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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.
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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| What Has Your Rep Been Up To? |
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It has been a busy and productive time between legislative duties in Hartford and attending events here in the Valley.
The Saint Peter & Saint Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ansonia recently held a community gathering to reflect upon the profound struggle, faith, and endurance of the people of Ukraine, who have just marked four years of war. Mayor Frank Tyszka and Mayor Joseph DiMartino gave touching speeches reflecting on sovereignty, humanity, and the need for peace. It was a moving event, and I’m glad I was able to attend. Thank you to the church for organizing this important event to be with our neighbors and to raise some funds that will be sent directly to a church in Ukraine that is helping the wounded, the widowed, and the displaced. Slava Ukraini! |
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| Last week, I spent some time in classrooms at schools across Ansonia and Derby reading to students for Read Across America Week. Read Across America encourages kids to read and keeps them excited about reading. I was honored to be able to participate and connect with students across our school districts about the importance of reading. |
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I recently visited the Derby Elks Lodge for an event to honor the Derby Elk's Lodge 571 Award Recipients and their dedication to the community. It was a joy to be there to celebrate your accomplishments and present state citations to honor your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your neighbors!
Elk of the Year - David Bayusik
Citizen of the Year - Marc Garofalo
Officer of the Year - Adam Pacheco
Grand Exalted Ruler Commendations - Dave Cox & Anita Dugatto
Membership Recruitment Award - Linda Bayusik
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| State Funding for Ansonia |
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The Department of Agriculture recently awarded over $500k to 43 farms across the state through the Farm Transition Grant. This is a highly competitive grant each year, and this cycle marks the highest number of awards in a single fiscal year in the program’s history. The grant is awarded to projects that diversify farm businesses, expand value-added production, and improve efficiency.
Bodhi Tree Gardens in Ansonia has received a grant of $5,000 in the New Farmer microgrant category. This grant will be used to install a greenhouse and improve their existing farmstand to increase production. Bondhi Tree Gardens will also use a portion of the funds to update their farm website and marketing plans to increase the farm-to-beauty product business. |
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I am so proud to share that we have cleared a major step towards attaining a $250,000 planning grant for Derby!
The grant will fund planning efforts to prepare the 30 acres of city-owned land for Fountain Lake Industrial Park—an industrial and manufacturing development—including support for critical infrastructure. The funding will support infrastructure including roads, water, electricity, natural gas lines, and more, for the land to be used as an industrial and manufacturing site. The proposed industrial park has the potential to create high-skill jobs while generating revenue for the city.
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| In The News: House Bill 5279 |
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| This session, we are again working hard to pass H.B. 5279, which seeks to expand worker’s compensation coverage to first responders who suffer a post-traumatic stress injury while on the job. Currently, workers' compensation coverage is only offered to first responders who witness a death or permanent disfigurement, which is not all-encompassing of the many high-stress situations first responders encounter. The bill is moving through the legislative process and was recently voted out of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, which was featured in a CT Insider article. |
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It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved this session. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.
Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:
- The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and their staff. Part of their duties includes writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. Click here to check out their website.
- You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA's official website.
- Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates.
- You can register to monitor any bill's journey through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress.
- Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
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At the end of February, the House was in session and passed two important bills: Senate Bill 298 and Senate Bill 299.
Senate Bill 298 is a comprehensive measure that advances several key priorities for our communities. It supports first responders by aiding the firefighter cancer relief fund and increases reimbursement rates for intermediate care facilities. For workers, SB 298 establishes stronger, worker-friendly standards for warehouse operations, including a clear private right of action so employees can seek damages if workplace standards are violated. It revises police training standards for interactions with individuals with disabilities, adjusts municipal pension calculations, and repeals a prior building code change to ensure responsible development standards.
Senate Bill 299 addresses bottle redemption fraud following the increase in Connecticut’s beverage container deposit. The bill increases penalties for fraudulently redeeming out-of-state containers and lowers the threshold from 2,500 to 1,000 containers before identification is required at redemption centers. These changes protect the integrity of the system while maintaining the 10-cent deposit.
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| Important SNAP Benefits Update |
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Beginning March 1st, important changes to Connecticut law took effect regarding how the state will issue SNAP benefits.
Under the new legislation, Connecticut will begin staggering the distribution of SNAP benefits throughout the first eight days of the month, rather than loading them primarily the first few days. This change is designed to:
- reduce congestion at grocery stores and retailers
- improve access to food
- create a smoother, more dignified experience for SNAP recipients
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| Women's Business Development Council Grants |
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The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of the Ignite Grant Program.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from February 3rd through March 18th. You can find additional information on Ignite here. |
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The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year.
Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.
Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.
Eligible applicants may qualify if they:
- Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
- Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
- Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
- Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
- Completed required community service or qualify for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances
Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.
Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.
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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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Check out the flyer below for adult programs at the Ansonia Library during March.
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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 is collecting donations for its Spring Gift Baskets part of the Meals on Wheels Program. Drop off your donations by March 20th!
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Derby Public Library will host a Cyber Savvy Seniors class on March 25th at 2 pm at the library. This class will discuss online safety, how to protect yourself from online scams, and more.
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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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