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| Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you and yours well.
Do you have questions about the 2022 legislative session or want to learn about some of the bills we passed? Join me, Representative Mary Welander and Senator Jorge Cabrera for an in-person Office Hours and Listening Session on Friday, May 20 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Valley Diner! |
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| This is an opportunity to connect with us to discuss your thoughts, concerns, questions, and feedback on state issues. You'll also learn more about the bills we've been working on during the 2022 legislative session.
I hope you'll join us!
If you can't make it to this event, but would like to connect with me, you can reply to this email and we can set up a time to speak. |
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| Every student in our state deserves an education filled with opportunity that sets them up for success. The best investment we can make in our future is giving our schools the tools and resources they need today to help our students succeed tomorrow. This session, I proudly supported a state budget adjustment bill and legislation that work to fulfill this vision. Below is a look at just some of the bills we passes during the 2022 legislative session to help our kids succeed in school:
The state budget adjustment bill (HB 5506) increases funding for Ansonia and Derby public schools from the 2022 fiscal year. Below is a breakdown of funding that will help meet students' individual learning needs: |
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HB 5506, An Act Adjusting the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2023, Concerning Provisions Related to Revenue, School Construction and Other Items to Implement the State Budget and Authorizing and Adjusting Bonds of the State: funds critical initiatives to help schools rebound from the pandemic and ensure students and educators have the supports necessary for success. The budget adjustment bill will:
- Expand minority teacher scholarships
- Expand school choice opportunities
- Stabilize funding for CT colleges and Universities
- Expand CT's debt-free community college program to include part-time students
- Expand successful LEAP attendance program
- Double funding for bilingual education
- Create a grant program for schools to improve indoor air quality and upgrade HVAC systems
- Expands the student loan tax credit to help more employers assist workers with student loan repayments
- Assist local schools in expanding mental health staff and access to care
- Provide mental health training to parents, students, and pediatricians
- Help school-based health centers develop new mental health programming
HB 5001, An Act Concerning Children's Mental Health: improves the immediate and long-term needs of the children's mental and behavioral health system in Connecticut by:
- Enhancing the behavioral health workforce
- Supporting school-based mental health services
- Expanding mental health treatment facilities across Connecticut
- Supporting existing services
- Expanding health insurance coverage for certain emergency services
- Creating grant programs for local schools to hire more support staff
- Improving mental and behavioral health screenings for children
SB 1, An Act Concerning Childhood Mental and Physical Health Services in Schools: This law expands and creates initiatives to support school-based mental and physical health services. The bill:
- Establishes a school-based health center grant expansion program to support and help school-based health centers expand their operations
- Creates a grant program for school districts to hire and retain social workers, school counselors, nurses, and more
- Supports minority teacher recruitment by creating a minority teacher candidate scholarship program
- Creates new grants for childcare and early childhood programs to help attract and retain professionals and make childcare more affordable for families
- Includes Asian American and Pacific Islander studies in the public school social studies curriculum
- Ensures educators get an uninterrupted 30-minute lunch break
SB 2, An Act Expanding Preschool and Mental and Behavioral Services for Children: addresses the pandemic's impact on childhood depression, anxiety, and developmental delays through the following:
- Requires the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to make mobile crisis services available 24/7
- Establishes a pilot program expanding children's behavioral health services provided by pediatric care providers
- Authorizes certain out-of-state mental and behavioral health services providers to offer telehealth services in Connecticut
- Allows municipalities to create a property tax abatement for childcare centers, group childcare homes, or family childcare homes
- Establishes a physician recruitment working group to study and make recommendations to recruit and retain primary care, psychiatric, and behavioral health providers
SB 20, An Act Concerning the Name, Image, and Likeness of Student Athletes: eliminates bans on student athletes using a higher education institution's name, logo, trademarks, mascot or colors when performing an endorsement.
SB 103, An Act Concerning the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority and the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA): permits CHESLA to offer financial assistance to students enrolled in postsecondary education programs, like trade schools. Prior law only allowed CHELSA to provide financial assistance to students attending certain nonprofit colleges or universities.
SB 226, An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Department of Education: extends the renewal time for teaching certificates from 5 years to 10 years. The bill also helps expand school participation in the federal School Breakfast Program. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is working to assist families across the state that have struggle to access baby formula during the nationwide shortage. The shortage started last fall due to pandemic-related supply chain issues, but has worsened after Abbott Nutrition recalled powdered baby formula in February and temporarily closed one of its production facilities.
DPH has been working closely with local agency staff to help families find retailers that have in-stock formula, or even switch the participant's benefits package when needed. DPH also has been working directly with manufacturers to order emergency formula.
While WIC encourages breastfeeding for at least the first year of life, only about one-third of Connecticut infants are breastfed.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the shortage, there are resources in our state and community that could help. Please note that the below is not a comprehensive solution and is only meant to share helpful information: |
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Information for Families to Looking for Formula During Nationwide Shortage
- It is unsafe to add more water to formula, make homemade infant formula, or use regular cow’s milk, or other milk substitutes to feed infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding infants iron-fortified infant formula during the first year of life when breastmilk is unavailable
- Pediatricians often offers samples
- Check smaller stores or pharmacies for availability. It may help to visit stores more frequently and buy formula as it becomes available
- If you can afford it, buy formula online until store availability improves. Purchase from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies
- Use caution when purchasing formula from individual or private sellers. You can report price gouging and scams to the CT Office of the Attorney General, HERE, or to local police
- Check social media groups that are dedicated to infant feeding and formula. Members may have ideas on where to find formula. Always check with your pediatrician regarding any advice
- WIC families can contact their local WIC office with questions. If you are unable to reach your local WIC office by phone you can send an email. Find local WIC office phone numbers and emails by clicking HERE. You can also reach out to ctwic@ct.gov or 1-800-741-2142 for assistance
- Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to locate community organizations that may provide emergency formula
- Connecticut participates in Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast, which sends most of its donated breast milk to neonatal care units across the state. It’s also available for purchase. Please visit milkbankne.org/receive to learn more
- The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has additional resources for families to use. Click HERE for more information
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| $875 MILLION COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND |
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Last year, I voted for the future of our communities by establishing the $875 million Community Investment Fund (CIF). This is a transformational opportunity to invest in underserved communities in Connecticut through economic development and small business, education, and infrastructure projects.
The CIF allows $175 million per year for the next five years in bonding, with the option to renew the program for an additional five years. This funding will be directed to projects proposed by eligible municipalities, community development corporations, or nonprofit organizations.
Ansonia and Derby are eligible municipalities and could receive grants available through the CIF for:
- Capital Improvement Programs: brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation
- Small Business Capital Programs: revolving or micro loan programs, gap financing, and start-up funds to establish small businesses
Applications for the fund have not yet been posted on the CIF website, but are anticipated to be by the end of the month. |
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| ANSONIA POLICE OFFER AUTISM SAFETY ALERT FORM |
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| The Ansonia Police Department is offering an Autism Safety Alert Form for Ansonia families who have a loved one with autism. The form was developed by Walk with Derek and will help first responders assist the individual if they are involved during a call for service. Families can complete the form which asks for identifying information about the individual who has autism, emergency contact information, and a recent photo. The forms can be picked up at the Ansonia Police Department, 65 Main St. They can also be downloaded here. Completed forms can be returned to the police department in-person or by mail. |
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| FREE & LOCAL JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITY |
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| Are you looking to start your career in manufacturing? The WorkPlace in partnership with Housatonic Community College are offering a 12-week Manufacturing Job-Training Program in Derby. The program will begin on June 20. Training is available at no cost to eligible individuals 18 and over. Materials and equipment will be provided. Additionally, students will have access to support and job placement services. To learn more and apply, click here. |
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| Jeilany, a 1st grader at Mead Elementary School, has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She has an older brother at AMS and an older sister in grade 5. Guidance Counselor, James Chester heard about this family and immediately jumped to action to plan a "Joy for Jeilany" car parade. The parade will depart from Mead at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26th. The end destination is 35 Forest Avenue. Let's show up in a big way to bring joy to Jeilany! |
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Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
All my Best,
Kara Rochelle
State Representative
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