Securing $500,000 for Ansonia Animal Shelter, Valley Update and Policy Highlights

October 15, 2024


 
Big news for Ansonia!

I have secured a $500,000 grant for the Ansonia Animal Shelter on the agenda of the State Bond Commission’s special meeting on Tuesday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

I have been working hard to secure this funding for the shelter and I am so glad to get this done. The shelter is 48 years old and lacks even basic modern amenities, which often leaves the staff unable to carry out all its important work. I am appreciative of the efforts of House Bonding Subcommittee Chair Ron Napoli for his partnership to get this on the agenda as well as Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission. Thank you for taking action on this important request.

This bonding request would help build an updated new facility to meet community demand and the shelter staff's needs to help them better care for animals and get them ready for adoption. The $500,000 will help the City of Ansonia defray the cost toward the facility. 

Ansonia is an Economically Distressed Municipality per the state Department of Economic and Community Development and has been borrowing a lot in recent years for delayed and critically important needs, like fire engines, which has further delayed local efforts for the animal facility.

While Ansonia residents voted to approve bond funding for the animal shelter and other critical items nearly a year ago, the city delayed taking out the bonds for this project. I am happy to get this project really moving and ease the financial burden on the city’s taxpayers.

Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeanie Roslonowski and local nonprofits and community members often do fundraisers to help the shelter, but those funds go to mainly toward food and medicine for animals requiring serious and prolonged care.


 
A new shelter would promote the pet adoption experience since the current facility does not have any workable space for adoption visits. The facility is regularly at capacity for dogs and does not have capacity for cats. This state funding will greatly improve circumstances for the animals, staff, and volunteers of this facility and ensure that as Ansonia grows, it can meet demand and promote adoption. 

“Serious investment is needed to ensure a safe, sustainable, and productive animal control facility that meets basic needs and demand. The renovation and construction of the Ansonia Animal Shelter facility is a worthy cause that deserves this financial support, and its positive ripple effects will be felt throughout our community for years to come.
 
ARRAYRX RECAP
Comptroller Sean Scanlon and I had a great turnout at the Derby Senior Center last week to highlight ArrayRx, the state’s new prescription drug savings card! This card is free to residents and helps people of all ages save money on prescription drugs. Learn more at ArrayRxCard.com or reach out and I’m happy to answer your questions.
 
COFFEE WITH KARA

Join me for my monthly Coffee with Kara events on Friday from 8-9 a.m. at Valley Diner in Derby and Monday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Copper City Bar & Grill in Ansonia. 

Coffee, a legislative update and community conversation, so I hope to see you!
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and remember, legislation has the power to save lives. 

In Connecticut, employers with three or more employees must allow workers experiencing family violence to take up to 12 days off per calendar year for certain issues resulting from the violence, such as the victim needing to seek medical care or attend a related court hearing.

As of October 1, the Safe Leave Act now covers victims of sexual assault. 

Need to connect to an advocate? Call, text, chat, email. 24/7 at CTSafeConnect.org or (888) 774-2900.
 
HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL EXCELLENCE

Check out this fun way to support Ansonia Youth Cheer! On Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Armory, Ansonia Youth Cheer will host a showcase with all three of its teams to help raise money for AYC.

Tickets are $5. Children 3 and younger are free. Email ansoniayouthcheer@gmail.com with any questions.
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS