Rachel Khanna

As you know, workforce development and ensuring that we do what we can to attract businesses and families to the state has been one of my priorities. When we have a skilled workforce, we attract more businesses to the state and grow our economy, which benefits all of us.
 
A recent article in CT News Junkie noted that while businesses feel that they are doing well, 81% have difficulty hiring workers, and there are still nearly 100,000 open jobs.
 
During the 2023 legislative session, we successfully passed a number of measures, which will enhance and support our skilled workforce and make our state more attractive for companies and new businesses.
 
These new initiatives in diverse fields including education, aviation, healthcare, and first responders seek to attract the best talent from within and beyond to create a top-notch workforce.
 
Below are some highlights of the work we accomplished this past session:

Public Act 23-97

• This bill is a multifaceted step forward for those in the medical field.

Public Act 23-167: 

• Expands school-based apprenticeship opportunities in aviation and aerospace
• Builds on training for future paraeducators
• Offers dual credit/enrollment opportunities

Public Act 23-55:

• Creates prosecutor apprenticeships for law school students

Public Act 23-207: 

• Creates tax credits and incentives for towns and businesses that build and/or develop housing set aside for specific workforces including teachers, police officers, and firefighters 

I was honored to participate in several Memorial events to remember the victims of 9/11. We paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11/2001. We keep their families in our thoughts and prayers, and support those first responders who continue to suffer from the aftermath of that terrible tragedy.

Photos are from the Sherwood Island ceremony in Westport on September 7 and the Cos Cob ceremony on September 11. 

Connecticut is about to take a transformative step toward making prescription drugs more affordable for all.
 
On October 2, all Connecticut residents will be eligible to sign up for ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card program that provides up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state.
 
Valid physical Connecticut addresses and email addresses are required to enroll, and a digital card will be provided after registering.
 
The program is part of Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs, which I proudly supported.
 
I highly encourage you to not miss out on this great opportunity. Residents should never have to worry about accessing the lifesaving care they need, and this free program is a massive leap forward. I'm thrilled ArrayRx is coming to Connecticut, and I will continue the fight to lower healthcare costs for all.
 
For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com.

Dana’s Angels Research Trust (DART), the nonprofit dedicated to funding medical research, education, and treatment of the rare childhood disease Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NPC), often referred to as “childhood Alzheimer’s,” and other similar genetic diseases, is hosting its sixth annual DART to the Finish Charity Walk, on Saturday, September 30, at 9 a.m., at Greenwich Point Park in Old Greenwich. This family-friendly and accessible two-mile walk is $30 for adults 22 years and older, $15 for 10-to-21 years old, and children 10 years old or younger are free. Virtual walkers from anywhere in the world are also welcome to join and can register with a $30 donation to DART. To learn more and register, visit danasangels.org or dartevents.org.

Dana Marella was the original inspiration for DART after she was diagnosed with NPC at the age of eight. Once an energetic, happy little girl, Dana eventually lost all her abilities and was confined to a wheelchair. She was unable to walk or talk, had a feeding tube, and received a tracheostomy. Despite her severe challenges and numerous hospitalizations, she never lost her sweet nature, always reaching to hold a hand, making her so deeply loved by all who knew her. Her strength and perseverance were a constant inspiration and taught everyone around her the true meaning of life and to appreciate each day. She fought a courageous battle for the 12 years after she was diagnosed. Sadly, she passed away in 2013, just 11 days shy of celebrating her 20th birthday.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and State House Square will hold a passport acceptance day on October 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Hartford. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, call 860-258-6940. Passport applications can be downloaded at travel.state.gov. 

The Foodshed Forum invites you to “A Tale of Two Towns: Addressing Food Insecurity in Greenwich. This panel discussion will be held at the Greenwich Town Hall Meeting Room on Tuesday, October 10, from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The event is free, and all are welcome. The organizers kindly ask that attendees RSVP in advance by emailing ali@thefoodshednetwork.org. 

For more information or to RSVP for the event, click HERE. 

18th Annual Walk/Run for Abilis
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Greenwich Point Park 
(Tod’s Point) Clambake Area
Old Greenwich, CT
 
JOIN IN FOR A FUN, FAMILY-FRIENDLY 1-MILE WALK & 5K RUN AROUND SCENIC TOD'S POINT
Adult runners are $40 to register
Youth runners (ages 11-17) are $20 
Youth runners (under age 11) are free
 
CARNIVAL FOR A CAUSE WILL BE BACK WITH FUN GAMES AND ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Walk/Run for Abilis features a family-friendly 5K run and an all-abilities accessible 1-mile walk around beautiful Greenwich Point Park. You can register as a team or as an individual and start fundraising for the cause!

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 year. The CBYX program is a fully funded scholarship from the U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag for 250 American high school students to spend an academic year in Germany. 

No previous German language experience is needed to apply.

Interested applicants can visit the CBYX website (www.usagermanyscholarship.org) to learn more, explore stories from current and past participants, and begin the application process. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on November 1.

Having fast Internet is necessary for the success of students inside and outside of the classroom.  Optimum is participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a credit of up to $30 per month to help qualifying households pay for Internet service. More information is available below or click HERE.