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| Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you and yours well.
Do you want to learn more about the bills we passed during the 2022 session or have questions or concerns about state issues that you want to share? Join me and Senator Jorge Cabrera for an in-person Office Hours and Listening Session on Friday, July 15 from 8 AM to 9 AM at the Valley Diner! |
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| I hope you'll join me!
If you can't make it to this event, but would like to connect with me, you can reply to this email and we can set up a time to speak. I will also be having Office Hours again on Monday, July 18 from 7 PM to 8 PM at Copper City. |
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| We are always working hard to improve our economy and rebound from the recent COVID-19-induced recession. We have weathered difficult economic times over the past few years and during the 2022 session, we passed legislation that takes steps to propel our economy forward. Below is a look at some of the bills:
HB 5506, An Act Adjusting the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2023, which:
- Creates the JobsCT program to allow manufacturing and other targeted industries to earn tax credits for creating new jobs, with twice the credit for creating jobs in Economically Distressed Municipalities and Opportunity Zones — this includes Ansonia and Derby
- Lowers the business tax for Unemployment Insurance, effectively having the state make the federal loan repayment for the coming year on behalf of businesses
- Funds the Community Investment Fund 2030—providing $875 million over the next 5 years in new, targeted economic development funds to underserved communities, like Ansonia and Derby. The funding from the CIF can be used for two categories of projects:
- Capital Improvements, including brownfield remediation, affordable housing, water and sewer infrastructure support, pedestrian safety and traffic calming improvements, energy resiliency projects, and land acquisitions and capital projects to construct, rehab or renovate buildings and structures to improve home rehab programs and facilities; and
- Small Business Support programs, including revolving loan programs, microloans, or gap financing for small businesses, as well as startup funds to establish small businesses
- Extends the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Tax Credit to the business entity tax to support small manufacturers
- $200 million for two new grant programs in the Department of Economic and Community Development, in addition to the Small Business Express Program
HB 5146, An Act Concerning Food Donation: creates a supermarket food donation program to fight hunger in Connecticut, support food banks, and reduce food waste.
HB 5505, An Act Concerning Aerospace Manufacturing Projects: maintains Connecticut as an aerospace manufacturing hub by enabling Sikorsky to build out thousands of jobs for residents in our region.
HB 5216, An Act Concerning Low-Cost Bank Accounts: requires banks to make available low-cost bank accounts so everyone can have access to basic banking services without having to pay significant fees.
HB 5267, An Act Concerning the Department of Economic and Community Development's Strategic Planning Regarding the Promotion of Arts and Culture: takes steps to help grow Connecticut's tourism industry by directing the state Department of Economic and Community Development to develop and implement a strategic statewide marketing plan and provide visitor services.
SB 218, An Act Concerning Brownfield Remediation: speeds up and expands opportunities to participate in the state's brownfield remediation program, making it easier for developers to take on properties like Ansonia Brass.
SB 407, An Act Concerning the Development and Implementation of a Post COVID-19 Women's Return to Work Economic Development Plan: coordinates and implements a plan of action to support women in re-entering the workforce. This addresses the disproportionately high percentage of women who left the workforce to take care of their families during the pandemic and who are now seeking avenues to return.
SA 21-3, An Act Concerning the Outdoor Sale of Goods and Provision of Food and Beverage Service: allows for the continuation of the incredibly successful outdoor dining program – which was a lifeline for many restaurants during the pandemic.
SB 6, An Act Concerning Personal Data Privacy and Online Monitoring: creates the most robust protections for our online data in the country. The legislation generally sets limits on what data large online businesses can collect about you, gives you the right to access, correct, or delete that data, and requires these businesses to do data protection assessments to prevent hacks.
SB 163, An Act Protecting Freedom of Speech and Conscience: prevents employers from penalizing employees who refuse to attend or participate in employer-sponsored meetings concerning the employer's political or religious views. |
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| FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PACT PRIORITY DEADLINE |
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If you or someone you know is a recent high school graduate headed to college or university, I have some important information to share with you! The deadline to apply for financial aid through Connecticut's free community college program is fast approaching. Students looking to take advantage of the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) program are encouraged to apply by Friday, July 15.
This session, we passed legislation expanding eligibility for PACT funding to part-time college students.
Applicants must be Connecticut high school graduates who are first-time college students, have completed the FAFSA application, plan on taking at least six credits per semester, and are working toward a degree or certificate.
The goal of PACT was to make higher education more accessible. Including part time students will further increase the reach of this program. Click here to learn more. |
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| COVERED CT AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE PROGRAM EXPANDS |
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| As of July 1, 2022, adults without children who meet eligibility requirements can now enroll in the Covered CT program. Launched in July 2021, this program provides health insurance at no cost to more than 800 parents and caretaker relatives in Connecticut. Covered CT pays premiums as well as other cost-sharing amounts like deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, and maximum out-of-pocket expenses. The program has also been expanded to offer dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefits.
To qualify, Connecticut residents must have a household income up to and including 175% of the federal poverty level and not qualify for HUSKY Health/Medicaid because of income; be eligible for financial help, including advance premium tax credit and cost-sharing reductions; and use 100% of the financial help available to them. They must also be enrolled in a silver-level health insurance plan.
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Household size
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1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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8
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Ineligible for HUSKY/Medicaid and have a household income up to and including 175% of the federal poverty level
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$22,540
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$30,485
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$38,430
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$46,374
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$54,320
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$62,265
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$70,210
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$78,155
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Residents can receive free online help by visiting AccessHealthCT.com.
For free in-person help, interested persons can work with a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. To find a certified broker or enrollment specialist, click here.
Residents can also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those who are deaf or hearing impaired can use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator. |
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| CT LAUNCHES HEAD START ON HOUSING |
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| I am pleased to announce Head Start on Housing, a cross-agency collaboration that will work to expedite housing subsidies for Head Start households.
Services can often be delivered in the most efficient manner when agencies work together and this effort uses a multi-pronged approach to help provide permanent housing to as many families with children as possible.
Head Start on Housing is a partnership between the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Connecticut Department of Housing, Connecticut Head Start State Collaboration Office, Connecticut Head Start Association, and the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare.
Combating homelessness is another component and step forward in our overall goal of improving the lives of our young residents to give them the best opportunity for future success.
I look forward to this plan benefiting children in need and to the positive impact it will have on families and neighborhoods across the state. |
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| SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL EXCELLENCE |
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| A huge congratulations to Dr. Leslie K. Youngblood, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, BSBA, CEO of Life, Health & Wellness and also of Abundance of Joy Learning Center (both in Ansonia) on attaining her PhD! It was a joy to join her and her many friends and supporters in celebrating this monumental achievement. It was an honor to present her with a state citation to commemorate this special occasion and express my gratitude for all she does for our community. Dr. Youngblood is a role model to many and a shining example of excellence and devotion to others. |
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| The Lower Valley Jobs Fair was a hit! If you would like a list of the employers that attended, please send me an email at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov. |
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| APPLY FOR CHILD TAX PAYMENTS |
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| Applications for the Child Tax Payment that was included in the 2022 state budget are open through July 31, 2022 - recipients will receive funds beginning in late August.
If you have a child born before January 1, 2022 and are a single parent who earned less than $100,000 or a two-parent household who earned less than $200,000 during the 2021 tax year, you are eligible for a child tax payment of $250 per child, up to three children. BUT YOU MUST APPLY BY JULY 31. |
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Star Hopping - Friday, July 15, 8:00 p.m.; (Rain Date Saturday, July 16, 8 pm)
Like stepping stones across a river, Astronomers can navigate the darkness of space by following a trail of stars until they arrive at the object they were looking for. Join Ranger Jeremy on a crystal clear night and learn the patterns of the stars. Discover the link between constellations and their roles in human history. Please register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org Date and time are subject to change. Ages 8 and up. |
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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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