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| Friends and Neighbors,
I would like to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving! |
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| Although Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and other celebrations are sure to look different once again this year, the CDC’s 2021 holiday guidelines ensure that with a few precautions, you’ll still be able to gather with family. |
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| As you gather with friends, near and far and give thanks for the many blessings received throughout the year, I hope your holiday is filled with peace, health and gratitude. |
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| VIRTUAL FORUM ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE |
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| In response to the recent killing of an Ansonia mother allegedly by her husband, I will be hosting a virtual Forum on Domestic Violence on Tuesday, November 30 at 3 p.m. via Zoom. I will be joined by Lt. Patrick Lynch, Patrol Division Commander & Public Information Officer of the Ansonia Police Department; Meghan Scanlon, President & CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Cindy Carlson, Program Manager at the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence, BHCare; and Geralyn O'Neil-Wild, TEAM, Inc. Board of Directors Board Officer.
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior where one partner attempts to control and dominate the other through verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or technological abuse. It can affect anyone regardless of their background, and the warning signs aren't always obvious. The pattern of behavior may start subtly and become more aggressive over time.
This forum is designed to help those experiencing or possibly witnessing domestic violence recognize the warning signs and know where they can access assistance in our community. Our goal is to also empower people who may be experiencing domestic violence and friends who may wish to learn how they can connect a loved one who is experiencing domestic violence to support.
Attendees will be able to ask the panelists questions before and during the event using the Zoom chat function. Individuals who have questions that they would like to ask the panel privately and confidentially can email them to me at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov. To register for the event, please click the button below. |
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| SHOP SMALL ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY |
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| This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, the shopping holiday that encourages consumers to support small businesses in our community. Many locally owned businesses will be offering various sales and promotions to encourage customers to shop small this holiday season. Small businesses are the backbone of our state and local economies, and when you shop at a local small business, a significant amount of that money stays and is reinvested in our community.
My legislative colleagues and I, along with state leaders, are committed to supporting our small businesses and small business owners this holiday season and everyday after. To streamline the process of doing business in Connecticut, our state's business registration system has been fully integrated with Business.CT.gov. This move provides a seamless experience for business owners from starting a business, registering it, and managing their critical compliance needs. The upgraded portal aims to encourage entrepreneurship and business growth while working to reduce some of the risk that comes with starting a business. You can learn more about the site's expanded capabilities here.
Our small businesses are at the heart of our community. This holiday season, let’s keep the holiday spirit of giving alive by shopping, eating, and celebrating locally. To find small businesses in the Valley, please click the button below. |
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| COVID-19 BOOSTERS APPROVED FOR ALL US ADULTS |
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| Last Friday, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention approved COVID-19 boosters for all U.S. adults who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months after their second dose. This is a critical step in our country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as this decision will provide increased protection against a severe case of COVID-19. An October 2021 study found that vaccine protection against a COVID-19 infection steadily decreased in the months following administration of a second dose. Another study also found that vaccine effectiveness eroded faster in individuals 65 years and older and among those with immunosuppression. Both studies analyzed the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
To get boosted or vaccinated for the first time, and for information about pharmacy locations, walk-up clinics, transportation to and from your appointment, vaccination information for homebound individuals and more, please visit the Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Portal. You can also text your zip code to GETVAX (438829) in English, or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish to instantly receive details about clinics in your area with vaccines available and assistance with transportation, childcare, and more. If you would like assistance over the phone, dial 2-1-1 to get connected with a specialist. |
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| US HOUSE PASSES BUILD BACK BETTER ACT |
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| In case you missed it, on Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives took one giant leap forward in investing in our country's care infrastructure when it passed the Build Back Better Act - a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's working- and middle-class families. As we continue navigating the deleterious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this pivotal bill takes steps towards real economic recovery.
By making the wealthiest Americans and largest corporations begin to pay their fair share in federal taxes, this $1.7 trillion spending package will create jobs, reduce healthcare costs, expand Medicare, address the fractured childcare system, and more. It also includes the most ambitious climate provisions in U.S. history to ensure a habitable planet and clean energy future for generations to come.
The Build Back Better Act is a fiscally responsible piece of legislation that won't add to inflationary pressures and could reduce the federal deficit by about $100 billion over the next decade. Here's how it could help everyday Americans:
- Lowers costs for prescription drugs, health care, and housing
- Expands access to child care and senior care so workers don't have to choose between a paycheck and caring for loved ones
- Cuts taxes for working families and the middle class and extends the Child Tax Credit
- Provides universal pre-K for every 3- and 4-year old in our country
- Makes historic investments in higher education
This bill has the potential to be transformative for our state and country. It now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Read more about this monumental piece of legislation that will help shape a more promising future for us all here. |
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Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on 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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