TCI-P Forum, Debt-free Community College Testimony & Tax Cut for Small Businesses

covid
April 30, 2021
Below you will find information on the following:
  • TCI-P Forum 
  • Debt-free Community College Testimony 
  • Tax Cut for Small Businesses
  • Newington Children's Theatre Company Virtual 5K
  • Turco Talk Time 
  • COVID-19 Update
  • Newington Community Champion Award
  • Facebook Live Friday
  • Veterans Advisory Committee Meeting 
TRANSPORTATION AND CLIMATE INITIATIVE PROGRAM
The state has developed several initiatives in recent years to adopt sustainable practices throughout Connecticut, including the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program. This initiative aims to accelerate investments in an equitable, cleaner, and more resilient transportation system for Connecticut and the region.

Yesterday I hosted a panel discussion with Rep. Morrin Bello on the TCI-Program. We were joined by DEEP Commissioner, Katie Dykes, and DOT Dep. Commissioner, Garrett Eucalitto, to break down fact vs. fiction about the program.

Please click on the image below to listen to our conversation. 
DEBT-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TESTIMONY 
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have been advocating for Newington within the state budget; which we finalized last week. I am particularly proud of the educational opportunities this budget creates by fully funding the debt-free community college program, increasing funding for both Birth to Three care, increasing funding for Kindergarten through high school public education, and expanding workforce manufacturing training.

Please listen to my testimony below in support of debt-free community college. 
Debt-free Community College Testimony
TAX CUT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
During Monday's session, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously voted in favor of H.B. 5377, An Act Concerning the Removal Of COVID-19 Related Layoffs From the Unemployment Compensation Experience Account.  If passed by the Senate and approved by the Governor, this bill would cut taxes for local businesses.
 
This proposal excludes COVID-19 related layoffs from the Unemployment Compensation Experience Account and new contribution rate for 2021.  
 
The usual rate that a business must contribute to the Unemployment Compensation Experience Account increases based on the number of employees laid off in order to compensate for the increased strain on our unemployment fund from those layoffs.
 
However, through H.B. 5377, unemployment benefits paid to former employees from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021 will not affect an employer’s experience rate. This is a huge relief for local businesses.
 
Small and local businesses were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Connecticut's strong COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution have signaled a brighter future, there is still a lot of work to be done, especially for small business owners. This bill will ensure that they will have one less financial burden to consider as they work towards rebuilding.
NEWINGTON CHILDREN'S THEATRE COMPANY VIRTUAL 5K

Join me in Newington Children's Theatre Company for their first ever virtual 5k! Join the theatre from May 14-16, 2021 in a run, walk, cycle, or dance for 3.1 miles! Participants receive a medal, NCTC race shirt, digital bib and a digital finisher's certificate. 100% of the net proceeds will be used to keep the curtain raised on CT's longest running children's theatre. I hope to see you there!
Register Here
TURCO TALK TIME
In this Turco Talk Time, I sit down with Terry Borjeson to discuss the state's Transportation and Climate Initiative Program. This initiative aims to accelerate investments in an equitable, cleaner, and more resilient transportation system for Connecticut and the region.

In addition to viewing this Turco Talk Time, I hope you watch the TCI-P panel discussion posted above in this newsletter to hear a more detailed conversation on the program with DEEP Commissioner, Katie Dykes, and DOT Dep. Commissioner, Garrett Eucalitto.
TCI-P
COVID-19 UPDATE
Click Here for COVID Data Updates
Click Here for Governor Lamont's Updates
Specific Updates for Newington

 

Total Cases Total Confirmed Cases Probable Cases Number of Tests Total Deaths
2,665 2,511 154 18,748 100
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.
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