Friday, November 15, 2019

Rochelle hails passage of economic development legislation

State Rep. Kara Rochelle
HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia, Derby) co-sponsored and supported several pieces of pro-economic growth legislation passed this year in the state legislature.


Other legislation Rochelle advocated for supports bringing in more businesses to the state, reforming and streamlining regulations, and giving current businesses the tools and opportunities necessary to expand.





Rochelle wrote HB 5833, An Act Establishing a Pilot Program for the Expansion of Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Programs which would create more opportunities for people to attain good-paying manufacturing jobs.

“I’m proud to advance efforts to rebuild our work force and provide a stronger economy for all residents. The bill I wrote, and the other initiatives I supported, all focus on smartly targeting areas to improve upon,” she said.

Below is a look at the related bills that passed during the previous session:

HB 5833 An Act Establishing a Pilot Program for the Expansion of Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Programs – This bill, which Rochelle wrote, introduced, and passionately advocated for, provides opportunities for high school students and adults to access the technical training needed to compete for the 12,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs currently open in our state.

HB 7008 An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Working Group On A Public-Private Partnership To Recruit Businesses To Connecticut – develops a marketing and outreach strategy to encourage businesses to move to Connecticut.

SB 1030 An Act Concerning The Transfer Of Hazardous Waste Establishments – The Naugatuck Valley is a region with a high number of Brownfields, like the Ansonia Copper & Brass site.

Rochelle listened to local investors’ concerns that the Transfer Act was holding back brownfield development in Connecticut. Legislators revised the Act to make it easier for brownfield properties to be remediated and developed, which will stimulate economic growth, support real estate transactions, decrease the presence of brownfield properties in the state, and unlock new opportunities for development in the 104th District.

SB 72 An Act Establishing A Tax Credit For Employers That Make Payments On Certain Loans Issued To Employees By The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority – This bill gives businesses a tax break if they help repay their employees’ student debt: a win for businesses looking for creative ways to bolster their compensation packages, a win for retaining younger workforce talent, and a win for those struggling to afford their bills with large student loan payments.

SB 570 An Act Concerning Opportunity Zones – extends certain tax credits and priority status to businesses developing in federally-designated “Opportunity Zones” like here in Ansonia, which will help attract additional business investment.

SB 647 An Act Streamlining The Liquor Control Act – makes various changes to Connecticut’s liquor laws to help breweries like Bad Sons Beer Co. in Derby grow and thrive.

HB6996, An Act Extending The Ezequiel Santiago Foreclosure Mediation Program Until June 30, 2023 - The legislature passed a new law extending the state's foreclosure mediation program by four years until June 30, 2023. The program helps certain property owners avoid foreclosure by reaching an agreement with lenders. Judicial branch mediators facilitate the process.

HB7424 - As part of the budget, a new law establishes a quasi-public Municipal Redevelopment Authority to develop property and manage facilities in the areas around transit stations and downtowns (i.e."development districts) to stimulate economic and transit-oriented development, among other things.

The act requires certain municipalities to be members of MRDA and allows other municipalities to join as members under certain conditions. 
Under the act, MRDA's powers include purchasing property; hiring consultants, attorneys, and appraisers; entering into contracts; employing staff; and issuing bonds.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

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