Kara Rochelle

This session, our work in the Connecticut General Assembly was focused on making our state more affordable for all residents. We passed a state budget adjustment bill that delivers over $650 million in tax relief for retirees, property owners, workers, parents, small businesses, and more.

Every student in our state deserves an education filled with opportunity that sets them up for success. The best investment we can make in our future is giving our schools the tools and resources they need today to help our students succeed tomorrow. This session, I proudly supported a state budget adjustment bill and legislation that work to fulfill this vision.

Do you have questions about the 2022 legislative session or want to learn about some of the bills we passed? Join me for an in-person Office Hours and Listening Session on Monday, May 16 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Copper City on the back patio!

Last Wednesday, I stood beside my legislative colleagues and advocates to support the passage of two legislative proposals that would expand access to testing and diagnostics for breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers. SB 358 would offer health insurance coverage for early detection and diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancers. 

To put money back into Connecticut residents' pockets, we recently passed legislation to suspend our state's gas tax and offer free bus service through June 30. The bill also created an additional Sales Tax Free Week, which will end on Saturday, April 16. If your kids are home on spring vacation, this is a great opportunity to save on their spring and summer wardrobe.

On Thursday, March 24, the State of Connecticut launched the MyCTSavings program, a new retirement savings option for over 600,000 private sector workers in Connecticut who do not have access to an employer provided retirement savings plan.

No matter how busy the session gets, meeting with you and our neighbors of the 104th is important to me. Hearing your stories, your thoughts, concerns, and questions helps me successfully advocate for you and our community's needs. Next week, I will be holding an in-person Office Hours and Listening Session event with Senator Jorge Cabrera on Friday, March 18 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave.

Today is the last day of February and Black History Month, where we celebrate the many achievements and contributions Black Americans have made to our country despite facing adversity and challenges. Black history is American history and we are blessed to have some amazing figures in our community.