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I hope this message finds you and yours well!
While the legislature has been out of session, I've had the chance to spend more time around the Valley and talk with many of you about what new laws were passed this session and how you can expect them to impact you. I am always here as a resource for Ansonia and Derby residents to help address any questions or concerns you have. 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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| Extreme Hot Weather Protocol Activated Next Week |
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| Due to an anticipated stretch of high temperatures, the state is activating its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective at noon on Monday, August 11. The protocol will remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 14. Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org. |
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| A Commitment to Maternal Health |
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Supporting maternal health doesn't begin in the delivery room.
It starts with access to care, education, and resources, long before pregnancy.
Connecticut committed to providing access to maternal health services during the 2025 legislative session with the passage of HB 7102, An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health Care, and HB 7214, An Act Concerning Maternal Health.
Both pieces of legislation were signed into law this week.
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HB7102 requires the state to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in parts of the state with high percentages of Medicaid recipients and limited access to these facilities.
The bill also expands perinatal mental health services and strengthens family support, including programs that aid fathers in supporting maternal health.
HB7214 enhances hospital transparency and accountability in maternal care by establishing a task force to assess the availability of perinatal mental health care services and identify care gaps. It also calls for an advisory committee to study doula-friendly practices in hospitals.
HB7102 and HB7214 affirm Connecticut's dedication to ensuring safe, high-quality care, regardless of race, income, or zip code.
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| Fallen Hero Fund Signed Into Law |
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| Last month, Governor Lamont signed the Fallen Hero Fund into law. Connecticut stands united in honoring every fallen first responder. This bipartisan effort expands access to what was formally called the "Fallen Officer Fund" to all first responders, now including firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. With the launch of the Fallen Hero Fund, we ensure their families receive the support and care they deserve. As a co-sponsor of this legislation this session, I am proud to see it signed into law and for our government to continue to take action to support our first responders and their families in times of tragedy. |
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| Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Scorecard |
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I am proud to receive a 100% score from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for the 2025 session!
CTLCV grades legislators on a scale from 0% to 100% based on their votes on environmental priority bills in committees, the Senate, and the House. The 2025 final score is the average of the legislator’s votes on key bills. I was one of 34 members in the General Assembly to receive a score of 100%. This recognition is a great honor and responsibility.
Representing a community with beautiful natural resources and an industrial past that left us with serious pollution, I am proud to be a champion for smart policy, key to a brighter, healthier future.
To learn more about the CTLCV scorecard, click HERE. |
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This session, the state legislature took action to support our senior residents by expanding access to care and ensuring they are protected.
The legislature passed a new law that requires health insurance policies to cover biomarker testing to diagnose and treat patients' diseases, such as cancer. Typically, biomarker testing identifies certain gene mutations, proteins, or other molecules that help health care providers diagnose diseases and choose targeted treatments that may help improve patient outcomes.
Another new law generally prohibits nursing homes and assisted living facilities from discriminating against residents based on certain characteristics and statuses, including: race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, intellectual disability, mental disability, etc. This law requires long-term care facilities to post a printed nondiscrimination notice, ensure direct care staff receive cultural competency training, and respect residents’ physical privacy in the context of their care.
New legislation passed this session also protects seniors in long-term care facilities by closing a loophole so that all employees at long-term care facilities undergo a background check and requires greater consideration of how close your family lives when care homes try to transfer patients. This legislation also provides free online college courses to our nursing home residents. |
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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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| Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program |
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📣 Attention Future Educators in Connecticut! 🍎✨
The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, established by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), is now open for applications!
This scholarship supports students who:
✅ Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District
✅ Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
✅ Are in good academic standing
✅ Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements
💰 Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:
🎓 High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
🎓 Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program
Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!
📌 Apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator.
🔗 https://shorturl.at/r7Rfc |
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| WBDC August 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.
Their 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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| Check out the flyers below for upcoming programs happening at the Ansonia and Derby libraries! |
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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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| There are several opportunities to enjoy free live music on the Derby Green on Tuesday and Friday evenings through October 3rd. The next concert will be held on Tuesday, August 19th at 7 p.m. when the Steel Drum Band takes the stage. Check out the flyer below for more upcoming shows! |
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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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| Life Health and Wellness Center is holding a back to school grocery giveaway on August 24 from 10:30-11:30 am. The giveaway will happen while supplies last. |
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Veterinary Care Everywhere and The Derby Senior Center are partnering to bring a low cost veterinary wellness clinic to community members! Vet Care Everywhere will be providing services at the Derby Senior Center on September 5, from 10 am to 1 pm.
- Seniors, veterans, physically disabled individuals - $60/pet
- General public - $100/pet
- Included services: exam, rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, deworming medication and heartworm test (dogs only)
- Pre-registration required
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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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