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| Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you and yours well.
While we are not in session at this time, I am always working to support the people in our community. From listening sessions to helping constituents navigate state agencies to volunteering in our community, I always find ways to engage with people in our area and to help build a stronger community for us all. If you have any questions, issues, or feedback, you can reply to this message or send me an email at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.
Keep reading below to see some standout individuals in our community and learn about helpful resources and events! |
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| SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL EXCELLENCE |
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| It was an absolute joy to honor Derby's own Nicole Rizzo at a book signing for her first published book and memoir “Running on Thin Ice.” Nicole, we are so proud of you and thankful that you’ve authored such a poignant book that is sure to resonate with many. You’ve created something truly special.
“It's impossible to run on thin ice without falling through eventually. At ten years old, Nicole Rizzo discovered cross country. The sport was a gift - with it came chaotic runs fueled by Bugles, an eccentric coach, and hilarious teammates. Before long, the laughter faded, and everything shifted. She slipped into a battle with overexercising, undereating, and perfectionism. Joining a high school team obsessed with winning, she remained exhausted physically and numb mentally. Forced to heal if she wanted to live fully, she uprooted the destructive habits of her past and unearthed what it means to be strong. "Running on Thin Ice" traces a journey of past selves and captures those painful, unsettling, and beautiful moments that show it's possible to grab hold of solid ground and escape the frigid water just in time.” |
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| Please join me in congratulating Ansonia Public Schools on winning the 2021-2022 FAFSA Challenge by the Connecticut State Department of Education and receiving the Commissioner’s Award! We are so proud of you!
A special thank you to all the students, parents, and school staff who helped increase opportunities for our students. In Ansonia, the FAFSA completion rate jumped from 51% to 65.5%! This means more options and opportunities for funding for post-secondary education for our young people—whether it be for a four-year, two-year, or technical program.
Congratulations again on a job well done! |
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| CT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION NAMES REP. ROCHELLE TO 2022 HONOR ROLL |
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| The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) has released its Legislator Report Card for the 2021-2022 legislative cycle. The Report Card evaluates legislators' voting records and advocacy to support public education in Connecticut. For this year's cycle, CEA has placed me on its 2022 Honor Roll! The CEA Honor Roll distinction recognizes legislators with the highest report card scores who have demonstrated a commitment to public education, students, and teachers. The bills we passed this session and last session will positively shape our young residents' lives and ensure they can access a high-quality education that's full of opportunity. These bills are a meaningful step forward and advance the work to create a state where every child can receive the support they need to succeed. To learn more about the Legislator Report Card, please click here. |
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| NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY |
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| Yesterday was National Voter Registration Day! Are you registered to vote? Check your voter status and register to vote at vote.org.
Your right to vote is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. It is critical that all eligible voters have equal access and opportunity to participate in our electoral process.
Voting should be fair and accessible to all and I'm proud to support legislative initiatives to expand access to the vote.
Last year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a resolution that will give you the opportunity to modernize our state's election rules. On November 8, 2022, voters will decide if Connecticut should join 46 other states in allowing for early voting.
We also passed several new voting laws this year and during the 2021 session to make it easier to vote absentee. Click the buttons below to learn more.
If you have questions about voting absentee, head over to the Secretary of the State's website to learn more and download an application for an absentee ballot. |
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| CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH |
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From September 15 to October 15 we observe Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate, recognize, and feature the countless achievements of the many Hispanic Americans who have positively impacted and enriched our communities.
Their rich and diverse culture has influenced the entertainment industry, sports, fashion, food, politics, education, science, and more with an enormous worldwide economic impact.
Please join me in recognizing Hispanic Americans' successes, challenges, and stories this month and their invaluable contributions to our culture. |
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In an effort to connect military personnel and veterans to helpful state services and community-based nonprofits, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs will hold its annual Veterans Stand Down on Friday, September 23 from 8AM to 2 PM. The one-day event will be held at five regional locations:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and local service providers will offer transportation to the event.
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| Additional information about the Stand Down is available here.
If you cannot make it to this event, you can find programs and resources for veterans on the DVA website.
Connecticut's veterans and active military personnel deserve our support and appreciation. From guaranteeing in-state tuition for CT veterans to creating a new local-option property tax exemption, I was proud to have voted in favor of laws that will benefit this community.
Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve. |
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| NEW MANUFACTURING JOBS COMING TO CT |
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| A Wilton-based manufacturer has announced it will create 1,000 new manufacturing jobs! Manufacturing is more than a job - it's a career.
As many of you know, I'm a strong supporter of the manufacturing industry. In 2021, I worked to secure $5 million in state funding to advance manufacturing training across Connecticut and accelerate the implementation of a pilot program I authored and passed to expand the community college Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program to more high schools. That year, I also coordinated the expansion of Derby High School's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Certificate Program to adult residents. ManufactureCT named me the recipient of its 2021 Outstanding Leadership in Government Affairs Award 2021 because of these efforts.
If you’re interested in learning more about local and regional advanced manufacturing training programs (some free!), please reply to this email or send a message to me at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov. I’ll send you information about a variety of programs and resources available in our area so you can get hired in this growing industry. |
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| GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH HELP FROM THE WOMEN'S DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS COUNCIL |
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| Did you know the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) offers resources and tools to help you grow your business? WBDC offers highly informative classes that are taught by experts, and are free. Click here to see WBDC's class schedule and find out when applications open for their next round of grants for women-owned businesses! |
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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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