Tom Delnicki

Delnicki Supports Legislation to Protect Community Hospitals

HARTFORD – State Representative Tom Delnicki (R-14) supported final passage of legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of hospital ownership and protecting patient care across Connecticut. The legislation, Senate Bill 196 establishes new safeguards to ensure that healthcare decisions are driven by patient needs— not outside financial interests —while increasing transparency and accountability for hospital systems operating in the state. Rep. Delnicki said the legislation is especially important for South Windsor, many of whom rely on Manchester Memorial Hospital and Rockville General Hospital for care. “Families need dependable local hospitals,” said Delnicki. “After the uncertainty surrounding Manchester Memorial and Rockville General, it became clear that we need stronger oversight and commonsense protections to ensure patient care always comes first. We cannot permit another Prospect Medical situation." Senate Bill 196 places guardrails on certain financial practices—such as sale-leaseback arrangements—and increases state review of hospital transactions, particularly those involving private equity firms. The goal is to prevent financial instability that could jeopardize services, staffing, or long-term access to care. Delnicki emphasized that protecting community hospitals is about more than infrastructure—it’s about safeguarding access to emergency services, supporting healthcare workers, and maintaining trust within the community. “This legislation helps ensure that our hospitals remain focused on serving patients, supporting frontline healthcare workers, and being there when families need them most,” Delnicki added. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Delnicki: Cannabis Expansion Bill Ignores Risks Youth Safety

HARTFORD — State Representative Tom Delnicki (R–South Windsor) voted against massive cannabis expansion bill on Monday, warning it puts the public's safety and their health at risk. “In South Windsor, residents have made it clear—we’ve rejected cannabis retail stores because we take youth safety and community impact seriously,” said Delnicki. “This bill moves in the opposite direction by expanding access and weakening safeguards that were put in place for a reason.” Delnicki, a longtime ally of the Governor's Prevention Partnership, the statewide prevention organization to address underage drinking and substance use, emphasized the importance of prevention efforts and responsible policy. "By increasing the potency limits in THC products and loosening marketing restrictions, Connecticut runs the risk of more youth drug dependency," said Rep. Delnicki. "I’ll continue working with prevention advocates to ensure we’re putting the health and safety of our kids and communities first.” There are some of the provisions in House Bill 5350, An Act Concerning Cannabis, Hemp and Infused Beverage Regulation: Eliminating potency limits on cannabis flower and concentrates which he warned could lead to stronger, more dangerous products entering the market. Loosening packaging and branding restrictions , allowing colorful, logo-heavy designs that could appeal to minors. Increasing THC limits in infused beverages and permitting “tap room”-style sales which he said further normalizes cannabis consumption and blurs the line with alcohol. Allowing out-of-state patients and caregivers to purchase cannabis in Connecticut raising enforcement and regulatory concerns. Expanding retail access to palliative products and redefining hemp-derived cannabinoids in ways that could create loopholes in oversight.

Delnicki Backs Comprehensive Veterans Package, Expands Benefits & Oversight

Delnicki Backs Comprehensive Veterans Package, Expands Benefits & Oversight HARTFORD — State Representative Tom Delnicki (R–South Windsor) voiced strong support following House passage of comprehensive legislation aimed at improving services, benefits, and protections for Connecticut’s veterans and military families. The wide-ranging bill, HB- 5406 enhances oversight of veterans’ services, delivers targeted tax relief, and introduces a new dental care program for veterans—marking one of the most significant new benefits in recent years. “Connecticut’s veterans have earned our respect not just in words, but through meaningful action,” said Delnicki, who co-sponsored the veterans' bill. “This legislation strengthens accountability, expands access to care, and provides real financial relief to those who have served our nation.” The legislation improves transparency and consumer protection by requiring the state Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to post clear warnings about fraudulent claims agents and provide resources for reporting bad actors. The creation of a new dental care program administered through the Soldiers, Sailors & Marines Fund, will provide eligible veterans with up to $3,000 annually for essential dental services, including exams, fillings, crowns, and oral surgery. “This dental program fills a critical gap in care,” Delnicki said. “For many veterans, access to affordable dental services has been a long-standing challenge, and this initiative will make a meaningful difference.” The bill extends the grace period for DMV renewals from 60 to 90 days following active-duty service and provides a free initial driver’s license or state ID for verified veterans. It also improves transitions for children of military families enrolled in Birth-to-Three services. The legislation also provides targeted tax relief, including new income tax deductions for honor guard pay at veterans’ funerals and for National Guard members serving on state active duty. The bill also establishes several studies and initiatives to further strengthen veteran services, including, a task force to expand nursing home access for VA patients, a study on creating a Veterans’ Healthcare Ombudsman, a review of potential sales tax exemptions for veterans’ organizations and the creation of a Military Department emergency response account with initial funding. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Delnicki Listens to IDD Families at Family Hearing Day

HARTFORD — State Representative Tom Delnicki (R–South Windsor) joined families, advocates, and providers at the annual Family Hearing Day hosted by The Arc of Connecticut to discuss legislative priorities supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). During the event, Rep. Delnicki heard firsthand about the urgent need to address gaps in Connecticut’s system of care. Advocates emphasized the importance of increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, strengthening support for caregivers, and ensuring sustainable funding for essential services that allow individuals with IDD to live and work independently in their communities. I look forward to Family Hearing Day each year. This day is an important opportunity to listen directly to those impacted by state policy,” said Delnicki. “We need to make sure our most vulnerable residents have access to the services they deserve, while also supporting the workforce and providers who make that care possible.” The discussion also highlighted key initiatives including expanded funding for early intervention programs like Birth to 3, greater use of supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship, and investments in workforce development to improve employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Advocates also underscored the need for more supportive housing and the preservation of community-based programs that allow residents to receive care at home rather than in institutional settings.

State Rep. Tom Delnicki Supports Permanent Property Tax Relief Proposal

This morning in Hartford, I stood with my House colleagues to highlight what we hear about most from the people we represent: affordability. Families in South Windsor are feeling the squeeze from every direction—higher property taxes, rising utility bills, grocery costs, and everyday expenses that seem to climb a little more each year. When you work hard, raise a family, and try to plan for the future, Connecticut should make it easier to get ahead, not harder. That’s why House Republicans are focusing on two practical steps that can bring real relief to taxpayers. First, we believe Connecticut must do a better job recovering the taxes that are already owed to our state but are currently being lost—particularly to neighboring states like New York. That’s revenue that should be supporting our communities, our schools, and our taxpayers right here at home. Second, we are proposing to expand eligibility for the state’s property tax credit. Property taxes are one of the biggest financial burdens facing homeowners in South Windsor and across Connecticut. Expanding this credit would allow more middle-class families, seniors, and working households to keep more of their own money. This is about fairness and common sense. Before asking taxpayers for more, we should make sure we are collecting what is already owed and using those resources to provide meaningful, sustainable relief. South Windsor families deserve a state government that understands the pressure they are under and works to make Connecticut more affordable to live, work, and raise a family. You can read more about the plan here: https://www.cthousegop.com/new-york-is-eating-our-lunch