Office Hours, Team Toys 4 Kids, and More

November 16, 2022
I hope this message finds you and yours well.

In this week's update, you'll learn more about this month's community coffee events, Team Toys 4 Kids, and More!

If there's something you need assistance with or want to speak with me about, please don't hesitate to reply to this email or reach out to me at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.
 
COMMUNITY COFFEE AND LISTENING SESSION
My Community Coffee and Listening Session series continues this Friday, November 18, from 8AM to 9:30AM at the Valley Diner. There will be an additional session next Monday, November 21, from 6pm to 7pm at Copper City. All residents of Ansonia and Derby are invited to attend either session

This is part of the regular monthly series of events I hold to build strong relationships with people in our district. This is an opportunity to connect with me to discuss your thoughts, questions, and feedback on state issues. I'll also give an update on what we accomplished during the 2022 session to help middle- and working-class families, seniors, kids, and our community.

I hope to see you there!

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.
 
 METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN SURVEY DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments has extended the deadline for their transportation survey to November 30. They are looking for feedback to ensure that they are meeting the needs and wishes of the community. 

The English survey can be found here.  
The Spanish survey can be found here. 
 
TEAM TOYS 4 KIDS APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN
Parents & Guardians - it's time to apply for TEAM Toys 4 Kids 2022! The application is once again fully online this year. We can't wait to help you Make Magic Happen!
Click here to access the application.  
 
IN THE NEWS – APPRENTICESHIPS IN CONNECTICUT
The Connecticut Mirror published a great piece about apprenticeship programs and efforts to build our trades workforce in CT! Click here to read. I've also listed a few highlights below.

“This year, at the urging of business groups, Connecticut lawmakers passed legislation providing a tax credit to small manufacturing companies who take on apprentices.”

“From 2012 to 2021, the number of new apprentices in the U.S. grew by 64%, according to the Department of Labor. Major new federal investments in infrastructure and broadband are pushing unions to ramp up those programs in Connecticut and around the country.”

“This year, the legislature approved a tax break for businesses that offer education reimbursements to their employees, up to $5,000 a year per person. (The credit was included in the annual budget “implementer” bill, section 419.)”
 
WHAT IS YOUR REP UP TO?
It was truly special to celebrate the past captains and old timers tonight at Webster Hose H&L Co. #3. These gentlemen have given so much to our community, answering the call at all hours, regardless of circumstance, to keep the people of our community safe. Please join me in thanking them and congratulating them tonight for their well-deserved honors!
On Tuesday, I attended the Valley Community Foundation’s Community Index Launch, presented in conjunction with Naugatuck Valley Health District, Griffin Hospital, DataHaven, and TEAM, Inc.. This index takes a deep dive into the data regarding the factors that most affect our residents’ health and well-being across the Valley. It’s encouraging to see so many community figures in attendance, from nonprofit leaders to school officials, business leaders and much more. Moving our Valley forward is a team effort, and I want to thank all who are attending this critical forum.

Panelists include:
▪️ Pat Charmel, President & CEO, Griffin Hospital
▪️ Jessica Kristy, Director of Health, Naugatuck Valley Health District
▪️ David Morgan, President & CEO, Team, Inc.
▪️ Dr. Reese Morales, Director of Equity & Communications, Ansonia Public Schools
▪️ Bill Purcell, President & CEO, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Moderated by:
▪️ Valerie Knight-DiGangi, Program Officer, Calley Community Foundation
 
On Friday, I attended Veteran's Day ceremonies at the Mead School, the Derby Green, and the Ansonia Veterans Memorial Park. Thank you to the organizers, and most of all a thank you to our veterans. 
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS
 

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