News From State Rep. Kara Rochelle

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State Rep. Kara Rochelle

The following information comes from State Rep. Kara Rochelle’s office.

Bills To Support Veterans

State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D, Ansonia-Derby) co-sponsored two pieces of legislation passed this session aimed at assisting veterans’ re-entry into the workforce through access to workforce training and job placement programs. 

Additionally, Representative Rochelle also co-sponsored a bill to help families of certain members of the Armed Forces obtain in-state student status for the purpose of tuition charges.

Our veterans and their families deserve our utmost respect and support,” Rochelle said. We owe them a debt of gratitude and more than just words, we owe them real, tangible support. These pieces of legislation do just that. It is a privilege to serve those who have served our country. I am proud to have co-sponsored all of these bills this session.”

A closer look at the bills:

  • SB 968, An Act Establishing A Military To Machinists Program For Veterans – This bill provides a jobs pipeline for our veterans to re-enter the civilian workforce while strengthening Connecticut’s manufacturing industry. Veterans have transferable skills that would be a fit in the field of manufacturing and this program bridges gaps in training and provides access to good paying jobs in manufacturing.
  • SB 951, An Act Concerning Veteran Enrollment In Certain Alternative Route To Certification Programs – This bill reserves 15 percent of available seats for veterans in certain alternate route to certification programs to help veterans become certified teachers. Our veterans’ leadership skills and core values would certainly be beneficial in the classroom.
  • HB 7248, An Act Concerning In-State Student Status For Spouses And Children Of Certain Members of The Armed Forces – This bill allows spouses and children of certain members of the armed forces to be considered in-state students for the purpose of tuition charges.

100 Percent Attendance

Rochelle also achieved a perfect, 100% voting attendance record for the 2019 legislative session according to statistics released by the House of Representatives’ Clerk’s Office this week.

Rochelle cast votes on all 392 pieces of legislation that came up for consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives during the 2019 session.

We had a busy session with many important votes this year, I made sure that I didn’t miss any opportunities to cast my vote on behalf of our residents — the people of Ansonia and Derby deserve to have their voices heard,” Rochelle said. The legislature passed over 250 bills this year and cast 392 votes on separate pieces of legislation and amendments. I will continue to advocate for the issues that matter most to our community. Our residents work hard and I’m working hard as well to fight for a fair shake, proper resources, and a better future for the 104th. We still have a lot of work to do, and I look forward to continuing the efforts strategically and with great heart for our community.”

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