Gary Turco

As of 4 p.m. today, just over 1 percent of Newington residents were still without power. While we have our lights back on, many in our area continue to recover from the storm and grapple with the destruction left by Tropical Storm Isaias. There are a number of resources to help answer some of the questions you have during this time.

Our state has been devastated by Tropical Storm Isaias, causing over 700,000 power outages across Connecticut, prompting Governor Ned Lamont Wednesday to apply for an emergency declaration from the federal government. The declaration was approved and allows Connecticut to request direct federal assistance to bolster its response. 

From the floor of the House and Senate to social media and public rallies, the debate surrounding House Bill 6004, An Act Concerning Police Accountability was often intense and passionate. Republicans who opposed this legislation often misrepresented the reforms contained in the bill, even though they played a significant role in crafting it from the very beginning.

*UPDATED* After the legislature reached out with our concerns, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) ordered Eversource to restore prior rates as of June 30, no later than August 7, while their investigation continues. We have also been informed that PURA is planning a hearing in August.

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles today announced that it has added to its list of extended deadlines for residents with expiring credentials. Eligible DMV credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are automatically covered by this extension.

In the early days of the pandemic, personal protective equipment was in short supply and many workplaces did not have the current systems and protections in place to minimize transmission of coronavirus and keep workers safe, causing them to become sick. If workers did file for workers' compensation many were denied.

Two health care reform bills designed to cap the monthly cost of diabetes treatment and expand Telehealth services were passed in the House of Representatives. Both bills seek to improve health care for Connecticut residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Today we took a major step toward ensuring a safe voting experience in November.

The House passed, by a vote of 144-2, a bill that allows for absentee ballot voting to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.