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I hope this message finds you and yours well!
Last week, the House of Representatives met for a Special Session on Wednesday, November 12th. The legislature used the Special Session to address the potential funding shortfalls of the federal government during the shutdown, a new housing bill, and more. We passed $500 million to cover reductions in funding from the federal level. Further down in this email, you can read additional details about what the legislature passed during the special session this week.
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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| $500M Passed to Address Federal Funding Potential Reduction |
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The CT legislature convened in special session to address several important matters, including the need for temporary adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and the appropriation of funds to offset reductions in federal programs such as SNAP, WIC, and others that directly impact Connecticut residents. We also took up a number of additional priorities aimed at supporting essential state programs and maintaining fiscal stability. House Bill No. HB-8003 is the state's $500 million funding response to cutbacks in federal funding.
The funding will cover gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, and additional programs that support our most vulnerable residents, including hundreds of neighbors here in the 104th. Connecticut will not sit by idly as the federal government attacks middle and low-income families. |
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| Addressing Connecticut's Housing Crisis |
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From retirees looking to downsize, to young professionals and families searching for affordable rentals, Connecticut residents at every stage of life share a common goal: finding a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
During the legislature's special session, we passed a new housing bill, HB 8002: An Act Concerning Housing Growth. Partnerships are at the heart of this effort. The bill empowers towns to plan for responsible, data-driven growth using insights from state, local, and regional partners to meet the housing needs. Developed in partnership with a bipartisan coalition of municipal leaders, regional councils, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle, this legislation creates a collaborative and practical framework through local Housing Growth Plans.
Municipalities will have the ability to create a Housing Growth Plan that works for them. The legislation encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, from aging strip malls to vacant commercial spaces, and promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation. The municipalities that take steps to implement a plan will be eligible for funding through a new housing growth program and a 5% increase to their school building project reimbursement rate.
By combining innovation with local control and targeted support, we’re strengthening the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut.
There’s still more work ahead, but An Act Concerning Housing Growth marks a major step forward in our shared effort to expand housing opportunities, support local economies, and ensure every Connecticut resident can find, and afford, a home in a community they’re proud to call their own. |
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| A Commitment to Children's Behavioral Health |
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During the special session, we passed legislation that continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care.
Highlights include:
- Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
- New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
- Insurance companies must now cover autism treatments — including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy — up to age 26
- Adding substance abuse treatment providers for children to the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB)
Together, these measures represent a stronger, more coordinated system of care for Connecticut’s children.
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Thanks to the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an initiative that was passed by the General Assembly in the 2025 legislative session, the expansion of the Early Start CT program in 2026 marks an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care and education across Connecticut.
Beginning in January 2026, up to 1,000 new spaces will be added to the state’s Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation. The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history. We are thrilled about this program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state.
Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program serving income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
To support this expansion, OEC will soon launch a Request for Applications (RFA) for child care providers interested in offering Early Start CT spaces. The RFA will be open to child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and public school preschool classrooms throughout the state.
Click here for more information on Early Start CT. |
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| Access Health Open Enrollment Now Open |
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Open Enrollment for Access Health CT's (AHCT) health and dental insurance remains on track to begin Saturday, November 1st, and end Monday, December 15th, for plans beginning at the start of next year. Residents can enroll until Thursday, January 15th, 2026, for plans beginning in February 2026.
You may have received a letter in the mail warning of healthcare premium price increases starting January 1st, 2026, due to legislation passed in the U.S. Congress this year. Currently, the federal government is shut down as those price increases are debated and negotiated.
As it stands, state officials in Connecticut are encouraging residents to hold off on enrolling in the AHCT plan as the debate continues over those price increases. If you are able, please wait to enroll until the issue is fully resolved. |
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For those looking to enroll, please have the following information and documents prepared for you and anyone else in your household, even if they don't need coverage:
- Dates of Birth
- Social Security Numbers
- Visa, green card, or immigration documents
- Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, 1099
- Pay-stubs, Profit & Loss Statements, or other employment information
- Current insurance coverage (policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household)
You can click here to view the enrollment checklist.
Access Health CT's staff remains a valuable resource to guide you through this process and to tell you what to expect during open enrollment. To get in contact, you can :
- Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” for a list of places to get free, in-person help.
- If you do not have a broker, find one on the Access Health CT website. Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” and “Find Certified Broker.” Brokers are free to work with, and they are trained and certified to help you find a plan that works best for you and your family.
- Call at 1-855-805-4325 - help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. Hours of Operation are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Holiday hours may vary, check website for details)
- Live Chat available at AccessHealthCT.com
- Visit one of their Enrollment Locations
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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Heating Assistance Awareness Month:
Get Help With Your Heating Bills and Stay Warm This Winter |
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| During the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November, Eversource is raising awareness about the programs available to help pay or lower heating bills and keep homes warm this winter. |
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| If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season. There are various programs available to help meet the needs of residents. In this email, you can find information on the different programs available to Connecticut residents. |
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Energy Efficiency:
- Take advantage of energy efficiency programs, incentives, and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months.
- Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.
- Click here to learn about Energy Efficiency Programs
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Winter Protection:
- If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1, with no late payment charges.
- Residents are encouraged to check if they qualify for service shut-off protection while applying for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
- When participating in Winter Protection, you're encouraged to continue paying as much of your bill as possible, since the full amount will still be owed at the end of the protection period.
- Click here to learn about Winter Protection
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Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):
- Apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP.
- Apply for CEAP online, by phone, or through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your local CAA at 211.ct.org or call 211.
- The last day to apply for CEAP benefits is May 29, 2026.
- Click here to learn about CEAP
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Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance:
- Provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
- GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income.
- Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
- For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. GPCT has two remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycles for this winter season:
- January 2nd-10th, 2026
- March 2nd-10th, 2026
- Click here to learn more about GPCT Emergency Energy Assistance
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| Animal Population Control Program |
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The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is now accepting applications for the Animal Population Control Program’s (APCP) Low-Income Program. The online portal, apcp.ct.gov, allows eligible Connecticut residents to apply for assistance with spaying or neutering a dog or cat they own.
All applications must be submitted online.
Residents who meet the program’s income eligibility guidelines can apply quickly and easily online. To be eligible for the low-income program, pet owners must reside in Connecticut and receive benefits from one of five programs through the Department of Social Services at the time of application. Those programs include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Husky A, C, or D (Medicaid)
- State Administered General Assistance (SAGA)
- Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
- State Supplement
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How to Apply:
- Visit apcp.ct.gov and login or register
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents
- Track your application status
- Receive an email notification containing your voucher number
- Redeem at a participating veterinary location
Upon approval, vouchers will be issued electronically for up to two (2) pets on a first-come, first-serve basis of the available funds. The voucher is valid for 60 days and provides two vaccinations and a one-time sterilization benefit of $200 for a female dog, $180 for a male dog, $120 for a female cat, and $80 for a male cat.
Sterilizations and vaccinations must be performed by a Connecticut Licensed Veterinarian participating in the Animal Population Control Program. A list of practices and facilities with participating licensed veterinarians can be found on the APCP program page. If the veterinarian's spay/neuter fee exceeds the voucher amount, the eligible pet owner is responsible for the difference. Payment for any additional procedures and/or medications is the responsibility of the pet owner.
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| Happening in the Community |
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| Team, Inc. has a community needs survey to help understand what services and resources residents in the area need the most. Survey participants will be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift card, winners will be pulled on December 1st! Click HERE to take the survey. |
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| The Derby Elks will hold a '50s Sock Hop on Saturday, November 22nd, starting at 6 p.m. at 74 Elizabeth Street. This event is a fundraiser for the Elk's program, and the cost is $20 per person. |
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| Life Health and Wellness Center, Team Inc., and other local organizations will hold a Thanksgiving Giveaway on Saturday, November 22nd, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Abundant Life Church. |
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| Master's Table Community Meals will have a free Thanksgiving Community Meal on Sunday, November 23rd, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Assumption Church. |
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| The Knights of Columbus Councils of the Valley will hold a Coats for Kids Drive on Friday, November 28th, from 9 a.m. until Noon at the Church of The Assumption in Ansonia. All local children ages 3-17 in need of a free, new winter coat are invited to attend with a parent or guardian. |
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| The Derby Public Library Holiday Tree Contest is still open for participants to decorate a tree by December 5th. Winners will be announced on January 5th. |
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| The Derby Public Library Gingerbread House Contest will begin on December 1st. Pick up a blank gingerbread house at the library on December 1st or 2nd and submit your decorated house by December 6th. |
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| You are invited to the Inauguration of Elected Ansonia Officials on December 1st at 6 pm in Ansonia High School to honor our newly elected town officials. |
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| Team Inc.'s 60th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Thursday, December 4th, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Racebrook Country Club. All ticket sales and sponsorships will support Team Inc. and Project MANNA, which helps feed thousands of residents each month. |
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| The Derby Public Library will have a book discussion on The Spectacular by Fiona Davis. The discussion will take place starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th. Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk in the library! |
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| The Derby 350th Old Fashioned Christmas and Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 6th. From 2:00-5:00 p.m., enjoy Holiday activities at the David Humphreys House in Ansonia. Then, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., the Tree Lighting will take place up the street at Academy Hill Green with live music and more. |
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| The Friends of DPL are holding a Jingle All The Day Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Derby Public Library. |
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| The Derby Public Library will be holding a class with Isabelle Laufer at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10th. This class will focus on different "warming" spices from around the world, different kinds of holiday treats, and how to properly package baked goods this holiday season. Click here 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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