Tom Delnicki

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

Delnicki Pushes to Expand Home-Based Oral Health Care

HARTFORD — State Rep. Tom Delnicki voiced support for bipartisan House Bill 5303, which would let licensed dental hygienists provide preventive oral health care in patients’ homes. The measure, unanimously approved by the Aging Committee, would allow experienced hygienists to perform cleanings, exams, X‑rays and referrals in private residences under existing public‑health rules — on a voluntary basis for providers. Rep. Delnicki said the bill will help homebound seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and those facing transportation barriers get timely care and prevent more serious health problems. The bill now awaits action on the House floor.

Delnicki: Home Building Industry Day at the Capitol

State Representative Tom Delnicki (R-South Windsor), along State Representative Tim Ackert and State Representative Steve Weir met with members of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut at the State Capitol to discuss the policies important to their industry that would make it easier and more affordable to build housing in the state. Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut supports reducing regulatory barriers, addressing workforce shortages in the construction trades, and opposing policies that increase construction costs. Their goal is to expand housing supply while supporting Connecticut’s residential construction industry and related jobs.