Transportation and Climate Initiative Event, Stimulus Reminder, and Operation Fuel

covid
April 16, 2021
Below you will find information on the following:
  • Transportation and Climate Initiative Program Event
  • American Rescue Plan Stimulus Reminder
  • Operation Fuel Program
  • Newington Upcycling Contest 
  • FEMA COVID Funeral Assistance
  • Virtual Newington Town Hall
  • Turco Talk Time 
  • COVID-19 Update
  • Newington Community Champion Award
  • Newington Youth Essay Contest
  • Veterans Advisory Committee Meeting 
TRANSPORTATION AND CLIMATE INITIATIVE PROGRAM
On April 29th at 6:00p.m. I will co-host a panel discussion with Rep. Morrin Bello on the TCI-Program. We will be joined by DEEP Commissioner, Katie Dykes, and DOT Dep. Commissioner, Garrett Eucalitto, to break down fact vs. fiction about the program.

Please join us on FaceBook Live on or on Zoom.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN STIMULUS REMINDER
This year’s extended tax deadline, May 17th, is just over a month away. Filing your taxes is more important than ever to ensure you receive critical federal stimulus money that may be available to you.
 
With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, there have now been three Economic Impact Payments over the past year, the so-called stimulus checks, made to individuals. 
  • First Round - $1,200 per adult and $500 per child
  • Second Round - $600 per adult and $600 per child
  • Third Round - $1,400 per adult and $1,400 per child 

If you didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. In order to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, along with several expanded and refundable tax credits available to individuals, you must file a 2020 tax return, even if you usually don’t file a tax return.
 
The American Rescue Plan also expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit. Previously limited to people over 25, the Earned Income Tax Credit is now open to 

  • Individuals over 19
  • Former foster kids who are 18 years or older
  • Homeless youth (no age specified)

In addition, the amount available under the Earned Income Tax Credit for individuals without children has more than doubled to $1,500. Learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit here.
 
If you need assistance filing your 2020 taxes, you can find a number of resources here. 
OPERATION FUEL PROGRAM
Operation Fuel's Home Energy Assistance Program has grant funding still available to help Connecticut families reduce their unpaid utility and water bills.
 
This is especially important for customers with hardships who are protected from shutoffs through May 1, 2021 and whose bills continue to mount and must be paid.
 
Visit Operation Fuel's website for information and instructions on how to apply for assistance.
NEWINGTON UPCYCLING CONTEST

Newington's Environmental Quality Commission is having a upcycling contest. What ways can town residents, businesses, and non-profits create a useable product from unwanted items or take an existing product in a new direction to make it more valuable?

Upcycling reduces waste and improves the efficiency of resources. Google “Upcycled items” to get inspirational ideas, even if you aren't entering the contest. Click here for the entry form and additional details. 
Upcycling Contest
FEMA COVID FUNERAL ASSISTANCE
Over the past year, many families across our state and country have suffered the pain of losing a loved one due to COVID-19. In addition to dealing with their tragic loss, families were suddenly saddled with the high cost of funeral expenses. In order to ease this financial burden incurred by loved ones left behind, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced it will be providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
 
Before applying, make sure to gather the following information and documentation: 
  • Your name, social security number, date of birth, mailing address and contact phone numbers.
  • The name, social security number and date of birth for each deceased individual.
  • If applicable, the name, social security number and date of birth for any other person who incurred funeral expenses for the same deceased individual(s)
  • The location or address where the deceased individual passed away.
  • Documentation and receipts for any assistance already received from other sources, including burial or funeral insurance, donations, voluntary agencies, other government programs or non-profit organizations.

 
To begin the application process, please call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1-844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Once you’ve submitted an application, you can submit your documentation online through disasterassistance.gov, by fax (855-261-3452), or by mail (COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, P.O. Box 10001 Hyattsville, MD 20782).

For more information on this assistance, visit fema.gov/funeral-assistance/faq.
VIRTUAL NEWINGTON TOWN HALL

In case you missed it, please see a recording of the virtual Newington Town Hall held last night with Reps. Sanchez and Wood, Sen. Lesser and I.
TURCO TALK TIME
In this Turco Talk Time, State Rep. Gary Turco joins Newington resident Justin Knapp to discuss HB-5172, an act aiming to assist Newington and other municipalities with the cost of providing the manufacturing machinery and equipment exemption, provide property tax relief and encourage growth in manufacturing.
HB- 5172
COVID-19 UPDATE
Click Here for COVID Data Updates
Click Here for Governor Lamont's Updates
Specific Updates for Our Community
 
Town Total Cases Total Deaths Number of Tests Total Confirmed Cases
Newington 2,637 152 18,322 2,485
NEWINGTON COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

The monthly Newington Community Champion Award honors local advocates in our community. This award aims to acknowledge Newington residents who are advocating and contributing towards positive change in the community.
There will be one award given each month. In order to nominate a Newington friend or neighbor, please email gary.turco@cga.ct.gov with the following information:  

  • 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 graphic to be shared in my weekly Friday newsletter, and on social media.
NEWINGTON YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST

The General Assembly’s Newington Youth Essay Contest submission deadline has officially closed. 

This contest has allowed Newington students to learn more about the CT government and critically analyze how legislation can improve our community.

I can't wait to read the creative proposals that I received from our youth! 
FACEBOOK LIVE FRIDAY
Join me today at 9:00a.m. for my weekly Facebook Live update. Please email me via gary.turco@cga.ct.gov with any questions you would like me to address.
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
If you are a Newington veteran, the family member of a Newington veteran, or anyone interested in helping veterans in Newington, and across CT, then please join the Newington Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. This is an opportunity to ensure the voices of veterans and active service members are heard throughout the legislative process. Members of this committee will help inform decisions made at the state capitol and will also learn about the legislative process, bill tracking and more.

If you are interested in joining the committee, please sign-up through the link below, or email me at Gary.Turco@cga.ct.gov
Click Here to Sign up