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I hope this message finds you and yours well! In this email, you can find information on how there is still time to apply for Access Health CT, read about grant and funding opportunities for nonprofits, 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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| Access Health Open Enrollment Deadline Extended |
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Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, announced the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for coverage beginning on February 1st, 2026, has been extended to Saturday, January 31.
Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.
Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
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| AARP Community Challenge Grant Program |
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AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.
This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project applications must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.
This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:
- Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
- Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
- Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4th, 2026. Learn more & apply at: AARP.org/CommunityChallenge
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| Valley Community Foundation Grants |
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The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) has various Community Grants available to organizations seeking funding throughout the year. In 2025, VCF awarded over $433,000 to 16 nonprofits serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. These grants support critical programs and services that support community needs including, food insecurity, education, and more.
On January 15th, the Community Foundation is hosting a Grantseeker Webinar to discuss the 2026 grant programs, how to apply for different grants, and more. Click here to register for the Grantseeker Webinar.
Click here to learn more about the grant opportunity from the Valley Community Foundation. |
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| In The News: CT Advocates, Legislators Call For State Action Following Changes To Federal Student Loan Programs |
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Last week, members of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee held a press conference alongside advocates to discuss the reclassification of certain graduate degrees by the Federal Department of Education, which now excludes critical professions, including nursing, teaching, social work, and many more. As Vice Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, our committee understands this move will negatively impact students and aspiring professionals. Due to this reclassification, graduate students would face limits to how they can borrow in loans. Programs designated as professional degrees would be capped at $50,000 per year or $200,000 total, and other graduate programs would face significantly lower caps at $20,500 per year or $100,000 in total.
My colleagues and I proposed using the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) to aid Connecticut students who are impacted. Many of these professions are already facing workforce shortages, and this will limit who can access these graduate programs and increase workforce shortages.
“This move is careless and will only add to the workforce shortages we are already facing in our state. We must take action to right this wrong and must continue fighting to support these professions.”
This is just the start of the conversation on how here in Connecticut we must step up to support aspiring professionals. I look forward to continuing this discussion during the 2026 Legislative Session and working towards a solution.
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Ansonia's Annual Community Celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place on Monday, January 19th, starting at Noon at Ansonia High School. All are invited to join.
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The Ansonia Senior Center will hold a Healthy Brain Series in partnership with Hartford Healthcare Center for Healthy Aging on Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m., February 2nd through March 9th. Each weekly session will discuss a different topic. To register call the Ansonia Senior Center at 203-736-5933.
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The Derby Historical Society will hold a Winter Children's Workshop on Saturday, January 24th from 1 to 3 p.m. at David Humphrey's House in Ansonia. Register and reserve a spot at info@derbyhistorical.org or call 203-735-1908.
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Ansonia Nature Center will open registration for Nature's Explorers on January 26th. The Nature Explorers is a hands-on program designed for kids ages 2-5 to discover local nature. The group meets every Thursday at 10 a.m. for 4 weeks starting on February 19th. Click here for more information and to register.
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The Derby Public Library will hold a Busy Bee Bags activity group for children ages Pre-K to 1st grade on January 26th. The group will do a range of activities from worksheets to interactive crafts.
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Derby Little League will hold an equipment swap on January 17th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Payden Fieldhouse. This is a chance to help the teams prepare for their season, donate items, and even find some items you need!
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The Derby Public Library will hold an Internet Savvy class for Seniors at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27th. The discussion will be led by Richard Wilson, CEO of Kyvoo, and will discuss common internet scams and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Click here for more information and to register.
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The governments in Ansonia and Derby are hosting an inaugural ball that will raise money for local nonprofit groups. The “Inaugural Ball for Charity” is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, February 21st, at the Sons & Daughters of Italy at 73 High St. in Derby. Tickets are $50 per person.
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Emmett O'Brien THS will hold a Pocketbook Bingo Fundraiser on March 5th at Emmett O'Brien THS in Ansonia. Proceeds from this event will support SkillsUSA students. Contact Rebecca.marra@cttech.org or call 203 – 732-1873 for more information and to register.
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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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