State Rep. Rochelle Praises Legislation Assisting Seniors

Rep. Kara Rochelle (D Ansonia/Derby) is proud to support tax relief for those who receive social security and pensions and an increase in funding for the Meals on Wheels program, both included in the 2019 budget. 

 In addition to these budgetary efforts to support seniors, Rochelle also supported four additional bills focusing on our seniors’ well-being and quality of life. Legislation passed in the most recent session included funding initiatives that will help keep seniors in their homes as long as possible, requiring appropriate staffing levels in nursing homes, providing the public access to a searchable database of people who may be a risk to our seniors and people with disabilities, and requiring certain health care providers to receive training in recognizing the signs of and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“Our older neighbors, friends, and loved ones deserve pathways to age with stability, proper support, and dignity.  These legislative efforts all work toward that goal.  I’m proud to be a part of improving the lives of our seniors and look forward to continued efforts in future sessions.” said Rochelle

A closer look at the bills:

The Budget

·       Tax Relief for Seniors: This year’s budget implements tax cuts for seniors on social security and for those who receive pensions. For social security recipients who earn a total income of less than 75k/year or couples who earn less than $100,000k/year the state will no longer be taxing social security income. For those who earn above these thresholds, you will receive a 75 percent tax credit on social security. For those receiving pensions: starting this year and going forth every year until we reach zero the state will be reducing pension taxes on those earning less than $75k/year for an individual and $100k/year for a couple by 14 percent each year.

·       Increase in Meals on Wheels Funding: This year’s budget saw an increase in funding for Meals on Wheels, critical for supporting thousands of seniors across the state and many seniors here in Ansonia and Derby.

      Legislation: 

         HB6170, An Act Increasing Funding For Aging In Place Initiatives – funds various initiatives to help our older neighbors remain in their own homes as long as possible with proper support as needed.

·       SB375, An Act Concerning Nursing Home Facility Staffing Levels- ensures the well-being of nursing home residents by requiring nursing homes to provide clear safety data to the state including but not limited to the number of nurses that will direct patient contact for each shift and minimum number of required staff for each shift.      

          SB832, An act Concerning Registries of Persons Found Responsible For Assaults Or Other Abuse , Neglect, Exploitation Or Abandonment Of Elderly Persons Or Persons With Disabilities –provides the public with access to a searchable database of perpetrators of crimes and other substantiated abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment of elderly persons or persons with disabilities.

·       SB827, An Act Concerning Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Training And Best Practices – requires certain health care professionals who provide primary care or emergency treatment for adults to receive training in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease dementia. This bill also establishes a working group to develop recommendations on improving the care for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients.

(This is a press release from Rochelle's office)