Gary Turco

A number of new laws took effect this month that address various issues.

As we wrapped up the last six months of work, one of the most talked about issues was the state budget, but equally important are many measures we passed that may be of interest.

I had a fruitful exchange of ideas at a community conversation event at the Kiwanis Club! It is through this feedback that we as legislators are afforded the opportunity to hear about the issues that matter most to our constituents. I look forward to many more community events that keep open channels of communication that help with the work in the Capitol.

The General Assembly’s regular session ended June 5th with a balanced budget and other significant legislation. I’d like to highlight some of the issues we addressed in the new state budget and other impactful legislation.

Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country and the financial burden that our college graduates must shoulder after growing up here is driving many of them to other states where housing and the cost of living is cheaper.

After many hours of hard work and debate, my colleagues and I have passed House Bill 7267, which takes a comprehensive and systematic approach to health care and its soaring costs. The directives and policies in this legislation will significantly increase access to care and create a more sustainable, high-value health care system in the future.

I am pleased to report that the House of Representatives has taken decisive action to provide assistance to police officers, firefighters, and parole officers – who put their lives on the line for our communities every day.

We have an obligation to make sure that everyone feels safe and secure in the workplace, free of sexual harassment and sexual assault.