Rochelle offers update on COVID-19, jobless benefits, 2020 Census, more

Friends and Neighbors, 

I hope this message finds you well. During this time of social distancing, my office and I are continuing to go through the ever-evolving stream of information to keep you updated on our state's response to reduce the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus and cautiously open the state economy. 

In this email, you will find the following: 

COVID-19 Update

Information on federal unemployment benefits for independent contractors

State Launches Free Online Job Training Unemployment Claimants
State Re-Opening Plan
May is Mental Health Month
2020 Census
Women's Business Development Council Town Hall

COVID-19 Update

As of May 3 at 8:30 p.m., 29,973 cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. Day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week. All data in this report are preliminary; data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected. 
For a county-by-county breakdown of cases or to view additional data, please click the image above.

Friday, the Governor signed the 35th executive order, Executive Order No. 7HH to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. 
The order enacts the following provisions:
Mandatory suspension of annual town meeting or referendum to adopt budget
Authorization for common-interest communities to hold meetings remotely.


For all of the emergency orders issued by the Governor and state agencies, click here. Watch his daily news briefings here, and read the press releases here.
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Federal Unemployment Benefits for Independent Contractors, Self-Employed

If you’re self-employed and haven’t filed, the federal rules state you must file first through Connecticut’s unemployment system to receive a denial that then qualifies you for federal unemployment. If you’re self-employed and filed a claim application, you don’t need to file again. Please note that the PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) application is not yet available. 
I will keep you updated on when it is available.

State Launches Free Online Job Training Unemployment Claimants

Looking to upgrade your skills or learn some new ones?
The state is expanding the SkillUp CT program to make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. 
Originally launched in eastern Connecticut, the program is being launched across the state over the coming weeks to enable recently laid-off workers to upgrade their skills and earn industry-recognized certifications online. 

This program is coordinated by the Connecticut Workforce Development Council, the Connecticut Governor's Workforce Council, and the Connecticut Department of Labor. 

Eligible residents will receive email instructions on how to obtain a Metrix Learning license that grants them access to nearly 5,000 online courses in fields like information technology, business analysis, project management, digital literacy, and more. Anyone with an Internet connection and computer can access courses. 

To enroll in SkillUp CT, click here.
Additional information is available here.

State Re-Opening Plan

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and daily information on cases and outcomes, we are finally seeing some steady progress towards re-opening.

Thanks to the social distancing measures we put in place and most everyone's cooperation and compliance, we have seen a daily decline in hospitalizations across the state.

As a result, Gov. Lamont announced the goal to begin opening cautiously beginning on May 20.

KEY Points that will contribute to the decision to begin opening the state:
A 14-day decline in hospitalizations
Increased testing
Enough contact tracing
Protection for those at highest risk
Adequate protective equipment and hospital capacity
Social distancing protocols

Many of us are anxious to resume our daily activities and interacting with family and friends, however we must do so responsibly. The health and strength of our businesses and economy depends on all of us.
I will keep you updated as we make progress and more details are released by the governor's advisory group.

May is Mental Health Month

The common statistic that 1 in 4 people are coping with mental health is probably an understatement during COVID-19. 
Over the past six weeks, everyone has had their lives altered and we are all learning to cope in new ways.
This year’s Mental Health Month shines a timely light on mental wellness. The #YouAreNotAlone social media campaign builds connection and increases awareness of how important connection is, especially during physical distancing. 
If you are struggling, or know someone who is, visit the BHCare and NAMI websites listed below to learn more about the many resources available to you or someone you love. 
There are suggestions for coping, ways to seek support and many examples of people sharing their stories. There are confidential ways to find a kind ear or shoulder if you need one.

Visit for more information: www.bhcare.org/
nami.org/Support-Education

2020 Census

The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of Census data and responding to the 2020 Census. 
Together with data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, census data also allows scientists and healthcare experts to model the potential impact of an emerging health threat. Respond to the census today at my2020census.gov.
For additional information on how to respond to the census, what data is used for, and how your information is protected, visit 2020census.gov.

Women's Business Development Council Town Hall

From noon-1 p.m. today [May 5] join the Women's Business Development Council, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Dr. Asha Shah, Stamford Health Associate Hospital Epidemiologist and Associate Director of Infectious Diseases, for a zoom conversation on the COVID-19 response and update. 
Join the meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83219121131

Mobile: 312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 832 1912 1131
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

Rochelle asks voters in Ansonia, Derby to take constituent survey

State Rep. Kara Rochelle speaks with state Rep. David Arconti, D-Danbury, in the House Chamber during the first day of the 2020 Legislative Session./ Contributed photo

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, is seeking input from voters in her district as she continues to prepare for the 2020 Legislative Session.
Voters can now take a survey, available on her website here, to voice their concerns on state and local issues.
"I work for my constituents, and our community comes first," said Rochelle. "As a lawmaker, carefully listening to resident feedback is essential for me to understand the initiatives they support and oppose so I can thoughtfully advocate for their needs at the Capitol. My community and residents will always be my top priority."

The survey will ask voters for their ideas and thoughts on a myriad of issues concerning high health care costs, Connecticut's increasing cost of living, managing government efficiency, and strengthening the state's relationship with the business community to drive work force development and economic growth.
The survey will not include tolls, as Rochelle is committed to voting no on that issue.
"I scrutinized all the proposals and versions of the legislation and have been voicing the needs and concerns of the people of Ansonia and Derby to Governor Lamont, his staff, and other legislators every step of the way in Hartford. As a representative of my community I am making sure your voices are heard clearly in the legislative conversation," she said.

Residents can contact her directly by emailing her at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov. 
If they need immediate assistance, her office can be reached at 860-240-8585.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Rochelle announces increase in education funds for Ansonia, Derby

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia and Derby, announced Friday the state budget approved Monday night provides an increase in ECS funding for Ansonia and Derby’s education systems.
Ansonia will receive an increase of $605,415 each year, equaling an increase of over $1.8M over the next two years.
Derby will experience an increase of $414,815 each of the next two years, equalling an increase of over $1.2M in ECS funding.

“As promised, education funding will continue to increase from the state for our schools in Ansonia and Derby,” Rochelle said. “Additionally, as both cities are Alliance Districts, these ECS funds are protected by Alliance statutes, meaning that the increased state funds are protected from supplanting and must be used toward initiatives to improve educational outcomes for our children, while towns are held responsible to maintain their foundational educational obligations.” 

The state also settled a lawsuit that was a major liability for the state of Connecticut. It allows small hospitals like Griffin - the 104th District's largest employer - to have stronger long-term financial stability, and is a settlement supported by CT Hospital Association.

Rochelle also successfully secured funding for Ansonia High School students who want to pursue an Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program offered in Derby. 

“Another important priority was to give our students the necessary skills to compete for the 12,000 open advanced manufacturing jobs in Connecticut, one of the state’s largest growing fields. By securing this funding for Ansonia students, we are providing pathways to good paying, stable jobs with room for career advancement. Derby students similarly attended the Advanced Manufacturing Program with no tuition charged to the school district in the first year, I made sure to secure the same opportunity for the Ansonia School District,” Rochelle said.

The 2019 Legislative Session ended Wednesday. Rochelle will host a series of events this month to update the public on legislative initiatives enacted this session.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Rochelle's autism bill receives bipartisan support in the House

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - Legislation proposed by state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, received unanimous bipartisan approval Wednesday by the House of Representatives. 

H.B. 6184, An Act Concerning Access to Information on Early Childhood Interventions, will next be voted on by the Senate. 

The bill will require: (1) the Office of Early Childhood to develop a document concerning developmental milestones experienced by children from birth to age five and information on how to access the Child Development Infoline; and (2) child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes to post copies of such document on the premises of such centers and homes in a prominent location for parents or guardians to see regularly.

“Signs of autism are often present as early as 18 months of age and early intervention can make a big difference for children on the spectrum,” Rochelle said. “I was focused on creating a bill that will foster awareness amongst child care providers and parents about early childhood developmental milestones and what to do if a child is struggling to hit milestones. The first step to getting a child help is knowledge.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 59 children was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2018. 

“I heard concerns from our local educators that more children must be evaluated for early intervention earlier than kindergarten," Rochelle said. "It is scientifically shown that the earlier the intervention the better the outcome for children with autism and other developmental delays.

"Thank you to all my legislative colleagues and advocates who helped this bill move forward.”  

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Derby mayoral candidates to debate Oct. 24

DERBY - Two-term incumbent Mayor Anita Dugatto, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Richard Dziekan will debate issues facing the city at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Derby High School, 75 Chatfield St.

Election Day is Nov. 7.