Kara Rochelle

The state budget we passed provides increased funding for our community support nonprofits like BHCare, the Parent Child Resource Center, and Team, Inc., which offers infant, toddler, and child care, a diaper bank, family resource center, energy assistance, Meals on Wheels, transportation to doctors appointments, and so much more. It also boosts funding for Valley Save Our Youth and its Bigger Than Your Block Program. VSOY will be opening its teen center to serve people from Ansonia and Derby soon. 

Lowering the Local Car Property Tax

The state budget reduces the motor vehicle mill rate cap from 45 mills to 32.46 mills. Municipalities with motor vehicle tax rates above the 32.46 mill cap will receive a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement from the state that will make up for the revenue loss. Below is a chart outlining Ansonia and Derby's approved 2022 mill rate and the potential savings for a vehicle assessed at $21,000.

• Cuts state income taxes for retirees.
• Lowers property taxes on homes.
• Increases the state Earned Income Tax Credit for workers in low-paying jobs.
• Establishes the first state child tax credit for the majority of taxpayers. The credit provides $250 per child for up to 3 dependent children under age 16. This program will be for individuals making less than $100,000 and couples making less than $200,000. Recipients will receive a check in the mail.
• Extends the 25-cent elimination of the state gas tax and extends free bus service, both until December.
• Makes a $3.5 billion payment to CT's pension debt, saving taxpayers considerable money.
• Provides a significant tax break for businesses on unemployment insurance.
• Expands tax credits to more manufacturers.
• Offers $40 million in tax credits to businesses of all sizes that create new jobs in CT through the JobsCT program. The program doubles the tax credit for businesses that create jobs in economically distressed municipalities like ours!
• Provides $500 for each call volunteer fire companies respond to on limited access highways like Route 8. This will benefit Ansonia and Derby firefighters. I'm proud to have co-authored this piece of legislation.
• Increases funding for police task forces to address illegal gun trafficking and car thefts.
• Invests in juvenile crime prevention.
• $10 million for mental health services at School-Based Health Centers.
• $30 million for increased 24/7 mobile crisis services.
• $70 million for child care industry wage enhancements.
• $23 million for personal care attendants for seniors and individuals who are disabled
• $3 million for senior citizens' adult day programs and Meals on Meals
• $4 million for Alzheimer’s respite care programs
• $50 million for affordable housing
• $8 million to increase access to town-run summer camps
• $2.8 million for survivors of domestic violence
• Funds firefighter I training for volunteer firefighters trained to serve in distressed municipalities

Ansonia will receive an estimated $400,000, bringing total town funding to an estimated $1,951,765. Derby will receive an estimated $250,000, bringing total town funding to an estimated $2,918,249.

Additional Funds for Community Initiatives

• $145,000 for Valley Save Our Youth
• $300,000 for Team, Inc.
• Over $1.2 million annually to fund the addition of 7 more stops throughout the day on the Waterbury Rail Line starting in July