Updates from State Rep. Gary Turco for June 12, 2026

June 12, 2026



 

 

After several years of backing legislation around unaffordable long-term care insurance increases, I am proud to share that Gov. Ned Lamont recently signed SB 478 into law, now Public Act 26-93, marking an important victory for more than 100,000 Connecticut residents — many of them seniors — who hold long-term care insurance policies.

Thank you for all of your efforts — including your testimony, outreach, and advocacy — in pushing for this important piece of legislation.

This is also a very Newington-connected bill. For years, constituents of mine have been leading the fight for long-term care insurance reform, bringing attention to the challenges policyholders face and helping build momentum for legislative action. I especially want to recognize David Schwartzer and Jan Kritzman, whose tireless grassroots advocacy, public engagement, and willingness to share their experiences helped keep this issue at the forefront. Their persistence, along with the work of many other policyholders and advocates, was instrumental in bringing about this reform.

A huge shoutout to state Sen. Matt Lesser, who has been a leading legislative champion of this effort. While i have worked alongside advocates and policyholders on reforms in this space, the bill doesn't become law without Sen. Lesser's efforts. 

For years, policyholders have faced steep premium increases, financial uncertainty, and a lack of transparency from the long-term care insurance industry. This legislation is the result of persistent advocacy by policyholders, consumer advocates, and legislators who recognized that the status quo was unacceptable.

While this law does not address every concern, it represents a meaningful first step. The legislation will provide critical information about paid claims and losses, helping policymakers and regulators better understand how insurers are operating and whether policyholders are being treated fairly. It also requires additional analysis and transparency regarding reinsurance practices and premium-related issues that have had a significant impact on consumers.

The bill also received overwhelming bipartisan support.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and persistence of policyholders and advocates who brought attention to this issue and fought for change.

At the same time, our work is not finished. We must continue to address the challenges facing long-term care insurance policyholders and pursue additional reforms that protect consumers from punitive rate increases and hold insurers accountable.

I look forward to continuing this work in future legislative sessions and collaborating with advocates, regulators, and constituents to build on this progress.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this legislation possible.
 

DOT Plans Improvements for Rts. 9/175

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion at the Route 9 and Route 175 interchange in New Britain and Newington. Proposed improvements include additional turn lanes, realignment of the Route 9 Exit 38 off-ramp, and new sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals along Fenn Road to improve safety and connectivity.

Design work is expected to be completed by June 2028, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2029, pending funding, approvals, and permits. The project will be funded with 80% federal and 20% state funds.

Residents with questions or comments may contact CTDOT and reference State Project No. 0093-0255.
 

Grocery Assistance Cards

Federal cuts are continuing to hurt Connecticut residents.

Connecticut is allocating $8.5 million from our Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to roughly 25,000 residents who lost their SNAP benefits due to federal rule changes enacted by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans.

This investment is one more step to assist many around the state who are struggling to put food on the table but we must continue to do everything we can to make sure that no one in Connecticut goes hungry.
 

Health Insurance Savings Available

More than 10,500 Connecticut residents have already benefited from the state's Temporary Premium Assistance program, saving a combined $1.6 million on health insurance costs, according to Access Health CT.

The program was created after enhanced federal Premium Tax Credits expired at the end of 2025, leaving many families facing higher health insurance premiums. Thanks to funding approved by Governor Ned Lamont and the General Assembly, eligible residents can receive state assistance to help offset those lost federal subsidies.

Since February, qualified residents have been able to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period, which remains open through June 30.

Eligible households include:

  • Residents with incomes between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level who are not enrolled in Covered CT. These households may receive state assistance equal to 100% of the lost federal subsidy.
  • Residents with incomes between 400% and 500% of the Federal Poverty Level. These households may receive state assistance equal to 50% of the lost federal subsidy.

Access Health CT has expanded enrollment support across the state, including additional Navigator locations and a Mobile Enrollment Team offering assistance in English and Spanish. Free enrollment help is available online, in person, and by phone.

If you think you may qualify, I encourage you to explore your options before the June 30 deadline and make sure you and your family have access to affordable health coverage.

Learn more by calling 855-805-4325 or by visiting Access Health CT.
 

Newington Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to Billy DeBlasio on being named Newington’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year

He was recognized for his outstanding dedication and service to the community, inclduing being a member of the Parks and Recreation Board since 2005.

From the town's website:

DeBlasio has been a driving force behind numerous community events, including the annual Life, Be in it. Extravaganza; Motorcycle Madness, Food Truck Friday, Newington Goes Country, and Night of Lights.

Beyond his Parks and Recreation involvement, DeBlasio has served as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years, coached youth sports for decades, and continually supports neighbors and families in need through countless acts of kindness and community leadership.

His commitment to putting others first has left a lasting impact on Newington, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor. Congratulations, Billy DeBlasio!
 

Food Truck Friday

The Newington Parks and Recreation Department invites you to Food Truck today at Mill Pond Park from 5 to 10 p.m.

More details below.
 

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

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