Gary Turco

• Virtual Newington Town Hall
• Newington Community Champion Award
• COVID-19 Update
• Addressing Auto Theft
• DMV Portal Update 
• Re-opening CT Update 
• Turco Talk Time
• Newington Youth Essay Contest 
• Legislative Priority Survey
• Facebook Live Fridays 9:00AM
• Veterans Advisory Committee Meeting 

• Newington Resident's Name 
• Reason for Nomination 
• Nominee Contact Information 

Every year, and particularly this year, our community witnesses countless advocates fighting for positive change. These advocates come in all shapes and sizes from leaders of non-profit organizations, to students creating initiatives within our community. I think it is important for us to take the time to thank and honor these everyday champions for all that they do.

Prior to nomination, please ensure that my communications team has the winner’s consent to publicize their hard work through a poster/graphic to be shared in Newsletter and on social media. All nominations must be submitted by the end of the month to be considered the following month’s award. On the last Friday of each month, the Newington Community Champion Award will be announced at 9AM on a Facebook Live video.

• The ability to request a duplicate driver’s license  
• The ability to request a duplicate non-driver ID  
• The ability to view your driving history  

This announcement comes after the announcement one month ago that state residents can now renew their driver's licenses and non-driver IDs online as well.

We’ve all felt the frustration of having to wait in line at the DMV to renew a driver’s license or access other DMV services.
 
This is part of the State’s efforts to modernize state government and add convenience for the consumer.

This announcement expands and builds upon the pilot program for online driver’s license renewal initially rolled out by the DMV in November 2020.
 
It is important to note that this expansion of online services does not mean that these services will not also be available in-person at DMV and AAA offices and locations throughout the state.

To access these new features, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DMV.

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that in the coming days he plans to revise some requirements that were implemented in Connecticut in the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when it comes to those relating to capacity levels and travel restrictions.

The governor stressed that while some of these restrictions are being eased, all of the protocols that relate to face coverings, social distancing, and cleaning measures are being maintained, and people and businesses are urged to continue adhering to those health and safety procedures.

“While it is encouraging to see the number of cases in our state gradually going down and people getting vaccinated at rates that are among the highest in the nation, we need to continue taking this virus seriously to mitigate its spread as much as possible,” Governor Lamont said. “Please continue to wear face coverings in public and when around other people outside of your households, maintain social distancing, and keep washing your hands and cleaning surfaces. Connecticut has made tremendous strides to combat this pandemic, and we don’t want to lose the progress that we’ve made.”

Protocols that will remain in effect until further notice include:

• Face coverings and masks continue to be required
• Bars that only serve beverages continue to remain closed
• 11PM closing time remains in place for events at venues, restaurants, and entertainment
• Indoor theaters continue to have a 50% capacity
• Large event venues (e.g. stadiums) to open in April

The protocols that will be revised in the coming days include:

Beginning Friday, March 19, 2021

• All capacity limits will be eliminated for the following businesses, while face coverings, social distancing, and other cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue to be required:
  • Restaurants (8-person table capacity and 11PM required closing time for dining rooms continues)
  • Retail
  • Libraries
  • Personal services
  • Indoor recreation (excludes theaters, which will continue to have a 50% capacity)
  • Gyms/fitness centers
  • Museums, aquariums, and zoos
  • Offices
  • Houses of worship
• Gathering sizes will be revised to the following amounts:
  • Social and recreational gatherings at private residence – 25 indoors/100 outdoors
  • Social and recreational gatherings at commercial venues – 100 indoors/200 outdoors
• All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance
• Connecticut’s travel advisory will be modified from a requirement to recommended guidance

Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021

• Capacity limits on early childhood classes will increase from 16 to 20

Beginning Friday, April 2, 2021

• Outdoor amusement parks can open
• Outdoor event venues can increase to a 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people
• Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity
• Summer camps and summer festivals are advised to begin the planning stages to open for the upcoming season

State Rep. Gary Turco joins Newington resident Lisa St. Germain, to discuss HB-5356, An Act Concerning a Real Property Owner’s Responsibility for Expenses Incurred When Trees or Tree Limbs Fall on an Adjoining Owner’s Real Property. 

Current law directs blame primarily on the individual who receives property damage caused by trees residing on their neighbors property. This bill would make individuals more liable for the damage incurred by falling tree limbs from their property onto their neighbors if they don’t properly maintain the trees.

Middle School Topic: What law can Connecticut create to improve in its efforts towards equality? (Ex. Public Ed, Public Health, Environmental Justice)
Elementary School Topic: If you could create any new law in the state of CT to improve your community, what would it be?

- Open to any Newington residents in elementary school or middle school
- All essays may be submitted through email to gary.turco@cga.ct.gov
- One entry per student
- Announcement of winners: 1 elementary school winner and 1 middle school winner
** While we understand parental assistance may be necessary for some spelling and grammar, we ask that each student actively brainstorms and crafts their own response.

Deadline: April 7th, 2021

There will be 1 elementary school winner and 1 middle school winner. Each of these students will receive an Official recognition from State of Connecticut and a personal tour and lunch at the capital (after COVID).

Length/Format:
- 12 pt. Font
- Times New Roman
- Double Spaced, 1 in. Margins
- Name, School, and Grade written in top left corner
- Title: Creative name for your law
Elementary school: 1 page max, any length under 1 page will be considered
Middle school: 2 pages max, any length under 1 page will be considered

Goals:
- To engage students in understanding the value of government
- To offer students a voice with regards to community values
- To encourage creative problem solving of inequality that students see within their community
- Acknowledge students for their potential and efforts in writing

The 2021 Legislative Session began on January 6th. During this time, I will face many tough choices which is why it is so important for me to get feedback from you about the most pressing issues facing Newington. I hope you will take a few minutes to complete this survey and help me better represent our district at the state capitol.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you or your family is in need of assistance or if you would like to share an opinion with me. It’s an honor to serve as your state representative and I look forward to hearing from you about ways we can improve Connecticut for all of us.