|
|
|
|
|
I held another Facebook Live session this week to provide more updates at the state Capitol.
You can watch it by clicking on the image below.
|
|
In brief, the governor and legislators reached an agreement on the $43 million in special education and community funding that the General Assembly passed several weeks ago.
With the governor's OK, Newington will receive $361,000 for special education for this school year.
My colleagues and I have heard loud and clear from communities across Connecticut -- the rising cost of special education is placing an enormous strain on local budgets, and school districts need relief now.
Elsewhere, committee work is winding down with votes being cast this week and next week to advance legislation. |
|
Speaking of legislation, college tuition and room and board are expensive enough. I’ve proposed legislation, HB 5170, to ensure more transparency in fees students are charged with the hopes of reducing them. The legislation also mandates colleges return unused meal plan money back to students.
To read the bill, please click here. |
|
Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.
This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year, and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending. |
|
| Nearly 75% of Connecticut's 181,000 children under the age of five receive care outside the home while their parents work. By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare — it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state. |
|
| Congratulations to newly elected New Britain NAACP President Jan E. Edwards, who is a resident of the 27th District! I wish her all the best in her new role. |
|
| It's budget season in Newington. The town manager released a proposed budget, which can be found here. |
|
| Newington State of the Town |
|
|
Please join me at the Newington State of the Town address at the Senior and Disabled Center, 120 Cedar St., on March 13 at 8 a.m.
I -- along with Rep. Kate Farrar, Sen. Matt Lesser, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maureen Brummett, Mayor Jon Trister and Town Manager Jonathan Altshul -- will be there addressing issues concerning the town.
A Q&A session will follow presentations. |
|
|
I know there is a lot of interest in the Newington Town Center Master Plan project. Community members have the opportunity to share their vision for the Town Center at a public design charrette on Saturday, March 8, at Newington Town Hall, 200 Garfield St.
The design charrette schedule is as follows:
- 9-9:30 a.m.: Sign In
- 9:30-10 a.m.: Presentation
- 10-11:30 a.m.: Small Group Discussions
- 11:30 a.m.-Noon: Large Group Discussion
More information at NewingtonTownCenter.com.
|
|
| March is Women's History Month, a time to honor the extraordinary contributions women have made to our society. Throughout our history, women have shaped our nation through their leadership, innovation, and resilience -- often overcoming immense barriers to create a more just and equitable world. This month, we recognize trailblazers in every field, from science and politics to education and the arts, while also uplifting the countless women in our communities who work tirelessly to make a difference every day. |
|
| As we celebrate, it is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for gender quality. Women continue to face disparities in wages, healthcare access, and representation in leadership. It is our responsibility to not only acknowledge these challenges but to actively work toward solutions that empower and support women in all aspects of life. By advocating for policies that promote economic opportunity, reproductive freedom, and workplace equity, we ensure that future generations of women can thrive. |
|
Volunteer Teddy Bear Doctors are running a popup teddy bear/stuffed toy repair clinic at the Newington Library on Saturday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Drop in and enjoy crafts and reading materials while you wait for your wounded one to be repaired. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the GFWC Newington/Wethersfield Woman’s Club. |
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
