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I hope this message finds you and yours well! It was another productive week at the Capitol as we are heading into the final weeks of the Short Session. It is a true privilege to serve the people of Ansonia and Derby. Our community and neighbors drive the work that I do at the Capitol, and I carry your stories with me in everything that I do.
As always, I am here to listen and be a resource for Ansonia and Derby residents, whether it be to discuss a policy item, navigate a state agency, or anything else you may need help with that is under my jurisdiction. Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office at any time and email me at kara.rochelle@cga.ct.gov. |
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| Fighting for Working People, Fighting for Affordabilty |
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As many of you know, last year I founded the Blue-Collar Caucus in the legislature focused on the issues that matter most to Connecticut’s middle- and working-class residents. Last week, the Blue-Collar Caucus held a press conference to discuss our priorities for the legislative session. We are committed to supporting workers in every sector with job training opportunities, worker protections, and policies that put the hardworking people of Connecticut first. Our priorities are focused on job training opportunities that help people climb the economic ladder, smart policies that protect people in the workplace, tax policy that puts hardworking middle and working class residents first, and we stand against corporate greed, monopolies, and price gouging that has affected so many Connecticut residents, from housing and rental costs to prices at the grocery store, medical expenses, and so much more. This session, some of our priority bills include:
- H.B. 5003 An Act Concerning Workforce Development and Working Conditions in the State
- H.B. 5134 / S.B. 103 An Act Establishing a Refundable Child Tax Credit
- S.B 4 An Act Concerning Consumer Privacy
Click here to view the full list of Blue-Collar Caucus Priorities and to learn more.
I am proud to co-chair this group of dedicated legislators alongside State Representative Rebecca Martinez, and am grateful for the work of all of the caucus members as we push these bills across the finish line this session.
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| Advocating for Increased Education Funding |
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House Speaker Matt Ritter, Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and members of the House Democrats held a press conference to advocate for increased education funding for cities and towns across Connecticut.
We are proposing to provide $100–$150 million in new funding to support municipalities for education. This investment would help schools meet rising costs while easing pressure on local property taxes, providing important relief for both municipalities and residents.
Our goal is to deliver more education funding to our municipalities to support our kids and provide tax relief.
By prioritizing student needs, this plan could bring a 2%–5% increase in education funding to communities like Ansonia and Derby. That support will help our schools manage rising costs, invest in student success, and reduce pressure on local taxpayers.
This support would be in addition to our current education funding and is intended to ease budget pressures, helping our towns avoid property tax increases while stabilizing local finances and supporting our schools.
I strongly support effort for increased education funding. We do have more work to do, and this is an important step toward giving every child in the 104th and across Connecticut the resources and opportunities they deserve. |
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| Connecticut Youth Summer Employment Program |
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| Click here to watch me, Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka, and Derby Mayor Joseph DiMartino talk about the Youth Summer Employment Program |
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Attention young residents ages 14-24: The time to sign up for the Summer Jobs Program is NOW!
This summer the Connecticut Youth Summer Employment Program is offering a great opportunity through The WorkPlace for teens and young adults in Ansonia and Derby. The program provides paid local job opportunities, hands-on work experience, and skills that will help in a future career. Participants can work up to 20 hours per week, earning minimum wage in positions at nonprofits, local businesses, and local municipalities.
If you are or the family member of an Ansonia and Derby resident between the ages of 14 and 24, this program is a great way to spend your summer gaining life-long skills and knowledge. We encourage you to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to make connections, earn income, and gain hands-on experience.
Click here to apply. |
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| Intro to Manufacturing Program |
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Are you ready for a CAREER? Sign up now for this FREE, local manufacturing training course for people 18+.
- This 10-week course is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30pm-8:30pm in Derby, and is open to people all over the Valley
- These courses are free for those unemployed or under-employed (working part-time despite wanting full-time work, or in roles that do not utilize their skills, qualifications, or experience)
- Completing this course earns you an intro to manufacturing certificate and the training to compete for a good paying job in the manufacturing industry
- Manufacturing is the strongest business sector in CT, and still has a high demand for workers, with over 6,000 open jobs across the state. The time is NOW to get more than a job and get the training to start your manufacturing career
If you are interested in signing up or would like more information, please contact Deb Oliver, Career Connect CT Program Manager / The WorkPlace Inc at doliver@workplace.org.
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| YouthBuild Program by The WorkPlace |
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YouthBuild is a pre-apprenticeship program that helps young people ages 16–24 start building real career pathways while earning their GED, gaining hands-on training, and growing as leaders in their community.
- GED support
- Construction, solar & healthcare training
- Certifications + academic support
- Real work experience
If you’re in Bridgeport, Ansonia, or Derby, this is your chance to take the first step towards a lifelong career.
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| Free Tax Assistance Services |
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With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator.
AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you.
The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note, that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165
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I will hold my monthly in-person “Coffee with Kara” Event on Friday, April 17th, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave, Derby.
Ansonia and Derby residents are welcome to attend this event. Please feel welcome to come share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback on state policy issues.
I hope to see you there!
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The Derby Public Library annual scholarship is now open for applications. Eligibility is open to all Derby residents who are graduating high school seniors, regardless of school attended, and who intend to pursue college. The theme of this year's essay is “The Role of Libraries In My Life”. Tell us how libraries have made an impact on your life. The winner will be chosen by the Library Board of Directors based on the submitted essays. The monetary award will be presented to the winner in person by the Board at their April Board Meeting, Wednesday, April 15, at 6 pm.
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Team Inc. will host a Community Cook Off (formerly Men Who Cook) on April 25th from 6 to 10 p.m. at Warsaw Park. This is a fun evening filled with food and festivities to benefit Team Inc.
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Celebrate Earth Day at the Ansonia Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18th. The annual celebration has live animals, hikes, environmental exhibits, a farmers' market, and more. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, click here.
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Healthy Kids Day with the Valley YMCA will take place on April 18th. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Valley YMCA will host a free event, open to the public, at the Ansonia Armory.
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Life Health and Wellness Center will host a Collaborative Heath Fair on April 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center located at 199 N. Main St in Ansonia.
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Save the Date for a Pet Health and Wellness Clinic on May 29th, hosted by me, State Senator Jorge Cabrera, and Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka! The clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ansonia Armory. Click here to register and make an appointment.
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Save the Date for the Lower Valley Job Fair happening June 24th from 10 am to 1 pm at Ansonia High School!
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Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at 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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