Join Me Tomorrow!

March 16, 2023
I hope this message finds you and yours well!
 
It’s been another week full of public hearings and committee meetings here at the Capitol. With all my meetings, conversations with colleagues, and policy work, I am carrying the stories you share with me about your lives and the priorities dear to you. 

I’m fighting for a more affordable way of life for our residents, increased education funding, stability for our seniors and retirees, the creation of good-paying jobs and the opportunity to attain them, meaningful state investment in our community, and so much more.

As session progresses and we start to pass bills, I’ll be sure to highlight the steps we’re taking to deliver for you, your family, and our community.

As always, 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.
 
JOIN ME TOMORROW
Please stop by for an in-person Community Coffee Event tomorrow from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. in the back room of the Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave, Derby. Please join the conversation and share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback on state policies currently under consideration by the legislature.

A special guest will be joining us from the Naugatuck Valley Health District to discuss its services and programs, in addition to taking and answering questions about current and future initiatives. From lead abatement programs to air monitoring, food truck licensing to community health strategies, come be part of the conversation and learn what resources are available!
Can’t make Friday’s event? I will host another Community Coffee Event on Monday, March 20 from 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. at Copper City Bar & Grill in Ansonia. Connecting directly with residents and have real conversations about the issues that matter to you, sharing ideas, and collaborating is critically important to the democratic process. I hope to see you at one of these two events.
 
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate women who have inspired change throughout history and recognize those who continue to fight for the fair and equitable treatment of women and girls around the world. 

I am thrilled to celebrate the many accomplishments of women in Connecticut and beyond in the coming weeks! We have so many dedicated female state representatives who are serving as role models for generations to come!
I also want to give a special shout out to my predecessor, mentor, and friend Linda Gentile—who was the FIRST woman to represent the 104th! 

The State of Connecticut has a long history of women's movements, click here to find out more.
 
JOB TRANING OPPORTUNITY
Are you unemployed or under-employed and looking for a stable, good-paying career? APPLY NOW to get into the upcoming round of FREE manufacturing classes right here in the 104th!

This program readies you to compete for the thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs available now, and sets you on a career path with many opportunities for advancement. Modern manufacturing is technical, innovative, and constantly evolving. Don’t miss this opportunity and don’t wait. This is a great program!

It’s being offered through a partnership with The WorkPlace, Housatonic Community College, and the Connecticut Department of Labor. This concept was part of the first legislation I authored and passed when becoming your Representative. Through the cooperation of key stakeholders, we now have this highly successful program available in our community, setting our residents on a path to more job stability.
 
CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY
We are having discussion in Hartford to boost road safety for you and your loved ones. The Department of Transportation is hosting Vision Zero Council meetings to reduce roadway injuries and deaths in our state.

The Vision Zero Council, an interagency group created by the legislature in 2021, focuses on ways to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, drivers, and passengers. The Council transmitted a series of policy proposals, which we are now looking over in Hartford.
 
GRANT PROGRAM OPEN TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
The Community Connectivity Grant Program (CCGP) is now open to cities and towns prepared to apply. It’s an infrastructure improvement program that provides funding for local initiatives to boost the safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and those who take public transportation.
The goal of the program is to allow everyone equal access to sidewalks, crosswalks, and streetscapes by having safer roads and encouraging more people to use healthy and environmentally sustainable modes of travel. Grant awards are contingent upon the State Bond Commission’s approval of $10 million. 
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
 
LOWERING THE COST OF INSULIN
This week, I stood with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ted Doolittle of the State of Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate, and a variety of nonprofit advocates to highlight the progress being made and the battle ahead to ensure every person has affordable access to insulin.

I was so proud to cosponsor legislation in my second term that insulin at $25/month for state regulated health insurance.

This was built upon by our federal counterparts with the Inflation Reduction Act lowering prescription drug costs for our seniors on Medicare, which is federally regulated.

We gathered to highlight Eli Lilly’s major step in the right direction by capping out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 a month! Other drug companies should follow suit.

Together we are making advancements in state and federal policy and keeping the pressure on the drug companies to do the right thing.
 
FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES
 
No cost school meals resumed on March 1 and will continue until the end of the school year. I was proud to vote in favor of funding the free school lunch program, which ended in a unanimous vote in the House. This legislation helps families in their wallets and makes sure children have proper nutrition.
 
PUSH FOR MORE HOUSING FUNDING 
The Time to Own program is out of funds. This week, we are rolling out SB 1084 which would double the amount proposed by Governor Ned Lamont for this critical program, which helps families own their own property. In addition, we need to immediately allocate funding to get the program back up and running until July 1.
Here are some the benefits of the Time to Own program:
  • 0% Interest rate with no monthly payment required.  
  • 10% of the principal balance will be forgiven annually, on the anniversary date of the loan closing, until the loan is fully forgiven on the tenth anniversary.
  • Financing to cover up to 20% down payment and up to 5% closing costs.
  • Loan amounts up to $50,000 for homes located in High or Very High Opportunity Areas 
  • Loan amounts up to $25,000 for homes located in areas other than High or Very High Opportunity Areas.
 
WHAT HAS YOUR REP BEEN UP TO?
My absolute favorite special activity of the year is reading to our children for Read Across America! I was a joy to read to students in Derby and Ansonia about how young people can make a big difference in their community. After, I answered their questions about my job and about local, state, and federal government. What a bright and inquisitive group!
 
I also attended the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Outlook Forum. Over 100 attendees from the business community attended for this important discussion. The Chamber hosted two featured panelists, who I know well from our shared efforts in the Capitol.
 
Alexandra Daum, the new Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and Chris DiPentima, the President and CEO of Connecticut Business & Industry Association, provided insight to guests on the state budget, legislative policies, and the state’s economic development strategy. They highlighted key new initiatives like the JobsCT Program, advancements with brownfield remediation, CareerConnect, and critical areas to target going forward, like expanding our housing stock at all levels across the state. Serving on the Commerce Committee since taking office, I am proud to be an active policymaker and partner in this arena, pushing for initiatives that support our community and move Connecticut forward.
 
Recently we honored the life and accomplishments of Bruce Robert “Bobby” Goldson Sr. who exemplified excellence, humility, dedication, and had a servant’s heart. Bobby was a marine, serving in the Korean War and earning a Bronze Star with Combat Valor and a Purple Heart, amongst other recognitions. Upon returning, he worked in corrections for 28 years, rising to the rank of Warden.
Upon retirement, he chose to work as a bus driver and instructor for 20 years, and served as union president.  He was active in our community, through Macedonia Baptist Church, serving on Ansonia’s Board of Ethics and Police Commission, and as a lifelong member of the NAACP.  He was involved in a variety of other community organizations as well, touching the lives and hearts of many. His passing is a great loss to our community and his family.
We gathered with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brotherhood Awards Committee, the Ansonia Police Department, and congressional, state, and city officials to honor Bobby’s legacy and dedicate and name the Police Station’s Caucus Room in his name.
 
A huge, heartfelt congratulations to the honorees of Storm Engine Co./Ambulance Corps Co. 2’s Past Captains/Old Timers Night. Some of them were recognized for 50 years of service!

Please join me in thanking these firefighters for their hard work and congratulating them on well-earned recognition. It was an honor to present them with state citations for their leadership and service.
 
A huge congratulations to Cub Scout Pack 51- Ansonia and BSA Troop 51 on their Blue and Gold Banquet! A special thank you to their troop leaders as well for giving boys and girls in our community engaging programming that teaches life skills, service to others, and leadership. This new troop started during the pandemic and has grown rapidly, with 28 members so far!
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT CUB SCOUT PACK 51
 
FREE TAX FILING SERVICES
TEAM, Inc. is teaming up with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to help file your taxes for FREE! Income must be at or below $60,000 to quality. Volunteer IRS-certified preparers can help you get the largest refund possible. 
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
 
SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL EXCELLENCE
Congratulations to the Class S State Champion Ansonia Charger Cheerleaders!
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS