Submitted by Kevin Kurian
The Connecticut state legislature may not be flashy, but it plays a critical role in shaping how our communities and state function. Our state senators and representatives decide how much funding our towns receive for schools and infrastructure, make key fiscal decisions, and determine tax policies. This work can often be complex and less than exciting, which is why it’s essential to elect leaders who are committed to the hard work of getting things done. Rep. Rachel Khanna is one such leader.
During my time working for State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Rep. Khanna on organizing a town hall at Greenwich Public Library to promote ArrayRx, the state’s first prescription drug discount card. This free program (available at arrayrx.com) that anyone can sign up for is intended to save people money at the pharmacy by pooling CT’s drug purchases with other participating states and achieving economies of scale.
The event she organized was one of the best-executed I saw in my time in government. I noticed how Rep. Khanna connected with her constituents—with genuine care and empathy. It didn’t seem to matter to her whether someone was going to vote for her or which party they belonged to—she was focused solely on helping them save money at the pharmacy. She is dedicated to using the levers of state government to improve the lives of her constituents.
Rep. Khanna has also been a steadfast champion of protecting Connecticut’s fiscal guardrails. These rules limit state spending, ensure annual savings, and build budget reserves to prevent overspending.
In a time when many politicians seem more focused on scoring partisan points, Rep. Khanna is a refreshing exception. Known for carrying a notebook filled with questions from legislative hearings and pages of stories and ideas from her constituents, she is a trusted resource for her colleagues in the Greenwich and Stamford delegations and beyond. Her thorough research and preparation were evident in her recent debates, where she demonstrated a deep understanding of the district’s economic needs, a commitment to protecting a woman’s right to choose, and dedication to reaching across the aisle. Her results speak for themselves: in her first term, she worked with the Greenwich and Stamford delegations to bring back tens of millions of dollars for vital school and infrastructure improvements.
Rep. Khanna may not be the loudest voice in the room, but she is one of the most knowledgeable. Her steady leadership has brought tax dollars and a welcoming, results-oriented politics that is grounded in truth, not lies, to the 149th district. Greenwich and Stamford, I strongly urge you to re-elect Rep. Rachel Khanna to continue serving this community.
Kevin Kurian is a student at Harvard Law School.
NOTE: The deadline to consider LTEs about candidates in the Nov 5, 204 election for consideration was Oct 29, 2024 at 12:00 noon. We continue to publish letters submitted in time for that deadline.