The American Federation of Teachers “AFT” Connecticut represents over 30,000 workers in the public and private sectors. Their membership includes teachers, school related personnel including paraprofessionals, healthcare workers, and higher education faculty and staff.
“We need someone in the State House who will work with her colleagues on issues important to working families. Whether it’s reclaiming the promise of education, expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare, or preserving vital public services, Kara will help clarify the conversation, not muddy the political waters.” AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel
This endorsement was determined after an intensive application process and interview with AFT teachers and board members from across the state.
“Kara is deeply committed to access to a well-funded public education for all, and her passion for helping people is pushing her to truly make a difference. Her honesty, integrity and fierce drive for change is desperately needed in Hartford — I believe she will be able to instantly make an impact on behalf of the Valley’s communities.” Ansonia Federation of Teachers President Mathew Hough. Mr. Hough is also a music teacher at Ansonia Middle School.
“Now more than ever we need an advocate for teachers and students to represent Ansonia and Derby. While my opponent voted in January and June to cut school funds in Ansonia, causing class sizes to balloon and many teachers to be let go, I remain a fierce advocate for our kids’ futures and reasonable and safe working conditions for our teachers. Like Linda Gentile, who is backing me in this race, I will work diligently to increase education funding from the state for our kids and to protect fair compensation for our teachers. The endorsement from the American Federation of Teachers is a particular honor in the midst of our current education crisis here in the 104th. I will fight for our schools, teachers, and students, and will work hard to improve the futures of our children and support the future of our whole community.” Kara Rochelle is a candidate for the 104th House District, which includes Ansonia and part of Derby.
To date Rochelle has also received endorsements from Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, State Representative Linda Gentile, Connecticut’s Working Families Party, AFSCME, CWA and the Connecticut AFL-CIO.
