Gary Turco

The General Assembly’s regular session ended June 5th with a balanced budget and other significant legislation. I’d like to highlight some of the issues we addressed in the new state budget and other impactful legislation.

Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country and the financial burden that our college graduates must shoulder after growing up here is driving many of them to other states where housing and the cost of living is cheaper.

After many hours of hard work and debate, my colleagues and I have passed House Bill 7267, which takes a comprehensive and systematic approach to health care and its soaring costs. The directives and policies in this legislation will significantly increase access to care and create a more sustainable, high-value health care system in the future.

I am pleased to report that the House of Representatives has taken decisive action to provide assistance to police officers, firefighters, and parole officers – who put their lives on the line for our communities every day.

We have an obligation to make sure that everyone feels safe and secure in the workplace, free of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

After many hours of debate over the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) legislation, House Democrats passed a bill which was already approved by the Senate. It now goes to the governor for his signature.

Joining me for this installment of Turco Talk Time is Sierra Club volunteer and Newington resident Noah Cross to talk about the importance of supporting initiatives that increase the use of electric vehicles and the positive impact that has on the environment.

Hard-working families in Connecticut got a boost today with Gov. Lamont signing legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage. I believe anyone working a full-time job should earn enough to support themselves and their family. This legislation is a step in the right direction.