Updates from State Rep. Gary Turco for Aug. 28, 2026

August 28, 2026



 

 

I am deeply relieved that Officers Diaz and Escobar -- Hartford and Rocky Hill officers who were shot in Newington during an incident last week -- have returned home safely. This was an incredibly dangerous and chaotic situation for the officers involved, and my thoughts remain with them, their families, and all of the law enforcement personnel who responded.

A preliminary report by the Inspector General said the incident began in Hartford and the officers' pursuit of the the suspect, Hector Perez, carried over into Newington. Body camera footage shows a chaotic scene in which Perez fled and Officers Alexander Diaz and Jonathan Escobar were struck by gunfire during the incident. Perez was shot and killed during the incident. 


The Inspector General’s investigation remains ongoing, including a determination of whether the officers’ use of deadly force was justified under state law. We should allow that process to run its course as investigators work to establish the full facts.
 

Meta Settlement

I spoke at a press conference with Gov. Lamont, Attorney General Tong and others this week (my comments below) announcing the $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook. 

The terms require new safety reforms aimed at protecting young users from addictive features and other online harms.

Connecticut is expected to receive $265.4 million from the settlement, with much of the funding supporting youth mental health and crisis intervention, after-school and summer programs, and the implementation of phone-free school zones.

I have been a strong advocate for curbing social media’s reach to children and addressing the impact of addictive online platforms on young people’s wellbeing. 

These efforts build on legislation, which I introduced and was signed into law this summer, that addressed youth social media addiction, online safety, and emerging concerns surrounding artificial intelligence.

There's more work to be done, but I'm thrilled we are taking the lead on building a safer online community for our children.
 
 

Back-to-School Event in New Britain

It was wonderful joining Mayor Bobby Sanchez, my colleagues in the New Britain state legislative delegation, and so many community partners at the Back to School Blast at Chesley Park!

We had a great turnout of New Britain families enjoying an afternoon of fun while connecting with organizations providing free school supplies, resources, and support to help our students start the new school year prepared and ready to succeed.

A special thank you to the YWCA of New Britain for organizing this terrific event, and to all of the nonprofits, community organizations, volunteers, and partners who helped make it possible. And a big thank you to the New Britain Police Department for firing up the grills and providing food for families throughout the afternoon! 🌭👮‍♂️

One of the things I love most about New Britain is how this community shows up for one another. Wishing all of our students, families, teachers, and school staff a safe, successful, and exciting new school year!
 

Free School Breakfast Reminder

This school year, every Connecticut student can start their day with a free breakfast, thanks to the $12 million in funding we secured in the state legislature to provide universal free school breakfast throughout the 2026–27 school year.

No student should have to start the school day hungry. Providing free breakfast to every student helps ensure that children have the nourishment they need to focus, learn, and thrive in the classroom. It also gives families one less expense to worry about as they navigate the rising costs of everyday life.

This is an important investment in Connecticut’s students and their futures, and a great example of what we can accomplish when we put kids first.
 

Slow Down in School Zones

With the school year underway, we all have a responsibility to help keep our children safe. Drivers must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and slow down in school zones and residential neighborhoods. Connecticut has strengthened its laws to hold dangerous drivers accountable and help protect our students.

Under state law, drivers who fail to stop for a school bus displaying its flashing red lights face a $450 fine for a first offense. A second offense carries a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

Beginning Oct. 1, drivers who violate the school bus stopping law for a third or subsequent time will also face a six-month suspension of their driver’s license.

Reminder: Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and remain until the lights are no longer displayed.
 

Another Back-to-School Event in New Britain

One more celebration! Movie night tonight at Walnut Hill Park!

Details below.
 

Don't Chase Waterfalls,
Have a Festival Instead

The Newington Waterfall Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Market Square!

This family-friendly community event will feature local crafters, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local businesses, a Chalk Walk, and live entertainment. Come out and enjoy a fun day while supporting organizations and businesses from across the community.
 

Save the Date!
 

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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