Growing the Lower Valley

Kara has led with smart legislation, receiving strong bipartisan support in her efforts to create meaningful economic revitalization for the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
Kara has delivered for Ansonia and Derby:
  • $14.5 Million for the re-development of the abandoned and blighted Ansonia Copper & Brass site
  • $8.4 Million to clean up, tear down and redevelop of buildings in the Ansonia Brass/Farrel/SHW Complex
  • $750,000 to the City of Ansonia for a one-time bailout for the City’s forfeiture of Motor Vehicle Reimbursement funds
  • $12 Million secured in bonding for upgrades and improvements to the Derby Train Station
  • $10 Million secured in bonding for upgrades and improvements to the Ansonia Train Station
  • Increased train service on the Waterbury Rail Line—a $1.2m annual investment
  • Opened a free advanced manufacturing training program for adults right here in the 104th
  • Delivered hundreds of thousands in economic relief for local small businesses
  • Sped up and expanded opportunities to participate in the state’s brownfield remediation program, making it easier for developers to take on properties like Ansonia Brass
  • Created the JobsCT program to expand jobs in targeted industries, with twice the credit for creating jobs in communities like Ansonia & Derby
  • Cut unemployment insurance taxes for small businesses
  • Extended the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Tax Credit to support small manufacturers
  • $60 Million in new funding for cities and towns to keep local property taxes down
  • New tax credits for towns and businesses that build workforce housing, including for teachers, police officers, and firefighters (PA 23-207)
Making Workforce Housing a Reality:
  • Supported $810 Million in capital expenditures towards housing development and housing financial assistance, including
    • $150 Million for Time-To-Own, assisting in the purchase of 1,250 homes annually
    • $200 Million to expand workforce development housing
    • $450 Million committed to new construction and renovation
  • $20 Million for housing security initiatives, such as shelters, outreach, and landlord assistance.
In 2021, Kara received the ManufactureCT Legislative Award.
In her first term, Kara worked to revamp both the Transfer Act and the Liquor Control Act to support local businesses. Kara wrote, introduced, and passionately advocated for legislation expanding college level Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Programs into more high schools across the state. The bill provides opportunities for high school students and adults to access the technical job training needed to compete for the 12,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs currently open in our state. Kara’s bill passed with unanimous bipartisan support.
Kara puts a priority on economic development and will work across party lines to see that our community sees growth and progress.