Gary Turco

The 2019 legislative session was demanding as ever and I’m grateful my colleagues and I were able to pass a balanced state budget that helps workers and people on fixed incomes, encourages economic growth and makes critical investments for our state – and all without raising our income tax.

President Trump’s latest attack on working families could result in over 11,000 Connecticut residents losing access to food assistance.

We’re just a few days away from a new law taking effect that will help contribute to a better environment. Our statewide efforts to curb the use of single-use plastic bags goes into effect on Aug. 1.

The Transition Academy provides indispensable learning tools that give students a better opportunity to become productive members of society. I am pleased we approved funding that also helps with the overall completion of our town hall project.

I am committed to preserving open space as one of the most important things we can do to preserve our quality of life and that is why I am proud that we are protecting an additional 18.2 acres on Cedar Mountain for passive recreational use. Open space is a finite resource and, if we do not do our part to protect it, we will lose it forever.

I was pleased to work on this issue with Newington resident and breast cancer prevention advocate Jan Kritzman. She had been advocating for this coverage for years and the legislation had consistently failed. Working with Rep. Dorinda Borer, Rep. Kerry Wood and Senator Matt Lesser we were successful passing this legislation to provide this critical coverage that will save lives.

The law requires that insurance companies treat mental health and substance use disorders the same as other medical treatments.

As a first-term legislator and Vice Chairman of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, I am pleased to announce major accomplishments that make higher education more accessible and affordable.