Rep. Delany Legislative Update 9/16

September 16, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Summer has finally given way to fall. Although the weather is starting to change, I have a steadfast and unchanging faith in our community's warmth, generosity, and boundless compassion.

As your State Representative, these past few weeks have been action-packed for me. From missions with the U.S. Army to committee meetings with my legislative colleagues, to local tours of our city's vital stakeholders and infrastructure.     

As always, I write this message with our community foremost in my mind, and below, you will find more detailed information on some of the places I have been, the actions I have taken, and the programs that I hope will be useful to you and your family.

In the next newsletter, I will share with you information about new laws that will take effect soon in Connecticut and what that will mean for you.


 
 
CONNECTICUT 9/11 MEMORIAL
Earlier this month I joined Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, Atorney General William Tong, and a host of other federal and state officials as we honored the 161 people with ties to Connecticut who were killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11th. 

I was very young man when I first watched the news about the terrorist attack on our country, but as a Soldier and Lawmaker I endeavor to never forget the significance of their loss and the lessons we have learned in their passing.

 
STAMFORD STREETS
                                         

Last week, Mayor Simmons and coalition of elected and city officials signed  an executive order establishing a Stamford Vision Zero Initiative.

The Vision Zero Initiative is a multidisciplinary approach to eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for our community. 

I would like to thank Mayor Simmons and our city officials who work so diligently to pave our way to a safer, more equitable city. 

I have also included a copy of a letter from my office to secretary Buttigieg advocating for the resources we need for safer streets within our city. 
 
STAMFORD WATER POLLUTION
CONTROL AUTHORITY
My colleagues and I in the state legislature visited the the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) to tour their facilities and discuss the important work they do for our residents, our city, and our environment. 

The facility receives our wastewater, processes it, and then discharges clean water back into Stamford Harbor. It is a tireless and vital function that contributes to the very foundation of our city and our environment’s well being 

I would like to give a special thank you to Robert Pudelka, the plant’s supervisor, and William Brink, the executive director of the plant, for hard work they do every day.  

Fun Fact: The Facility is manned twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
 
PERSON TO PERSON

I also took a trip to the Stamford branch of Person to Person: A non-profit agency dedicated to providing individuals and families with essential resources to help them overcome daily challenges and put them on a path toward economic stability.

Person to Person brings real-time meals to families and communities in need, and while visiting their facilities I had the chance to interact with their warehouses, their mobile food pantry, and their incredible volunteer staff.

Their mission is a true example of selfless service in action, and I am so grateful for the work they do in our community. 

Thank you to Mr. Rick Nixon and Ms. Nancy Coughlin for the incredible work that you do. 
 
REMINDER - RENTERS' REBATE
DEADLINE OCTOBER 1
This is reminder that if you or someone you know is elderly or disabled and currently renting housing, the Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program deadline to apply is fast approaching. With this year's deadline falling on Saturday, October 1 and local and state offices closed on weekends, please plan to submit your application by this Friday, if you haven't already. Eligible renters may be able to get a rebate up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons, but you must act soon. 
Here are some of the guidelines to qualify for the rebate:
  • 65 years old or older
  • 50 years old or older and the surviving spouse of a renter who at the time of the renter's death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such renter at the time of the renters’ death
  • 18 years old or older and eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits
  • One-year state resident
Download Application HERE
For additional questions about the program please call their hotline at 860-418-6377 or visit the Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program website for more information.
 
CONNECTICUT MAKES HISTORIC
PENSION PAYMENT
Connecticut continues to make sound financial decisions that will strengthen our state long term.

State Comptroller Natalie Braswell announced that her office will transfer $3.1 billion into the rainy-day fund. This move triggers a statutory mandate that requires a one-time, special payment of $2.8 billion to be made toward the state’s unfunded pension liabilities.  
This payment, which will be allocated into several pension funds later this year, could save Connecticut taxpayers approximately $6 billion over the next 25 years. Connecticut was able to build its rainy-day fund through years of deliberate and careful policy. We can now celebrate the benefits of those decisions as we make investments that will not only benefit residents now, but for the foreseeable future.