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I hope this message finds you and yours well!
The 2025 legislative session has come to an end! After long days and debates on the House floor, we were able to pass significant policies this session that will benefit residents across the 104th district and across the state, from protecting workers to passing our state budget. My priority continues to be advocating for the residents of Ansonia and Derby. I am proud to stand up for what is right and take action for the residents of the 104th district. It is an honor to serve as your state representative. Thank you for trusting me to do so. |
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| State Funding for the Derby Senior Center |
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I am excited to share that the State Bond Commission approved $167,877 in funding to help support upgrades to the Derby Senior Center elevator. In recent years, the elevator system has started to malfunction and is in need of repairs. It is crucial that our seniors have a fully functioning and safe working elevator to access the center's multiple floors. This is a major investment in our community and the quality of life of seniors in Derby.
I want to thank Mayor Joseph DiMartino for his partnership in this effort for our seniors, as well as Governor Lamont, House leadership, Speaker Matt Ritter, Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and State Bond Commission Chair Representative Ron Napoli, and my Derby delegation colleagues for the team effort. This funding will make a huge difference in the lives of Derby seniors. |
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| A State Budget That Puts People First |
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As the CT Mirror’s budget reporter pointed out: “The state House of Representatives adopted a $55.8 billion two-year budget early Tuesday that invests in child care and K-12 education, provides a $250 tax cut to working poor families...” Tax relief for working families; investing in education and special education; transformative funding for childcare and early childhood education; and standing up for nonprofit service providers are the pillars of the next state budget.
Our budget reflects shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. It strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported. These organizations are on the frontlines every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors. This budget affirms and reinforces their vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all. |
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The 2025 biennial budget stands up for Connecticut, here's how:
HISTORIC NEW FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
✅$40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of the next two years
✅$30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program
✅$20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities
✅$10 million in bonding for capital development
✅$10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant
✅Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut
CHILDCARE
✅Investing in trust to provide sustainable funding for new childcare programs
✅Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid
NONPROFIT PROVIDERS
✅Access to better health care and non-profit community providers
✅$150 million more for group homes and nursing homes
✅Additional $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers
TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES
✅Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework
✅$500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners that recognize and sustain the vital care workforce
✅Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' CHET accounts
This is a budget that works for the people — one that safeguards essential services, uplifts communities, and lays the foundation for a future where every Connecticut resident is supported and protected. |
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| State Funding for the 104th |
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I am also excited to share the funding Ansonia and Derby will receive in FY26 and FY27 from the biennial budget.
Our public schools will see an increase in state funding over the next two fiscal years through Education Cost Sharing (ECS) and the new Special Education Expansion and Development grant (SEED). The City of Derby will receive a total of $14.9 million in funding, which includes $10.99 million in ECS, an increase of $400K, and $176,138 in SEED grants. This is a total increase of $1.4 million from FY25.
The City of Ansonia will receive a total of $22.7 million in funding, which includes $21.3 million in ECS, an increase of $1 million, and $255,265 in SEED grants. This is a total increase of $1.25 million from FY25. Ansonia is also receiving 87% reimbursement for the construction project for the new Ansonia Middle School and Central Administration Offices. |
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| The Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley is receiving $100,000 each year for FY26 and FY27 for a total of $200,000 over the next two years. This funding will be used to offer free programs to teens across the Valley. |
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| The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is also receiving a total of $3 million in funding that will support the Volunteer Fire Companies on Limited Highways Program. I am a proud author of this program, which gives $500 per emergency response call on limited-access highways to the responding fire company. Since the program was established, it has delivered a combined $100,000 to fire companies across Ansonia and Derby. This funding will help with response along Route 8 in Ansonia and Derby. |
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| Life Health and Wellness Center is receiving $10,000 each year in FY26 and FY27 for a total of $20,000. This funding will be used for youth summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. |
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The Governor also recently approved funding through the Brownfield Remediation and Development Program, which includes two projects in the 104th district. This funding will support the cities by helping cover the costs of assessing and cleaning up properties to be redeveloped for use.
Ansonia is receiving a $200,000 grant for the assessment of the former Farrel Ansonia Facility located at 35 and 65 Main Street. The assessment will allow the city to determine the best use of this site.
Derby is receiving a $200,000 grant to further evaluate the conditions and planning activities for the O'Sullivan's Island (OSI) property at Caroline Street. The assessment will allow the city to continue the evaluation of the site and previously identified contamination to eventually open the property as a recreation space. |
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| New Laws Effective July 1 |
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| Several new laws that were passed during the 2025 legislative session took effect on Tuesday, July 1. Please see below to read about some of them! |
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Our two-year, $55.8 billion budget took effect July 1. This bill reflects our shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. Our budget strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported.
We approved billions of dollars to be used for school construction, transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and many more local initiatives through our annual bond funding package.
Our students will soon learn about three essential topics in the classroom: civics, media literacy, and Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Under two bills passed in 2022 and 2023, students will gain an understanding of what it means to be an active and engaged citizen, how to analyze the modern media landscape, and the rich history of the AAPI community in our state and the entire country.
Our elections will soon be more secure and transparent as video recording technology will be added to every absentee ballot drop box in our state. This new law will record the drop boxes from the first day that ballots are issued up through when the clerk retrieves the final ballots, and all of these recordings will be made available to the public.
A novel, landmark bill supporting public libraries struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks went into effect July 1. The bill bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers. The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.
Many more bills went into effect on July 1, including one that reforms Connecticut's towing system, one that requires financial literacy instruction in school, and more.
You can click the link below for the full list of laws now in effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. |
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| As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol! |
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| Annual Valley Jobs Fair Recap |
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| Thank you to everyone who attended the Lower Valley Jobs fair on Wednesday, June 25th! It was another successful year of connecting Lower Valley residents with over 50 employers across a variety of fields. We had a great turnout, and the employers in attendance said they had the opportunity to meet with good applicants and leads for hires! If you were unable to attend and are interested in getting in contact with employers about their career openings, please reach out to my office at kara.rochelle@cga.ct.gov for a full list of career training and job opportunity resources. |
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| Unclaimed Property in Connecticut |
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The Connecticut Treasurer’s Office is holding more than $1 billion in unclaimed funds for Connecticut residents. Unclaimed property includes things such as payroll checks, refunds, bank accounts, liquidated securities, and insurance proceeds.
Property is returned at no cost with proper evidence. Be sure to check with the treasurer's office frequently, as it gets new unclaimed property every year.
Click on the link here to file a claim.
For more information, click on the link here. |
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| WBDC Grant Applications Now Open |
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The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of its Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.
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 two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for this grant runs from August 5th through September 16th, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
Our Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1st through August 31st, 2025. You can find more information on our Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. |
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| Happening in the Community |
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| The Ansonia Farmers Market is now open Tuesdays 10 am - 2 pm and Fridays 10 am - 1 pm every week in Veteran's Park next to City Hall. This is a great chance to meet and support our local vendors! |
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| The 3rd Annual Back to School Event is happening at Ansonia High School on August 16th at 11:30 am. Many community organizations are coming together to provide our students with the tools and supplies they need to succeed during the school year. There will be school supply giveaways, as well as free pizza and drinks. Children must be present. |
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| The Munch Eatery 2nd Anniversary Family Picnic will take place on August 21st from 5- 8 pm. Enjoy snacks from Munch, the CT Ice Cream Tour Truck, and activities for the whole family! |
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| Team INC is excited to celebrate 60 incredible years of service to the community. They invite members of the community to celebrate with them on September 27th from 5 - 10 pm at the Quarry Walk in Oxford. |
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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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