|
|
|
|
Tuesday was a proud day for Connecticut as we took a major step forward in protecting residents from the harms of emerging technology, including social media and artificial intelligence, while fostering responsible innovation and preparing our workforce for the future.
I was honored to join Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, Congressman John Larson, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, and my legislative colleagues for the ceremonial bill signing of SB 5, An Act Concerning Online Safety, a.k.a. the C.A.R.T. Act.
This landmark legislation makes Connecticut a national leader by creating safeguards around AI, promoting transparency and responsible innovation, and protecting children from the harms of addictive social media platforms.
I was especially proud to lead the debate on the House floor and work over the last several years on the youth social media protections included in this bill. Many platforms are engineered to keep kids scrolling and maximize screen time, contributing to serious concerns around anxiety, depression, and youth mental health.
This bill is not about stopping technology. It is about making sure innovation moves forward responsibly while protecting consumers, empowering families, and holding powerful technology companies accountable.
Thank you to Senator James Maroney, Representative Hubert Delany, the AI Caucus, and the bipartisan leadership of the General Law Committee including my friend and Ranking Member Rep. Dave Rutigliano, along with all the advocates, parents, and young people who helped make this possible.
Connecticut is proving we don’t have to wait for Washington to act. We can lead.
Together, we are building a safer, smarter, and stronger digital future for our children. |
|
I was proud to join our community as we raised the Pride flag in Newington in recognition of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and to celebrate the many contributions of Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community.
One of the things I love most about Newington and our state is that we strive to be a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected. A place where people have the freedom to be who they are, love who they love, and live their lives openly and authentically.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights continue to face challenges across the country, it is important that we continue standing together for equality, kindness, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and show that Newington is a community where everyone belongs.       |
|
| Funding for NHS Health Center |
|
|
Great news for Newington students! 
Earlier this year, when I learned that the Newington High School Health Center, which provides vital medical and mental health services to students, was at risk of closing due to budget constraints, we knew we had to act.
I was proud to work alongside my legislative colleagues -- state Rep. Kate Farrar and Sen. Matt Lesser, as well as the Newington Board of Education, Town Council, and Superintendent Dr. Brummett -- to help secure $159,000 in the State Budget to keep this important resource available for the next school year.
A special thank you to Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and the House Democratic staff. This funding would not have been possible without their support and commitment to our students.
Having access to health services right at school means fewer missed school days, less time away for appointments, and healthier, better-supported students ready to learn.
This is what happens when we work together and put our kids first. |
|
|
The number of hate crimes has been steadily rising in Connecticut in recent years. You are invited to a discussion on June 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., about how the state and communities are responding. Learn how hate crimes are identified, reported, and investigated -- and how you can play a role in preventing them.
The event, at the Newington Town Council Chambers, 200 Garfield St., is hosted by Newington Chief of Police Christopher Perry, Rocky Hill Chief of Police Brian Klett, Berlin Chief of Police Matt McNally, Cromwell Chief of Police Steven Penn, Wethersfield Chief of Police Rafael Medina, the Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Investigative Unit, and State's Attorney for Judicial District of New Britain Christian M. Watson.
For more information, contact Michael Bloom, hate crimes initiative coordinator, at Michael.Bloom@ct.gov.
|
|
| 'Miss Nelson Is Missing' at NCTC |
|
|
The Newington Children’s Theatre Company is staging special show to honor the memory of Regan Martins, June 6 and 7.
“Miss Nelson Is Missing” is a single-act musical starring 57 children ages 5 to 16 from Newington, Wethersfield, West Hartford, Hartford, and Wallingford. Support the theater, the kids and a great cause.
Proceeds from this production go directly into the Regan Martins Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2024 shortly after Regan’s unexpected passing at age 12. NCTC was one of Regan’s favorite places to be, and her family established the scholarship in her name to make theater accessible to other kids.
This enabled NCTC to waive the regular participation fee for “Miss Nelson,” as it did last year for “Pinkalicious the Musical!”, the debut production dedicated to Regan’s memory.
Performances are at John Wallace Middle School, 71 Halleran Drive, Newington. |
|
| New Britain Senior Health Fair |
|
|
The New Britain Health Department is hosting a Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the New Britain Senior Center, 55 Pearl St.
Attendees will have access to the following:
• Blood pressure screenings
• Support services and community resources
• Health and wellness vendors
• Lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
• A special presentation by Roseanna D’Anna during lunch
For more information, call 860-826-3462. |
|
| New Britain Summer Concert Series |
|
|
| The New Britain Summer Concert Series Lineup is here. Please check it out below, and start planning your summer nights with some great music. |
|
 
Saturday was a wonderful day to celebrate my 45th birthday!
Heather and I enjoyed a great meal at Casadoro’s in Newington   , and I was thrilled to be joined by my godfather Steve and his wife, Joann. We also ran into several Newington friends, including the Santos family   , whose sons recently won their JV soccer championship. Congratulations on a great season!
My birthday has always been especially meaningful to me because I share it with both my mom and my late father. Yes, all three of us were born on the same day. I often think about how special it must have been for them when I arrived 45 years ago as their first child and birthday gift. 
I celebrated my mom, remembered my dad, and felt grateful for my family, friends, and this wonderful community. 
A special happy birthday as well to Newington Mayor Jon Trister , who also shares this special day!
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with birthday wishes. They truly mean a lot and have made an already special day even more memorable. 
|
|
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Gary.Turco@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates!
Sincerely,
Gary Turco
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
