Rachel Khanna’s repeated claims of fiscal responsibility are undermined by her actions in the legislature. She boasts about the state’s fiscal guardrails and pension repayments as if they were her accomplishments, but the truth is that these reforms were passed by legislators in 2017, long before she took office. Legislators like Scott Frantz were instrumental in implementing these measures, which are now saving taxpayers $700 million annually and stabilizing Connecticut’s finances. Khanna, who has been in office for only a short time, cannot credibly claim ownership of these long-standing reforms.
Moreover, Khanna’s voting record reveals her support for increased spending voting in favor of bills that have exceeded the state’s spending cap, directly contradicting the fiscal responsibility Khanna claims to uphold. Khanna’s continued support for large spending measures, even when Connecticut is already benefiting from the savings generated by the fiscal guardrails, could ultimately jeopardize the state’s financial health. Connecticut needs to rein in spending, not continue expanding it with little regard for future consequences.
Khanna’s tenure coincides with an influx of federal relief funds, which she uses to justify increased spending in her district. Much of this funding came from federal relief efforts during the pandemic, which has provided a temporary cushion for the state. However, the long-term effects of this spending spree could be detrimental to Connecticut’s finances, especially if the state continues to disregard the limits imposed by the fiscal guardrails.
Khanna’s actions threaten to unravel the very fiscal progress she claims to support. Her failure to credit those who laid the groundwork for Connecticut’s recovery and her willingness to vote for increased spending cast doubt on her commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Sabrina Forsythe
