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The town of Newington and city of New Britain suffered an unimaginable tragedy last weekend when four people, including a Newington High School student, died in a three-vehicle vehicle crash on Willard Avenue.
Jeannette Tineo, 48; her sister, Florinda Tineo, 50; Florinda's daughter, Gabriela Difo, 17, all of Newington; and Maritza Smith, 56, of New Britain, died in the crash, according to police. A fifth unnamed victim sustained injuries that were not considered life threatening.
I join in sharing my condolences with the victims' families and friends, as well as the Newington and New Britain communities as a whole. We are all in some way connected and affected by this horrific event. I stand with my fellow Newington residents and New Britain constituents in sharing in the profound grief left in the wake of the crash.
The Newington Police Department said it is investigating the matter and preliminary findings indicate that speed was a factor. Police also said they don't anticipate filing any charges.
I want to urge caution in speculating on what transpired and allow the police to do their jobs to determine how the crash occurred. |
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The Finance Committee advanced legislation to provide some much-needed relief to taxpayers.
First, the committee approved a bill to eventually phase out the motor vehicle tax. This is a major step for this bill, which I've backed for years. Hopefully it passes the full chamber and is signed into law.
In addition, the Finance Committee approved the revenue bill that includes the state’s first permanent refundable child tax credit, a bill that I co-sponsored. We know families are struggling and it’s our responsibility that every child in our state has an opportunity to thrive.
The child tax credit would provide families ($100K single filer, $160K head of household, or $200K joint filer) $150 per child for up to three kids. Plus there is a phase out for every $1,000 earned above those thresholds, with households losing 10% of the credit’s value. The credit is not as large as we had initially hoped. But this is still a meaningful step in supporting families. If it passes the full chamber, it will create a more equitable tax code and boost our local economies.
Now it’s up to us to make sure this critical tax relief is a part of the final negotiated budget. |
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| Housing Affordability Forum |
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Thank you to everyone who attended the forum on housing affordability I hosted along with Sen. Matt Lesser and Rep. Kate Farrar last week. We had a thoughtful and informative conversation with state departments and nonprofit leaders and numerous residents on specific policy changes needed to make housing costs more affordable for all residents, including homeowners and renters, individuals, families, and seniors.
I will be working the remainder of the legislative session and beyond on this issue, which I believe is one of the highest, if not the highest, priority in the state. |
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The Vallabhdham Temple, 26 Church St. in Newington, is hosting a tribute/candlelight vigil on Sunday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. for the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir.
Everyone is welcome to attend. More details below. |
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Newington Advocacy Day at the Legislative Office Building is Wednesday, May 7, from 9 to 10 a.m.
Join me, Rep. Kate Farrar, Sen. Matt Lesser, and others as we discuss important measures being considered this legislative session. |
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It was truly an honor and a privilege to present a state citation to Newington bus driver Peter Kornichuk, whose professionalism and attention to detail saved a child's life.
Kornichuk was honored at the Newington Board of Education meeting on April 23, with the school board presenting him with an Everyday Hero Award.
Congratulations Peter, and thank you for what you do. |
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| Community Conversation on Hate Crimes |
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With the number of hate crimes steadily increasing in recent years, members of state and local law enforcement agencies are hosting a community conversation on hate crimes on Thursday, May 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium, 50 S. Main St.
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins, Chief State's Attorney Patrick J. Griffin, West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick, and the members of the Hate Crimes Investigative Unit of the Connecticut State Police will lead the discussion how the state and municipalities are responding.
Learn how hate crimes are identified, reported, and investigated -- and how you can play a role in preventing them.
For more information, contact Michael Bloom, Hate Crimes Initiative Coordinator, at Michael.Bloom@ct.gov.
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As always, 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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