Updates from State Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo for Nov. 26, 2025

November 26, 2025



 

 

This week, the Connecticut House of Representatives suffered a devastating loss with the passing of State Representative Kevin Ryan. First elected in 1993, Rep. Ryan faithfully represented the 139th District for more than three decades.
 
A dedicated champion of public health, he served on the Public Health Committee throughout his entire tenure. That’s where I had the privilege of meeting Kevin, working alongside him on the committee.
 
I've been feeling quite sad about Kevin's passing, but as I've read countless tributes written by the people who knew him, I couldn't help but notice how every single person referenced his deeply sarcastic and irreverent wit. And so of course I'm smiling at my own memories of trying to control my laughter every time I sat next to Kevin in Public Health meetings. Because that guy was really funny.

Kevin will be sorely missed, but he leaves behind a legacy of good work on behalf of the people who trusted him to represent them. And I am very proud to say that I knew and respected, and very much appreciated a very good man.
 

Thanksgiving Message

Happy Thanksgiving!

As families and friends across our community gather around their tables, this is a moment to pause, take stock of the year behind us, and give thanks for the everyday acts of kindness and resilience that make our towns in Connecticut such special places to live.

This season can be joyful, but it can also be difficult for neighbors who are struggling with loss, loneliness, or making ends meet, and they remain very much in my thoughts. 
 
At the same time, Thanksgiving carries a complicated history, especially for many Indigenous peoples for whom this day is also a reminder of land theft, violence, and ongoing injustice.  
 
As we celebrate, may we also commit ourselves to learning more about the true history of this holiday, honoring the Native communities whose lands we live on, and working toward a more just and inclusive future for everyone who calls Connecticut home.
 

Home Energy Assistance

While the $500 million emergency fund plans to cover the lack of funding for the national Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), there are other state resources available now.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and Eversource offer resources for those in need to help to cover the cost of their home energy bills this winter. Visit ct.gov/dss or the Eversource website for more information.
 
 

Local Resources/Ways to Help

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1 or 1-800-203-1234.

The Connecticut Foodshare food pantry takes place every two weeks. The next one is tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 5, at Andrew’s Lutheran Church, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

Please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time to Connecticut Foodshare if you are able. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate.

Also, please consider donating to Ridgefield Social Services to help support our neighbors. That money will go directly to Ridgefield residents most in need.

You can make an online donation at the link below:
https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/a0706d47-8502-4274-9b41-e2d8c3503ae1

Ridgefield also has Ruby's Pantries available to anyone at five locations across town:
https://www.clarkconstruction.net/blog-page/building-rubys-pantries
 

As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Aimee Berger-Girvalo
State Representative

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