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I hope this message finds you and your family well! It was a productive week at the Capitol, with the House back in session on Wednesday, where we voted on various executive and legislative nominations. My colleagues and I continue to debate and discuss which bills will move forward in the legislative process. The coming weeks will be crucial as we prioritize policies that will best serve our community.
During this time of uncertainty, it is an honor to serve as your state representative, advocating for policies that will support you and your family. I will continue to provide you with updates on the work we are doing in Hartford and how you can get involved. As always, I am here as a resource for you and your family, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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| Valley Community Index Survey |
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The Valley Community Index wants to hear from you!
The 2025 Valley Community Survey is about life in the Valley—what’s working well and where we can do better as a community. Your input will help shape the 2025 Valley Community Index, a resource used by local organizations, schools, hospitals, and community groups to make meaningful improvements in our region.
If you live in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, or Shelton, we invite you to take the survey. By sharing your thoughts, you’ll help highlight the strengths of our community and identify areas where we can create positive change.
Thank you for taking the time to make a difference! Your voice matters, we want to know what’s important to you. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Valley.
Please use the link below to take the survey before April 18.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ValleyIndex |
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| Federal Cuts Affecting CT: LIHEAP |
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Recent reports show all federal employees responsible for administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) have been terminated. The move could leave up to 200,000 people in Connecticut without essential heating assistance, including many of our neighbors in Ansonia and Derby. LIHEAP benefits vulnerable seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
While there is no word on funding cuts, the future of LIHEAP is in jeopardy due to the mass layoffs. With significantly less personnel to administer the program, its effectiveness and reach are at serious risk. Experts believe LIHEAP will stop functioning without federal support or expertise.
My colleagues and I are urging the federal government to reconsider these cuts, and we will continue to assess their potential impact on Connecticut. It is our job to ensure that programs like LIHEAP remain reliable and effective. I will be monitoring this situation closely and advocating for continued, stable support for families in need. I understand the importance of these programs to so many of you and will continue to work to protect these programs. |
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Big news from the Connecticut Department of Housing!
This week, Governor Lamont announced $30 million for Connecticut's Housing Development Fund. The fund uses three programs to increase home building and ownership opportunities across the state.
Here's how the $30 million will be used to help families:
The Connecticut Home Improvement Program: $8.5 million
This money will be used to provide low-interest loans directly to homeowners.
The Time to Own – Rehabilitation Program: $10 Million
New homeowners who received assistance under the state’s Time To Own Program with forgivable loans will get this money to help with the costs of repairs and improvements on their new homes. This can include replacing a well or septic tank, a new roof, or improvements to plumbing and electrical systems.
The Homeownership Construction Program $11.5 million
This program will provide loans to smaller developers and nonprofits. Loans of up to $150,000 per home will be given to those organizations to help cover the costs of new construction or rehabilitation of up to ten affordable homes. The new homes that are built or restored with these loans will turn into long-term affordable housing. Something that is desperately needed across the state.
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| Real ID Deadline: May 7th |
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The Transportation Security Administration issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.
Beginning on May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.
How do I get a REAL ID?
- You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
- In Connecticut, you'll need:
- a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
- a Social Security card; and
- two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
- For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.
How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
- Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.
What other forms of ID are acceptable?
- A U.S. passport.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them.
For more information, visit the following:
Department of Homeland Security website
CT Department of Motor Vehicles website
CT Information Portal website
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| Happening in the Community |
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| The Sisters at the Shore Easter Egg Hunt is this Saturday from 1-4 pm at Linnet Park in Ansonia! Children of all ages are welcome |
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| The St. Michael's Catholic War Veterans and Auxiliary Post 1562 are hosting a Spring Craft Fair and Bake Sale this Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 3 pm. The event will be held at 112 Derby Ave, Derby, CT 06418. |
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| On April 26th, Life, Health, and Wellness Inc is hosting a health fair and will have many resources and services available to those in attendance. Don't miss this great opportunity to connect with health care providers and receive free screenings. |
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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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