WHAT HAS YOUR REP BEEN UP TO?
This week I hosted an “Energy 101: Learn & Save Event” where we gave residents information on how to save on their energy bills, discussed a variety of resources and strategies to lower costs, and hosted the Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, a staff member from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, and a liaison from AARP to highlight various facets of the energy cost issue and short and long term solutions and protections.
In addition, those who were in attendance received a coupon for a free home energy audit, which includes weather-stripping, duct sealing, installation of water saving low-flow devices, efficiency tests for appliances, and more. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the number on the coupon provided to attendees of the energy event.
The average home will receive about $1,000 in services and realize up to $200 in savings annually from this home energy audit. The first 25 to redeem the coupon will receive priority scheduling, with the audit being performed before July 1 to ensure the most savings during the hottest months of the year.
Budgets are tight so this event gave residents the opportunity to take steps and learn about the resources available to save money. I will be posting this video on my Facebook page and website as well, and any resident who is interested in a free energy audit is welcome to reach out to see if we have any coupons left to provide.
Thank you to everyone that came out to my Coffee with Kara community conversations this week! This is democracy in action, and I’m so appreciative to all who attend and engage in the process.
STUDENT → MANUFACTURING FAIR AT CAPITOL
I am proud to co-host the Student → Manufacturers Connection Fair at the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 10! Students from all over the state will be journeying up to the Capitol to learn more about opportunities in the manufacturing industry, experience hands-on exhibits, and get information about a variety of training programs for students and young adults.
There will be robotics exhibits, interactive booths, and opportunities to meet with experts in the field. This is truly a fun one for our teens, and I’m excited to share that students from the 104th will be attending! Together, we are showing a whole new generation the amazing and innovative career opportunities in this swiftly growing sector in Connecticut.
STATE BUDGET PROCESS
We are more than halfway through the regular session, and this is the time of year when legislative activity picks up in the Connecticut General Assembly.
This week, the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee as well the Appropriations Committee approved their budget proposals (Finance handles the revenue side and Appropriations handles the spending side).
The next step is negotiations and compromise. Legislators will negotiate with the governor and his staff to reach a final budget agreement. The bill then goes before the House and Senate for debate and votes. After both chambers pass the proposal, the governor must sign the final budget into law before the end of the fiscal year, June 30.
Take a look at the graphic below for a glimpse of the budget process timeline.
All the while, I will be a focused and strong voice for the people of our community, our needs and interests, and for creating more stability and opportunity for prosperity for our residents. Once the budget is passed, I’ll be sure to provide an update and details on the final version and what it means for you and our community.
FREE JOB TRANING OPPORTUNITY
Are you over 18, 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. It’s a great program, so be sure to enroll if you’re seeking career advancement, or share it with someone you know who is looking to make serious career moves!
LET'S SUPPORT ANSONIA YOUTH CHEER!
Let’s do some spring cleaning and help out Ansonia Youth Cheer! The fundraiser is happening now through May 27. Organizers are hoping to raise $1,000.
LOCAL ROLE MODEL NEEDS YOUR HELP
My dear friend, Diane Stroman, is a role model to everyone in our community. She has been helping others for decades through countless professional roles, nonprofits, churches, and civic organizations. You may know her as the retired Vice President of Team, Inc., through her work as a youth mentor in the Ansonia School System, or through her work serving on the Elderly Services Commission, Juvenile Review Board, and numerous other boards including the Valley United Way, Valley Boys & Girls Club, Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee, and much more. She has touched countless lives, and now she needs our help.
Diane recently announced she is in kidney failure and needs a kidney transplant as soon as possible. She has launched a social media campaign to help identify potential donors.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to be considered a donor, please CLICK HERE or call 866-925-3897 at Yale-New Haven Health. Signing up took 30 seconds. Please consider offering the gift of life for such a pillar of our community!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
