Rachel Khanna

Climate change is a reality that we all have to recognize and contend with. 
 
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, average temperatures have risen more quickly since the late 1970s and nine of the top 10 warmest years on record for the contiguous 48 states have occurred since 1998, with 2012 and 2016 being the two warmest years on record. As a matter of fact, this summer was the hottest summer ever.
 
In the 2022 legislative session, legislators voted on a target of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040 because carbon emissions are a key component of rising temperatures. So it is imperative that we move toward alternative energy sources. Solar and wind power are considered clean and renewable energy sources.
 
Recently, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island announced the first-of-its-kind effort in the United States to coordinate their offshore wind efforts, which opens up the potential to buy clean energy together at more competitive and affordable rates. The three states will collaborate to amplify all the benefits of offshore wind, which also include regional economic development opportunities, healthier communities, and lower energy bills for everyone. 
 
In addition to the multistate regional collaboration, Connecticut also announced its first-ever strategic roadmap for economic development in the offshore wind industry supported by a newly formed public-private nonprofit group of experts and stakeholders known as the Connecticut Wind Collaborative (CWC).

This month focuses attention on the epidemic of domestic violence. It happens in every community, in every income group and it’s usually hidden from view. There is help, however, so if you have experienced this personally or know someone who is dealing with it. My video this week includes details on who to contact and the resources available.

Last week, I attended several events to stand in solidarity with Israel, in the wake of the terrorist attack that took place on Saturday, October 7. The attack took the lives of so many innocent men, women, and children. I stand with the people of Israel and with all those in our community who have been affected. There is no place for hate in America or throughout the world.

Last Saturday, I joined my colleagues State Representatives Arzeno, Johnson, Michel, and Roberts at Filling in the Blanks in Norwalk. We filled 720 bags of food for children in need. The bags contain four meals and four snacks to take home every Friday. During the 2022-23 school year, Filling in the Blanks supported over 5,600 children throughout Connecticut and New York.

Sunday was a perfect day for the Abilis 5k fun run and walk. I was so happy to run in support of the amazing work that Abilis does providing programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout lower Fairfield County.

On Monday, I attended a ceremony celebrating the retirement of Chief Richard Strain after his 50 years of service and 40 years as District Chief of the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company in Greenwich. 

Photo courtesy: Rick Kaufman, Patch. To read the full article in Patch, click HERE or click the graphic below. 

As part of the 2023 Speaker Series, the Greenwich Sustainability Committee (GSC), in partnership with Waste Free Greenwich, will host “Waste Injustice: Impacts and Solutions” on Tuesday, October 24 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church Chapel.

“Waste Injustice: Impacts and Solutions” will feature presentations by Dr. Courtney Williams, Co-Founder of Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (WASS), and Kevin Budris, Advocacy Director at Just Zero. Panelists will explore the effects of waste management practices and policies in Greenwich and across our state and advocate for solutions to address Connecticut’s waste crisis and reduce environmental impacts and the burden on low-income populations and communities of color.

The event will explore the impacts of our waste management system from the perspective of cancer researcher and public health advocate, Dr. Courtney Williams, a Peekskill, New York resident who lives less than a mile from the aging WinWaste Westchester incinerator where the majority of Greenwich’s waste is burned. She will share the consequences of toxic emissions from the incinerator and other polluting industries on the citizens of Peekskill, an environmental justice community. Dr. Williams will also discuss her fight to make the incinerator obsolete and WASS’s work to advance alternative strategies.

For more information or to view the full invitation, click HERE. To RSVP, please email Kim Gregory at staglanefarm@yahoo.com.

On Monday, November 6, in Greenwich Library’s Black Box Theatre beginning at 6 p.m., Dr. Michael Bernstein, Associate Director of Pulmonology and Critical Care at Stamford Health, will discuss the effects of wildfire smoke and other pollutants on the lungs. He will also take questions from the audience.

You can register for this program online HERE or contact the library at 203-622-7913. Walk-ins welcome.

This event is co-sponsored with the Commission on Aging and River House Adult Day Center. It is a presentation of the Caregiver Circle series.

Hey 149th District! I'm excited to share an incredible opportunity for young individuals interested in politics and public service. The Connecticut General Assembly is currently accepting applications for the Legislative Internship Program. This internship provides invaluable, behind-the-scenes insight into the legislator's roles, state politics, and the policy-making process. Legislative interns are assigned to individual legislators, where duties include bill tracking, drafting research reports, writing testimony, social media posts and speeches, and providing information to district constituents. In addition, interns engage in career development projects and field trips. 

Click HERE to learn more. The deadline to apply is November 1!

The deadline is approaching!

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.

The Campaign School at Yale's goal is to increase the number and influence of women in elected and appointed office in the United States and around the globe. TCSYale is a nonpartisan, issue-neutral political campaign training program.

Please note: There is a $50 non-refundable fee for non-residents of Fairfield County.