Gary Turco

We met for two sessions last week and passed several bills, including: 

• House Bill 5039: An Act Requiring Transparency and Additional Oversight of the Distribution of Certain Legislatively Directed Funds Sets up rules for state agencies to monitor funds given to specific entities, ensuring proper use and capacity.
• House Bill 5125: An Act Concerning Entertainment Event Tickets Seeks to regulate ticket resellers by setting specific contractual and online sales requirements, including mandatory refunds for cancelled events.
• House Bill 5406: An Act Concerning Various Measures Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces Seeks to recognize and honor the, heroic wartime service of certain veterans and reserve members of the armed forces.
• House Bill 5336: An Act Concerning Advanced Nuclear Energy  Evaluates workforce requirements for advanced nuclear technologies.

On Wednesday, April 22, join us for the Newington Earth Day Walk through Newington Center, a great opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate our shared commitment to protecting the environment.

This event offers a chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with neighbors, and reflect on the small actions we can all take to make a big difference for our planet. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or simply looking for a meaningful way to get involved, we hope to see you there!

The state is making $15 million available through the national settlement of the Volkswagen emissions scandal to support clean air projects across Connecticut. Eligible projects must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, key contributors to smog, and help advance the state’s efforts to combat air pollution.

Older diesel engines are a major source of nitrogen oxide, which is linked to asthma, lung damage, and other serious health conditions, with children particularly at risk. Funding will prioritize projects that replace, repower, or retrofit aging diesel-powered vehicles and non-road equipment, significantly reducing harmful emissions.

Organizations interested in applying for grants can learn more through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP will also host an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 21, at 1 p.m. to review the application process and provide guidance. Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 11. Click here to register for the webinar.

Click here for more information on the VW settlement.

As many Connecticut families begin their spring cleaning, it’s also a great time to safely clear out unused or expired medications from your home. Proper disposal helps prevent misuse and protects our communities and environment.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, April 25, offering a convenient way to drop off old medications at local collection sites across the state.

If you’re unable to participate that day, there are safe, year-round options available.

The MyOldMeds locator tool connects residents to more than 200 secure medication disposal sites throughout Connecticut. By simply entering your ZIP code, you can quickly find a nearby drop-off location, along with helpful guidance on safe medication storage and disposal practices.

I encourage you to take advantage of these free resources and help spread the word to friends and neighbors. Together, we can keep our homes safe and our communities healthy.

If you have any questions or need assistance finding a location, please don’t hesitate to reach out.