Kara Rochelle

Yesterday, our state's COVID-19 positivity rate reached 10.72%, the highest level in months, making it even more important for eligible residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our state is currently in Phase 1A of the vaccine rollout. Individuals included in this phase are essential frontline workers, long-term care residents and staff, and first responders.

"I want to first thank the residents of Ansonia and Derby for allowing me to bring their voices to the capitol and work on behalf of our community. I also want to thank Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas for entrusting me with these leadership positions to help build a more resilient state," said Rep. Rochelle.

I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday! I hope all of you get the opportunity to relax and enjoy your favorite holiday traditions and festivities. This year has been a difficult one for so many of our neighbors, and even though the COVID-19 vaccine is beginning to be administered, we must continue to follow guidance from public health experts and keep our celebrations small.

I am pleased to share that Ansonia is among the 12 municipalities in Connecticut awarded $13 million in Small Cities Grants through the state's Community Development Block Grant to modernize and rehabilitate housing. Ansonia received a $400,000 grant, which will capitalize its Housing Rehabilitation Program.

I hope you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

If you need food, Walnut Hill Community Church is holding a food distribution event Tuesday, November 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at its Derby campus at the corner of Smith Street and 9th Street.

Small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for a one-time $5,000 grant through the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program.

Connecticut's positive test rates for COVID-19/coronavirus continue to trend upwards. To help mitigate the spread of the virus, the entire state has rolled back to Phase 2.1 reopening, a modified version of Phase 2