Start of the 2025 Legislative Session

January 7, 2025


 
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Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you and yours well!
I am humbled, proud, and excited to share that I have been selected to serve as a Deputy Majority Leader and reappointed as Vice Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee for the 2025/2026 term!
 
“Rep. Rochelle has the tenacity and drive to move measures that help the middle class throughout Connecticut. As a passionate advocate, she works relentlessly to secure additional resources for communities throughout our state. Kara is dedicated to affordable healthcare, small businesses, public education, job training, and economic development, Rep. Rochelle continues to fight for a better quality of life for all residents. She will be a great asset as a Deputy Majority Leader.” - Majority Leader Jason Rojas
 
I'm ready to take on my appointment in this important capacity to aide the legislative process, I will work with great care as a voice for hardworking people across the state in this role. Let’s get to work.

I look forward to keeping you updated on the important work we accomplish this session!
 
NEW LAWS GOING INTO EFFECT JAN. 1ST
One law will expand Connecticut's paid sick leave policy to all companies with at least 25 employees. This new law lets employees take care of their families without adding any additional stress or financial strain.

It will soon become easier than ever for companies to help employees pay off their student loan debt. Through one law, the tax credit for employers making payments for an employee will be expanded - helping Connecticut residents and businesses alike.

We are also protecting those affected by coerced debt, which is created as a result of a domestic violence victim being forced by an abuser into incurring credit card debt. Credit card companies must now review the details of cases to determine if the debt is coerced debt, and abusers will be held liable for the debt.

Other laws going into effect Jan. 1 include a bill improving the health and safety of Connecticut residents, measures to make our elections more secure, and more.

You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
New Laws January 1, 2025
As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol!
 
RESOURCES FOR UPCOMING SESSION

The 2025 legislative session is set to begin on Wednesday, January 8. My colleagues and I will tackle numerous important issues over the next five months. 



The online resources available for Connecticut residents make it easier than ever to follow along, get involved and stay informed with the legislative process in Hartford.



Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

  • The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and their staff. Part of their duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. Click here to check out its website. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events on its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress. 
  • Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard!!

 

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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