Legislative Updates and Join Me For Coffee with Kara

February 14, 2025


 
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Friends and Neighbors,
Happy Valentine's Day to you and your family! I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with kindness, love, and happiness.

It is a busy time at the Capitol where committee meetings and public hearings are underway daily. Governor Lamont presented his budget proposal which the legislature will be carefully scrutinizing as the House and Senate craft their budget over the next few months.

In the meantime, each committee is holding public hearings, subject matter information sessions, and committee meetings, sometimes late into the nigh,t as we work to craft hundreds of laws and a budget that will have a positive impact on our community and the state.
 
Join me for Coffee with Kara Event!
Please join me for my monthly in-person Coffee with Kara Events on Monday February 17th from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Copper City, 82-84 Main St, Ansonia and Friday February 21st from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. at Valley Diner on 636 New Haven Avenue in Derby.

Ansonia and Derby residents are welcome to attend these events and I encourage you to come share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback on state policy issues.

Connecting with residents and having real conversations about improving our community is why I love doing this work. I carry the thoughts, ideas and issues that you mention to me while crafting policy and advocating for Ansonia and Derby at the State Capitol. These events encourage open dialogue and promote community participation in the legislative process.

 
Enhanced Survivor Benefits for Families of State Employees Killed in the Line of Duty
We held an important vote in the House. We voted to enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty. This legislation was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths.
The change ratified by the legislature means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances. Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.

This was a bipartisan vote and I am grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working diligently to ratify this crucial agreement. I want to thank Governor Lamont and Comptroller Scanlon for their dedication to this legislation and continuous support for our State Police Union. Read the full press release from Governor Lamont below.

Governor Lamont and Comptroller Scanlon Applaud Approval of Legislation Providing Enhanced Survivor Benefits for Families of State Employees Killed in the Line of Duty
 
Car Insurance Discounts for Senior Drivers
Affordable car insurance is a necessity for people of all ages, but it holds particular significance for individuals who are 60 and older. Because this demographic often faces unique challenges and mobility needs, ensuring access to reasonably priced car insurance is vital.
 
Please read below to learn how drivers in that age group can get informed about and register for an accident prevention course to get discounts on car insurance.
 
Driving is often key in maintaining independence, especially in areas where public transportation is unreliable. For older adults, a car often represents a lifeline to healthcare appointments, grocery stores, social engagements, and visits with loved ones. Ensuring affordable car insurance allows seniors to remain active in their communities.
 
Many people aged 60 and older live on fixed incomes, and rising insurance premiums can strain their budgets. Locking into an affordable insurance rate would provide financial stability for seniors.
By prioritizing and offering car insurance affordability, we can create a more inclusive society that values the mobility and independence of all its members, regardless of age.
 
WBDC Grant Program Applications
The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of our Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs. Applications for both programs open on Monday, February 3.

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 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for this grant runs from February 3 through March 10, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite

here.   
 
Our 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 application period for Child Care Business grants runs from February 3 through March 3, 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.
 
Local Tax Assistance
It's that time of year - TAX SEASON!
 
TEAM's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will soon launch and be able to file taxes for households earning at or below $68,000 annually. Visit www.211ct.org/topic_pages/taxassistance to set your appointment with them now!
Tax Assistance
 

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on 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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