Chaleski Receives 'A' Grade From CT Against Gun Violence

**News Release Submitted by Rachel Chaleski Campaign**

Sept. 18, 2024

State Rep. Rachel Chaleski has received an ‘A’ grade from the grassroots organization CT Against Gun Violence (CAGV). Chaleski is seeking reelection in the 138th District, representing Danbury.

CAGV grades incumbent candidates through an assessment of their legislative record, taking into consideration public statements, floor speeches, and appearances at public events. In its letter to Rep. Chaleski, CAGV wrote, “you received an “A” because we are confident that you will continue to be a leader in helping to move our agenda forward, and have championed the cause of gun violence prevention as an elected official or private citizen.” “All of our current K-12 students have grown up with crisis response drills as part of their education because of the tragic gun violence at nearby Sandy Hook School. Too often youths or young adults feel the answer to problems is found in a firearm,” said Rep. Chaleski. “As a mother of two teenagers, I am deeply aware of the concerns children have with the possibility of this happening at their schools.”

The organization’s mission is to make Connecticut safe from gun violence through legislative advocacy, public education and grassroots engagement. Since its founding in 1993, CAGV has lobbied effectively for the first Extreme Risk Protection Order or red flag law, universal background checks, and to close the loophole that let domestic abusers subject to temporary restraining orders possess firearms.

“It’s not just the mass shooting incidents making the news that we as a society should be concerned about, but also the individuals who feel the only way out of mental health struggles or loneliness is through self-inflicted gun violence. Domestic abuse situations are also hotly charged times when it’s too easy for violence to be perpetrated,” said Chaleski.

Rep. Chaleski, of Danbury, is a member of the committees on Appropriations, Education, and Transportation.