Kara Rochelle

I hope this message finds you and yours well! The 2026 Legislative Session is officially in full swing with committee meetings, public hearings, and lots of advocacy for the resources and policies that will positively impact our community. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve you all. At every turn, I am tackling issues that will benefit the Valley as well as the state as a whole, holding your stories and experiences close in my mind and heart, and working to make a difference.

I will hold my monthly in-person “Coffee with Kara” Event on Friday, February 20th, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave, Derby.

I am excited to host a community blood drive at the Ansonia Armory on Monday, February 16th, with State Senator Jorge Cabrera and Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka. The Blood Drive will take place at the Ansonia Armory located at 5 State Street in Ansonia, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Monday, February 16th, 2026.

I hope this message finds you and yours well! In this email, you can find information on how there is still time to apply for Access Health CT, read about grant and funding opportunities for nonprofits, and more.

From my family to yours, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I hope you all have a season filled with peace, joy, and meaningful time spent with friends and family.

I will hold my monthly in-person “Coffee with Kara” Event tomorrow, Friday, December 19th, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave, Derby.

During November's Special Session, the legislature approved a $500 million Emergency Fund for the state to use to respond to any cuts from the federal government. In the past week, the state's plans to use $70 million to cover healthcare subsidies, and the plans to use $5.2 million to combat homelessness. In this email, you can read more about how this funding will be used, learn about medical debt relief on the way for 40,000 residents, and more. 

Last week, the House of Representatives met for a Special Session on Wednesday, November 12th. The legislature used the Special Session to address the potential funding shortfalls of the federal government during the shutdown, a new housing bill, and more. We passed $500 million to cover reductions in funding from the federal level. Further down in this email, you can read additional details about what the legislature passed during the special session this week.