
I will do my utmost to come home safely, and I look forward to getting back to the people’s work when I return.
Here are a few of the updates from the last week:
I've had a busy few days since I last checked in.
This week began with speaking with the local press about my background in public service, continuing the legacy of the fight for civil rights, and the plans I have as a State Representative. Click the link below if you missed it.
SECOND HOUSE SESSION, MARCH 2, 2022
The house met for session Wednesday where we discussed improving the tax structure by making the earned income tax credit 41.5%. This would help out so many residents in Connecticut and provide relief to those who need it the most. With the state in a surplus, this is a good time to act. As discussions continue, I will keep you updated on the process and how this impacts you and your family.
I had the honor to confirm the re-nomination of the honorable Judge Juliette Crawford of New Haven. Judge Crawford is a Black woman and veteran of the US Army.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONFIRMATION
BLACK AND PUERTO RICAN CAUCUS MEETING
Before session, I met with the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. The caucus outlined their legislative priorities for this session.
The Nine Pillars include:
- COVID-19 Health Equity
- Economic Development & Workforce
- Voting Rights
- Housing Equity
- Education Equity
- Transportation Expansion
- Environmental Justice
- Police Accountability
- Diversity on the Bench
MILITARY HAPPENINGS
I was recently honored by the 2021 LTC Wetzel Brumfield Mass Communication Competition Award for my work in the Department of Defense Public Affairs Office. This competition highlights and honors the best in journalism across the Unite States Army Reserve. Click the links below to view my work.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
This session, we'll have the opportunity to continue addressing the fallout of COVID-19, make Connecticut more affordable for working families, and advance Connecticut's recovery.
VACCINATION CLINICS
AHCT Covered Connecticut
Special Enrollment Period now through June 30
The Covered Connecticut Program pays the customer’s portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to their insurance company. The program also covers the cost-sharing amounts residents normally would have to pay with a health insurance plan, including co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs.
To qualify for the Covered Connecticut Program, Connecticut residents must:
- meet income requirements
- be a parent or caretaker relative with children in the household that are under age 19 (if the children are age 18 or older, they must be full-time students in secondary school)
- use all the financial help available through Access Health CT
- be enrolled in an eligible Silver level health insurance plan.
To determine if you are eligible, have your questions answered and enroll in the Covered Connecticut Program during this Special Enrollment Period, call the Access Health CT Covered Connecticut Program hotline at 860-241-8478, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Coverage begins on the first of the month following enrollment so, if, for example, a person enrolls on February 5, their coverage begins on March 1.
Click here for more information
Connecticut Right to Counsel Program
Connecticut has launched a statewide Right to Counsel (RTC) program that will make available attorneys FREE to eligible tenants at risk of eviction.
The Connecticut Bar association is operating the program and working with the state's legal services to provide attorneys to those in need. Right to Counsel will begin working in fourteen neighborhoods across eight municipalities.
These locations were selected first because they are eviction hot spots in Connecticut, with about 25% of eviction filings statewide brought against tenants in those neighborhoods.
Right to Counsel service will also be immediately available to individuals who served in the armed forces regardless of location. The program will expand to other areas across the state over the next two years.
Click here to learn more.
Energy and Utility Cost Assistance
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.