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I hope this message finds you and yours well!
Back to school is right around the corner, and now is the time to shop for school year essentials. In this email, I will break down how your family can benefit from Sales Tax-Free Week starting this Sunday, August 17th. Scroll to read more about Sales Tax-Free Week, the Student Loan Reimbursement Program reopening, and more. As always, I am 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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I will hold my monthly in-person “Coffee with Kara” Event on Tuesday, August 19th, from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Copper City Bar and Grill, 82-84 Main Street, Ansonia.
Ansonia and Derby residents are welcome to attend this event. Please feel welcome to come share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback on state policy issues. |
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Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 17th, and runs through Saturday, August 23rd. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week
- Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
- Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
- This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
- This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.
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Click the button below for a list of exempt and taxable items during Connecticut's Sales Tax-Free Week:
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Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!
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| Sign Up For CTAlert System |
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The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is urging state residents to sign up for the CT Alert emergency notification system as extreme weather incidents continue to increase.
According to DESPP, more than 5,000 residents signed up for CT Alert just over the last month — more than during any one of the last three years bringing the total to nearly 226,000 people who have signed up for the emergency notifications.
DESPP offered a number of tips on how to prepare for potential severe weather:
- Download the CTPrepares app for your mobile phone so you know how to prepare for any emergency.
- Create an emergency kit to keep in your home so you are ready for any emergency.
- Put together a “go bag” with copies of important documents, prescriptions, battery-operated radio, and other items such as a cell phone charger.
- Make sure you have an evacuation plan, particularly if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.
Signing up for CT alert system can be done online or by texting CTALERT to 888-777.
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| Student Loan Reimbursement Program Reopens |
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The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) announced that the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) will reopen for applications on Friday, August 15.
The SLRP provides up to $5,000 annually, with a four-year cap at $20,000, to eligible applicants who meet service and income requirements.
Recent changes have expanded eligibility for Connecticut’s student loan relief program, helping it reach more residents burdened by student debt.
The updated criteria now recognize a wider range of educational and volunteer experiences, allowing more individuals to qualify for assistance. Notably, former Stone Academy students may now be eligible for relief following the school's closure. Those who did not receive a tuition refund are now eligible for reimbursement.
According to OHE, these changes are designed to provide a pathway to recover from both educational and financial setbacks, ensuring the program serves those most in need.
This session, I was proud to advocate for updates to the program, including allowing nursing students' clinical hours and education students' student teaching hours to count towards the volunteer service hour requirements. This financial assistance makes a significant difference in the lives of many individuals entering the workforce. Expanding the volunteer service hours to include these hours of hard work and dedication allows these students to be eligible for the program while maintaining their program requirements.
The following includes the program’s key eligibility requirements:
- Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
- Must have an outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024
- Must have graduated from a Connecticut college/university, or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate
- Income limits: $125,000 for individuals and $175,000 for married applicants
- Must have 50 hours of verified volunteer service since Jan. 1, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service
- A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion
Applicants must create an account, complete the application, and upload all required documents to be considered for approval. Click here to create an account and apply.
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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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