Milford State Rep. Kim Rose Announces Retirement Plans

Information via a press release by the office of State Rep. Kim Rose, D-Milford

MILFORD, CT — After serving residents of the 118th Assembly District in Milford for the past decade, State Representative Kim Rose (D – Milford), has announced her retirement from the Connecticut General Assembly. She currently serves as House Chair of the legislature's Internship Committee, and a member of both the Veterans Affairs and Housing Committees.

She has decided not to run for re-election and will finish her term.

"Representing the 118th District has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Rep. Rose said in a news release. "I did not take the decision to retire lightly. During my tenure serving my constituents, I have made strong relationships that I will forever cherish. The connections I made with everyone, serving and helping in any way I could, was the best part of this job. I was fortunate to represent this part of Milford so I could concentrate all my efforts to helping my friends and neighbors. This was a difficult decision to make, but over the years, my family has grown, and I'd like to be with them more often as they get older."

“Rep. Rose has been a strong voice at the Capitol for her hometown of Milford for many years, and will be sorely missed not only by her constituents but also by her colleagues in Hartford,” Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington) said. “Kim has proven herself to be a dedicated representative who cares deeply for her community, and I look forward to continue working with her in the upcoming legislative session as she completes her term.”

During her state service, Rep. Rose has been a strong voice for her constituents ensuring each registered voter is heard, and that Connecticut moves forward without increasing tax burdens on its residents.

She is known for being a consistent, independent voice in Hartford, at times voting against policies that didn’t reflect the views of her constituency. She also worked on a range of issues such as homelessness, unemployment assistance, addiction, health care and protecting vulnerable populations.

During 2019, Rep. Rose advocated to protect the Medicare Savings Program and expand access to Medicaid. She also supported the phase-in of the income tax exemption for Social Security and pension income and requiring health insurers to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Rep. Rose also led the charge to help Milford secure a four-year moratorium on affordable housing, something she was told would be nearly impossible. That challenge, however, fueled her work in the legislature, as well as the beginnings of her unintended political career.

In 2004, Rep. Rose became involved in local politics after listening to the concerns of her neighbors about overdevelopment on Naugatuck Avenue where she coordinated an effort that resulted in the presentation of a petition with 2,000 Devon resident signatures to the Milford Planning and Zoning Board opposing overdevelopment on Naugatuck Avenue.

Three years later in 2007, she successfully campaigned for a seat on the Milford Planning and Zoning Board to protect the city from predatory developers and encourage the smart construction of affordable housing units.

Her work has progressed from that petition and Planning and Zoning Board to the General Assembly.

In 2017, she worked to override former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's veto of legislation allowing towns and cities to postpone affordable housing projects.

During the 2018 legislative session, Rep. Rose fought against former Gov. Malloy's toll study after it became clear Milford residents were against tolls, and she opposed his budget that would have raised taxes.

She has also been a champion protecting the environment and its natural resources. In 2018, Milford residents presented to her a petition requesting her to introduce legislation banning single-use plastic bags. That effort came to fruition in the 2019 session, resulting in legislation that implemented a 10-cent fee for single-use plastic bags until they are phased out altogether in the summer of 2021.

Rep. Rose has served in a variety of leadership positions including Vice-Chair of the legislature's Housing Committee, House Chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, as a member of the Environment Committee, the Veterans' Affairs Committee and more.

Rep. Rose invites constituents to contact her as usual, should they need her assistance either during the legislative session or afterwards. She can be reached at the Capitol at 860-842-8267, her cell phone 203-701-6098, or by email at Kim.Rose@cga.ct.gov.