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I write with good news. The Town of Greenwich received a $400,000 grant from the US Department of Transportation to improve roadway safety. In addition, Stamford was awarded a Community Connectivity Grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The program provides funding for local projects to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
This is so important because in Connecticut in 2022, 368 people died in car crashes. Fortunately, we are taking steps to fix this. Improving road safety and reducing pedestrian fatalities are important to me, and I am proud that the Connecticut legislature has recognized the need to make our roads safer for all users.
A Tax Break for Local Businesses
Also very positive, Governor Lamont recently announced that Connecticut businesses will be able to avoid a $30 million unemployment tax increase, thanks to his administration's paying down the full $1.2 billion that Connecticut borrowed form the federal government during the coronavirus pandemic to keep jobless benefits. Not only is this welcome news for businesses currently in the State, it also shows that we are open for business.
Here are a few more reasons Connecticut is an attractive place to do business thanks to our strong, fiscally responsible policies at the state level:
- Our bond ratings are stellar.
- Job growth numbers keep improving.
- We have cut billions in unfunded pension debts from our balance sheets.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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Sincerely,
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| CT Sees 57,000 New Residents |
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Supporting small businesses, addressing the workforce shortage, and making CT a great place for families and businesses alike has been a priority of mine.
Thank you to the Connecticut Business & Industry Association for your recognition of the work I've done.
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I was pleased to honor the veterans who served our country in the Veterans Day ceremonies in Stamford and Greenwich. I thank all the men and women who chose to serve and protect our country.
Of the approximately 16.5 million veterans in the US, roughly 141,000 veterans live in CT. It is critical that we as legislators address the needs of veterans and active service members in our state.
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| Celebrating Funding for Avon Theatre |
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We celebrated $1.9 million in bonding funds that the Avon Theatre in Stamford will be receiving from the State of Connecticut for renovations. A special thanks to Senator Pat Billie Miller and State Representative Hubert Delany for shepherding this project, and to Governor Ned Lamont and the Bonding Commission for their support.
Since 1939, the Avon Theatre in Stamford has been a source of cultural enrichment and an economic engine for downtown Stamford. The Avon is also a historic and cultural landmark, and the funds for Avon's much-needed renovation can only add to the benefits experienced by so many in the Stamford community and beyond.
I look forward to going to a newly-renovated Avon Theatre!
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| Waste Free Greenwich Great Pumpkin Rescue |
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If you have any waste pumpkins, bring them to to the Great Pumpkin Rescue to be composted, hosted by Waste Free Greenwich.
There will be plenty of free fun for friends and family with pumpkin toss, pumpkin bowling, spooky ring toss, pumpkin bean bag toss and gourd tic tac toe, along with other lawn games. You can earn raffle tickets and win prizes to cut household waste for your family. Don't miss the demonstrations for effective backyard composting.
Jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins and gourds only. No other food scraps or other organic material will be accepted at the event. No paint, glitter, googly eyes or candles. These items will contaminate the compost during processing.
For more information, click HERE.
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| Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular |
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Stamford's Downtown Parade Spectacular is finally here, presented by Stamford Advocate and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.
The parade is one of the largest balloon parades in the country that includes helium balloon characters everyone recognizes in the whole family. There will be everyone's favorite floats and marching bands playing their award winning music.
The parade will be Sunday, November 19 at 12 p.m. at Stamford Downtown.
On Saturday, November 18, the Point 72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party will be held from 3-6 p.m. at the intersection of Hoyt Street and Summer Street. Watch the behind the scenes look at the parade and the balloons set up with fan favorite characters and Santa himself.
For more info, click HERE.
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Stamford Veterans Appreciation
Thanksgiving Luncheon |
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| Veterans are welcome to attend an appreciation Thanksgiving lunch on Monday, November 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Government Center in Stamford. |
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| Stamford Arts & Cultural Grant Deadline Approaching |
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The application period is open for the Stamford Arts & Culture Grant. This funding goes toward arts and cultural programming, as well as art projects in our community. Since 2018, the grant has been administered by the Stamford Arts & Culture Commission. This year, the city has generously allocated $191,500 in funding for the Arts & Culture Commission to distribute to nonprofit organizations and artists.
Applications are due before 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21. To apply or for more information on eligibility requirements, click HERE.
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| Turkey Trot Events in Stamford & Greenwich |
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Don't miss the Turkey Trot 5k fun run on Thursday, November 23 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Stamford's Harbor Point Square. To learn more, click HERE.
There will also be a Turkey Trot at Shippen Point on the same day (Thursday, November 23) at 12:00 p.m. To learn more, click HERE.
On November 25, at 9:30 a.m., the Greenwich Alliance for Education will also hold its own Turkey Trot fun run and walk, at Arch Street Teen Center. To learn more about it and to register, click HERE.
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| Flurry Fest at Arch in Bloom |
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| Battle of the Badges Blood Drive |
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| Unemployment Insurance 101 Virtual Seminar for Employers |
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Employers in the 149th District - you might be interested in taking part in this seminar. On Thursday, December 14, at 10 a.m., the CT Department of Labor’s Business Engagement Unit, will host a free virtual seminar that welcomes business owners and managers, human resources professionals, supervisors, benefits managers, and any other employers interested in learning about the Unemployment Insurance process.
This highly anticipated seminar will provide an overview of Connecticut’s Unemployment Insurance system, eligibility requirements, and the responsibility of employers who are subject to Connecticut’s Unemployment Compensation Law.
Topics will include:
- Background of the UI system
- Claims filing in CT
- Eligibility determinations
- Employer charging
- Overview of eligibility regulations
- Employers’ obligations
To register, click HERE.
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| If you have questions, or ever need any help please don't hesitate to reach out by phone, 860-240-8553, 203-564-9516 or email, Rachel.Khanna@cga.ct.gov
You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
Sincerely,
Rachel Khanna
State Representative |
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