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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 few weeks of the Short Session. The House will be in Session next week, Monday through Thursday. Follow along all day on CT-N or YouTube.
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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| Legislative Session Update |
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Last week, the House was in Session on Wednesday, April 8th, and Thursday, April 9th, and we passed a handful of bills. Read more about what we passed below.
The House passed H.B. 5157, An Act Concerning The Tire Stewardship Program, to strengthen Connecticut’s tire disposal program, requiring retail stores to fully participate by July 1, 2027. This step aims to reduce illegal dumping and prevent the buildup of old tires in our neighborhoods, a persistent source of blight and environmental harm. By improving tire collection and ensuring responsible tire disposal, the measure will help keep our streets cleaner, reduce public health risks, and support revitalization efforts. Keeping our communities clean strengthens our local economy and enhances the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The Senate now has until the end of the legislative session to take up the bill.
The House unanimously passed H.B. 5406, The Connecticut Hero Act, and it is now heading to the Senate for consideration. These updates improve access to critical services, strengthen protections, and ensure greater recognition for the service and sacrifice of our veterans. This legislation strengthens and expands support for Connecticut veterans in several important ways, including:
- Establishing a state-run dental care program for eligible veterans
- Waiving motor vehicle operator license fees
- Expanding eligibility for state military medals
- Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to warn veterans about unauthorized "claim sharks"
The House unanimously passed H.B. 5039, aimed at increasing oversight and transparency for legislative earmarks. The bill mandates stricter documentation for nonprofits receiving state funds, requires reporting on fund recipients, and aims to curb abuses in the allocation of grants. This legislation will establish new rules to provide greater oversight of funds allocated through legislative earmarks, which legislators request each year for nonprofits and other organizations. The safeguards include additional documentation and reporting requirements for organizations that receive these allocations. Among other provisions, lawmakers will need to specify how the funding will be used, and organizations will require state approval if they plan to sub-grant the funds to another group.
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| Learning Legislative Process |
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| Click above to learn about the screening process during the Legislative Session |
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| I am a proud member of the Majority Leader’s screening team. During this time of the session, we are hard at work reading through bills. As a kid I was a ferocious reader, some things never change. Hundreds of bills read, thousands of pages, the good and necessary work. Click the video below to learn more. |
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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 a 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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| EnergyWorks Construction Pathways |
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EnergyWorks is a specialized workforce development program that prepares Connecticut residents for careers in Energy Infrastructure. The program provides participants with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this growing field. They are offering a FREE Construction Pathways career training program hosted at Ansonia High School that will run from June 22nd to July 17th. This program will prepare participants for entry-level careers in construction, energy, and infrastructure. Participants will earn OSHA 10, BPI BSP, and HAZWOPER credentials upon program completion. Click here for more information and to apply.
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| Manufacturer ConneCTion Fair |
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I am once again proud to co-host the Manufacturer ConneCTion Fair will take place next week, on Thursday, April 23rd, at the State Capitol. This free event brings together students and manufacturers for a hands-on, engaging introduction to modern manufacturing careers.
Students from Connecticut’s middle schools, high schools, and technical high schools will explore interactive exhibits hosted by local manufacturers throughout the first floor of the State Capitol. Activities include virtual welding simulators, robotics demonstrations, and other immersive experiences designed to showcase today’s high-tech manufacturing and engineering careers—many of which offer starting salaries of $65,000 or more with no college debt.
A new addition from 2025 includes a College Student & Training Program Graduate Career Fair from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Participation is free for both students and manufacturers. The fair has been incredibly successful, welcoming over 1,000 students last year, including Emmett O'Brien Technical High School, Derby High School, and Ansonia High School, and we expect this year’s event to be even larger.
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Legislative Forum on Private Equity
Co-Hosted by the Blue-Collar Caucus |
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On Thursday, April 16th, I was proud to co-host a Legislative Forum on Private Equity, as the Chair of the Blue-Collar Caucus, alongside Rep. Garibay, and Rep. McCarthy Vahey, as well as Connecticut Citizens Action Group, and many other community organizations. Private equity harms healthcare, education, childcare, senior care, housing, news coverage, and so many other sectors. This Forum took place to discuss how each sector is impacted and where there is room to take legislative action.
Click below to watch the full discussion. |
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| Click above to watch the Legislative Forum on Private Equity |
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| National Drug Takeback Day |
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As you begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed and safe home. National Drug Takeback Day, administered by the DEA, will take place on Saturday, April 25. This event provides residents with a free, convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications at local collection sites. The DEA partners with local law enforcement agencies across the United States to host this event in local communities like ours.
The Derby Police Department will host a Drug Takeback Site at Bradley School (155 David Humphrey Rd) in Derby from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. on Saturday, April 25th.
Host sites will collect pills and capsules, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The DEA cannot accept liquid, sharps, or needles. Trained volunteers will be present to handle collected materials and ensure safe disposal. Any medication you wish to dispose of should be presented in a clear, sealed bag. Loose pills or capsules will not be accepted.
If you are unable to attend the event, MyOldMeds.com offers a Locator Tool to help you find the nearest disposal site year-round. There are more than 29,000 verified locations in all 50 states that have secure unwanted or expired medicine disposal kiosks, and/ or provide free in-home disposal kits upon request. Additionally, the Locator Tool provides disposal site hours of operation, hours of collection, what is collected, and other helpful information. |
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Chris has been a member of the Derby Fire Department for the majority of his life. He has been around the Fire Department his entire life. He was always there when people need him, now he needs us to step up and help. If you can or want to help call the number on the flyer!
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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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The inaugural Ansonia | Beacon Falls | Derby | Oxford | Seymour Restaurant Week, hosted by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, is your opportunity to try as many restaurants as your schedule allows for one incredibly low fixed price. Restaurant Week 2026 will run from April 24th through May 2nd. Click here for a list of participating restaurants, events happening during the week, and more.
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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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Life Health and Wellness Center will host a Collaborative Health 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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