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The year may be winding down but things are heating up at the Capitol ahead of the new legislative session that is slated to begin Jan. 8.
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I was recently reappointed Deputy Majority Leader by House Majority Leader Jason Rojas. I was also appointed Vice-Chair of the General Law Committee, which has added responsibilities including oversight over consumer protection, gambling, cannabis, and alcohol.
“With his experience and continued growth as a leader, Rep. Turco is a great choice to serve as vice chair of the General Law Committee,” Speaker of the House Matt Ritter said.
“Rep. Turco has shown himself to be a diligent and committed lawmaker and a true champion for the residents of his district and State of Connecticut,” said Majority Leader Rojas. “Given the commitment required of a Deputy Majority Leader, Rep. Turco’s ability and expertise in both his personal and professional worlds will help ensure that legislation is well-informed and carefully reviewed prior to final action on the House floor. I am grateful for his willingness to serve in this important role.”
I was also appointed to the Housing and Transportation committees. His legislative priorities include the following:
- Housing. "I requested to be on the Housing Committee to help create more affordability in housing for middle and lower-income individuals, families and seniors," Turco said. "Rent and housing prices are rising too high and are becoming unsustainable. Homelessness is also on the rise, young people can't move out of their parent's homes, many individuals and seniors are having difficulty paying their housing costs, and other rising costs such as health care and energy prices. I see this issue as a state crisis that is getting worse, and negatively impact our overall economy if we don't address it. The Speaker has asked me to help lead HB 5002, a priority bill for the House of Representatives to help tackle the issue."
- Energy Prices. "Like housing, the costs are rising too fast for residents to afford within their household budget," Turco said. "We need options for short term relief, but even more importantly, we need to put new policies in place that make rates more affordable long term, that includes standing up to for-profit utility companies where profits sometimes come before people."
- Investment in the District. "Newington and New Britain continue to need further investments from the state to help support our schools, local town services, and keep property taxes in check," Turco said. "I will be advocating for additional funding to bring back home to the district."
- Road Safety. "While I have worked hard over the last two years to pass new laws to improve roadway safety and reduce reckless driving and unnecessary deaths and collisions, there is still a lot more work to be done and I am committed to it," he said.
While those are some of my legislative priorities, constituents are always encouraged to weigh in on what's important to them. I am hosting a Town Hall with Rep. Kate Farrar and Sen. Matt Lesser on Jan. 6 at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library. 100 Garfield St. in Newington from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and a Coffee Hour with Sen. Rick Lopes and City Council members Wilma Barbosa and Lori McAdam at Alvarium Roasting Company, 365 John Downey Drive in New Britain on Jan. 11, from 10 to 11 a.m.
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| John Patterson Elementary School Visit |
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| One of my favorite things as a state legislator is seeing students from my district visit the state Capitol. Last week, it was my privilege to meet some of my youngest constituents from John Patterson Elementary School and answer their questions about the work I and my fellow representatives do. |
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| The Newington Senior & Disabled Center serves daily lunches and delivers Meals on Wheels to Newington's older adults, age 60+, as part of the federal Older Americans Act/Elderly Nutrition program.
Recently, state and federal program funding was reduced, resulting in significant cuts to the center's program. The center is seeking donations for the nutrition program to continue to deliver meals.
Please see the flyer below. |
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More than 22,000 residents of Connecticut can expect some or all their medical debt to be eliminated, thanks to a major state initiative in partnership with the national nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt.
Undue Medical Debt collaborates with state and local governments to leverage public investments, negotiating with hospitals and other providers to eliminate large, bundled portfolios of qualifying medical debt. This initiative specifically targets patients whose income is at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level, or who have medical debt that constitutes 5% or more of their income. Because these medical debts are acquired in bulk and pertain to individuals who are least able to pay, they can be purchased at a fraction of their face value.
In this initial round, the state allocated approximately $100,000 from its share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. With this investment, Undue Medical Debt successfully negotiated with a secondary market partner (such as a collections agency) and a national provider to acquire approximately $30 million in qualifying medical debt for Connecticut residents.
Residents do not need to apply for this medical debt relief, nor can they request it. Those whose debts have been identified for relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt detailing which debts have been eliminated. These letters will be sent out through the U.S. mail, starting December 23, 2024.
To view a sample of the letter recipients will soon receive in the mail, please click HERE. |
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| Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over |
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From now through January 1, 2025, drivers across Connecticut can expect to see more law enforcement on the roads to prevent impaired driving and keep roads safe for everyone. During the holiday season, drunk driving is a significant threat.
The CTDOT urges the public to take proactive steps to ensure a safe holiday season:
- Designate a Sober Driver: Before drinking, plan a safe way to get home. Use a ride share service, public transportation, or a designate a sober driver.
- Stay Alert on the Roads: Keep a safe distance from drivers who appear impaired. Report dangerous drivers by calling 911.
- Intervene When Necessary: If you see someone attempting to drive impaired, take their keys and help them arrange a safe ride home.
Driving under the influence of any substance, whether alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, or over-the-counter drugs, is illegal and dangerous. Impaired driving can lead to jail time and fines.
Click here for more information. |
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While the holiday season generally brings holiday cheer, there are some Grinches who dampen mood. With online shopping becoming more prevalent, package thieves – better known as porch pirates – have more opportunities to swipe deliveries.
The Better Business Bureau, citing a Security.org study, said package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise over the last year.
Here are some ways – courtesy of the BBB – to discourage porch pirates:
- Don’t leave unattended packages.
Try to schedule a delivery when you know you will be home. If you aren't going to be home, ask a trusted neighbors if they mind holding on to packages. Also. some retailers offer garage delivery.
- Ship to store, storefront or post office box.
Consider shipping to a retailer with a physical location near your home or, if you have one, ship to a post office box that accepts packages
consider shipping it there instead.
Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible.
Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving
a package but be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.
Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop.
If you fear your package being stolen, file a report with your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on your delivery service, they may offer insurance or other policies to reimburse you for your losses. |
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From my family to yours, I want to take a moment to send my best wishes for the holiday season. May it bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness and time well spent together. Remember that no matter how we celebrate, we also share many blessings. So, in the spirit of the season, please spread the joy that makes this time of the year truly special.
Looking ahead to the new year, I am excited for all that we will accomplish together. It is my sincere honor to represent you and work on issues that matter to our community and Connecticut.
Happy Holidays!
Please note, I am your tireless advocate at the state Capitol. If I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Gary.Turco@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates!
Sincerely,
Gary Turco
State Representative |
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