Rachel for CT149

I’m very excited to start work on Wednesday, January 4th. I am honored to represent Greenwich and Stamford in Hartford, and look forward to serving on the Appropriations, Government Administration & Elections, and Transportation Committees.

You can watch the swearing in on https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?livestream=0

After January 4th, you can follow me on Facebook: State Representative Rachel Khanna and Instagram: .

Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy 2023!

A current challenge CT faces is filling open jobs; the good news is that we have an opportunity to find innovative ways to fill those jobs. I look forward to working towards achieving that goal.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Kwanzaa!

Wishing you and your loved ones peace and joy this Christmas.

Thank you to our delegation in Washington, DC for advocating for our communities.

https://ctmirror.org/2022/12/23/ct-federal-government-funding-bill-earmark/

Due to severe temperatures forecast from Friday to Monday, Governor Lamont has activated Severe Cold Weather Protocols. Read more here:

Governor Lamont Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocol From Friday to Monday Governor Ned Lamont today announced that based on a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut may experience below-zero wind chills over the weekend, he will be activating the state’s severe cold weather protocol beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2022, and remaining in effect throu...

I am pleased to announce that I was appointed to the Appropriations, Government Administration & Elections, and Transportation Committees of the General Assembly. I look forward to serving on these committees, and to the 2023 legislative session.

Happy Chanukah to all! “At this time of year, when the sun is most hidden, the Holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the rays of hope and light. Often, it is through simple and unrecognized miracles that we are able to feel the warmth of hope and light.” - Rafael Goldstein

I enjoyed my visit to Roxbury Elementary School this morning with

Thank you for inviting me to your Holiday Toy Store. It was so exciting to be part of this annual tradition, which is back in person after two years. Person to Person will distribute toys to 2,000 children in lower Fairfield County.

Ten years ago today 20 children and 6 educators were tragically killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Today we remember the lives that were lost.

Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, Rachel D’Avino, Olivia Engel, Josephine Gay, Dylan Hockley, Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, Madeleine Hsu, Catherine Hubbard, Chase Kowalski, Jesse Lewis, Ana Grace Marquez-Greene, James Mattioli, Grace Audrey McDonnell, Anne Marie Murphy, Emilie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previdi, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Lauren Rousseau, Mary Sherlach, Victoria Soto, Benjamin Wheeler, Allison Wyatt.

Many believed that the Sandy Hook shooting would be the event that would galvanize our nation into preventing gun violence and implementing sensible gun safety laws. And yet, every day more than 110 Americans are killed with guns and more than 200 more are shot and wounded (https://everytownresearch.org/report/gun-violence-in-america). The impact on survivors and communities is immense.

Children should not have to fear for their safety when they go to school; children living in some of our urban communities should not have to live in a shadow of gun violence; people everywhere should not have to fear for their lives when going to a grocery store, a movie theater, a house of worship, or a concert.

Today reminds us that our work is not done. In fact, Connecticut’s gun violence prevention efforts are now under attack from a gun rights group suing our state to overturn our assault weapons ban. We need to protect our gun safety legislation and support efforts to interrupt gun violence in our communities. I am committed to honoring all those impacted by gun violence with my action.

I am ready to work with Governor Lamont to strengthen our gun violence prevention efforts in CT!

https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2022/12-2022/Governor-Lamont-Says-More-Actions-Need-To-Be-Taken-To-Prevent-Mass-Shootings-and-Gun-Violence

Check out these Chanukah Celebrations in Stamford and Greenwich on Sunday, December 18th.

https://www.stamfordchabad.org/civicrm/event/info?id=234

https://www.chabadgreenwich.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/5702024/jewish/Chanukah-Celebration.htm

Community Celebration and Giant Menorah Lighting CHANUKAH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION & GIANT MENORAH LIGHTING JOIN US AS WE ASSEMBLE FAIRFIELDS LARGEST "UNITY MENORAH" TOGETHER Warm your heart with Jewish pride as we publicly light Fairfield County’s Largest Menorah, joined by dignitaries and community leaders. Hot apple cider & Latkes & Gelt for the...

It was a beautiful (but cold) morning for the 5k & 1-mile runs!

The event’s proceeds go towards the Greenwich Parks & Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund, which provides Greenwich youth access to a variety of recreational programs.

This case is absolutely horrific. We need to do more to protect those at risk.

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/milford-homicide-putting-focus-on-coercive-control-in-domestic-abuse-cases/2931516/

This is great news for Connecticut!

Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Receives $32 Million Federal Grant To Support Workforce Development in Public Health Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Public Health has been awarded a $32,253,484 grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will be used to support the state agency’s newly launched Office of Public Heath Workforce Development.

I had an exciting day in Hartford today at the new legislators’ orientation. I’m looking forward to the start of the session on January 4th.

Funding for the program offering free and reduced lunches to all students in Greenwich Public Schools is expected to end in mid-December. Apply here to ease back into the free and reduced meal benefits once the program ends:https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1660741785/greenwich/tdwvwdl1oqk9yow5qnmj/Income_Guidelines_SNP.pdf

For additional information, visit the Greenwich Public Schools Food Services webpage here: https://www.greenwichschools.org/departments/food-services

https://www.greenwichschools.org/departments/food-services/free-and-reduced-priced-meals

Free and Reduced Priced Meals - Greenwich Public Schools Free and Reduced Priced Meals - Greenwich Public Schools

More great news that Connecticut is on the right financial track!

https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2022/12/02/connecticut-on-track-to-pay-down-pension-debt-next-year/?utm_source=CTNewsJu**ie%20Main%20List%20With%20Publication%20Groups&utm_campaign=437206bd1b-ON_THE_HOUR&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a493d2308d-437206bd1b-95967817

Check out the following tree lighting events in Greenwich and Stamford this weekend:

Friday, December 2nd
- 4-5pm: Greenwich Tree Lighting at Greenwich Town Hall

Saturday, December 3d
4-6pm: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at the Byram Library

Sunday, December 4th
5pm: Heights & Lights at Landmark Square & Latham Park
https://heystamford.com/2022/11/23/brian-cashman-gm-new-york-yankees-returns-as-guest-rappellar-for-heights-and-lights-2022-in-stamford-downtown/

Check out Hey Stamford list of events here https://heystamford.com/2022/11/27/christmas-tree-lightings-in-stamford-you-should-know-about-in-2022/

Brian Cashman, GM, New York Yankees Returns as Guest Rappellar for Heights and Lights 2022 in Stamford Downtown - Hey Stamford! QUICK UPDATE AS OF 11/29: UNFORTUNATELY, BRIAN CASHMAN WILL NOT BE RAPPELLING THIS YEAR, DUE TO HIS NY YANKEE TRAVEL SCHEDUE That said, Adam Klotz, Fox News Channel Meteorologist and friends

Check out my letter in the Stamford Advocate

Rachel Khanna (letter): ‘I am energized to head to Hartford’ Rachel Khanna expresses appreciation to supporters for her recent election.

Yesterday, the CT General Assembly met in a special session. Legislators voted to extend the suspension of the gas tax; extend free bus fare through April 2023; provide bonuses for essential workers; delay a labeling requirement for bottle deposits; and increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by $30 million. The House approved the bill in a 134-7 vote and the Senate unanimously approved it. As I will not be sworn in as your representative until January, I was not able to vote on this bill. Had I been able to, I would have voted yes along with the majority of the Stamford and Greenwich delegations.

Lawmakers Extend Gas Tax Suspension, Offer More Energy Assistance And Hero Pay | CT News Ju**ie House Speaker Matt Ritter stands on the dais during a Nov. 28 special session Lawmakers extended a suspension of Connecticut’s gas tax, supplemented

Join the LWV Greenwich and the Greenwich Tree Conservancy on Friday, December 9th at 12pm for a discussion on Utility Regulation in CT: The Important Role of PURA (Public Utilities Regulatory Authority) in discussion with the PURA chairwoman, Marissa Gillett.

https://www.lwvgreenwich.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=784813&item_id=1838917

It was an honor to attend Albanian Independence Day celebrations in Stamford today. The day commemorates Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912 🇦🇱

Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

If you have concerns about how you will pay for heating this winter, please know there are resources available from the state for eligible homeowners and renters. The application period for the 2022-2023 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is open now and you can find information and the application here: https://portal.ct.gov/heatinghelp/applyonline?language=en_US

This program provides crucial financial support to vulnerable homeowners and renters to assist with the costs of heating their homes. With heating costs expected to increase, this support will ensure more families can stay warm.

Additional resources if you need assistance paying your utility bills:

Eversource: Call 1-800-286-2828 (electric) or 800-438-2278 (gas) or get help online https://www.eversource.com/content/ct-c/residential/account-billing/payment-assistance

United Illuminating: Call 800-722-5584 or get help online https://www.uinet.com/account/waystopay/help-with-bill

Operation Fuel provides emergency energy and utility assistance to households in Connecticut facing financial crisis. Call (860) 243-2345 or visit https://operationfuel.org/gethelp/

There have been nearly 37,000 deaths from gun violence in the United States in 2022. Gun violence prevention shouldn’t be wishful thinking, it should be our duty.

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https://www.npr.org/2022/11/23/1138872525/walmart-virginia-shooting-deaths

Stay tuned - the CT General Assembly will hold a Special Session starting November 28 to address an extension of the suspension of the gas tax, free bus transportation, an increase in bonuses for some essential workers, and more funding for energy assistance programs. I will be watching and will keep you up-to-date on these important issues. As I will not sworn in as your State Representative until January 2023, I will not be participating in this session.

Post-Thanksgiving Special Session Takes Shape | CT News Ju**ie State Capitol (CTNewsJu**ie file photo) Connecticut lawmakers plan to meet for a special session after Thanksgiving to commit more funding to an energy

Have you had a chance to read my letter in the Greenwich Free Press?

I stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in grief over the horrific shooting in Colorado Springs. The shooting occurred just moments before the start of Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor victims of anti-trans violence. We must do more to stand up against hate and to prevent gun violence.

What we know about the shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ club A gunman killed five people and injured at least 25 others. Police are still investigating the motive and have yet to determine if it was a hate crime.

There's still time to sign up for a turkey trot! It's a great way to meet friends and neighbors, and support a great cause. Check out these turkey trots in Stamford and Greenwich

Thursday, November 24th
8:00am - Harbor Point, Stamford for Person to Person
https://hlandingapts.com/happenings/

9:30am - Shippan, Stamford for Pacific House Shelter and Deeply Affordable Housing
https://www.shippantrot.com

Saturday, November 26th
9:30am - Greenwich CT for Greenwich Alliance for Education https://greenwichalliance.org/turkey-trot-2022/

Harbor Point Happenings What's Happening, explore our daily blog and social media, add yourself to our weekly newsletter, but most importantly, come experience Harbor Point yourself.

It was great speaking with Lisa Wexler today about the recent election and the future of the 149th District.

The Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association held its third Annual Greenwich Walk, in honor of the families of fallen heroes and in memory of Bristol Police Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy, today at Tod’s Point. Funds raised support scholarships for children and surviving spouses of Police Officers, Firefighters and EMS killed in the line of duty.

Stamford Police Department is participating in this statewide gun buyback and gun safe giveaway day on Saturday.

Happy Veterans Day! We are grateful to all those who have served.

Thank you Greenwich and Stamford!!!!!

When I decided to run for State Representative back in March I had no idea what to expect. But I understood what was at stake, and how critically important it was to the voters in the 149th district that they have a choice in deciding who would represent them in Hartford.

I could not be prouder of the race we ran, the dedicated volunteers who wrote letters, made calls, knocked doors and held events in their homes and the thousands of Greenwich and Stamford voters who came out to vote. I could not have done this with all of you and I look forward to serving you in Hartford as your State Representative in the 149th.

That we were able to flip a seat in what has been a solid Republican district is a testament to the outstanding ALL FEMALE campaign team I was fortunate to have by my side. I am also forever indebted to the Democratic parties in Greenwich and Stamford, led by Joe Angland and Robin Druckman respectively, and to the House Democrats under the able leadership of Chris Jackson.

Being a candidate is a 24/7 job that demands every ounce of emotional and physical strength you can muster. I couldn’t have run for State Representative without the love and support of my family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

I am energized and ready to head to Hartford and join Governor Lamont and my colleagues in making Connecticut an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and retire for everyone! Thank you!

https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/CT-House-149-District-win-Rachel-Khanna-17559185.php

Democrat Rachel Khanna defeats incumbent Republican Kimberly Fiorello to win CT House 149th District race For the state House 149th District, which includes parts of Greenwich and Stamford,...

This was a hard fought race and I am very proud of this victory. Thank you all for your support.