Gary Turco

Updates from State Rep. Gary Turco for July 10, 2026

I want to take a moment to discuss the Newington town budget, which, as a resident, I know is a sensitive subject. As someone deeply concerned with rising property taxes, and working to provide increased funding from the state to assist, I followed the process closely this year. Here is what I have learned:  Newington town officials worked hard on a bipartisan basis to produce a balanced budget, maintain services, and keep spending down. They held numerous town meetings and both Democrats and Republicans, with town staff, completed the process in a collaborative and transparent way.   However, they were faced with an unusual challenge this year: housing prices have skyrocketed since Covid, resulting in a major increase in residential assessments during this year’s revaluation, which is done every five years. Meanwhile, commercial assessments have not seen the same level of increases since Covid. That has caused a shift in the tax burden from commercial to residential properties. My colleagues at the state level and I, were able to provide about $3 million more and some additional grants for special projects and needs to help the town. There are a lot more details that our town officials have shared below. They will also be hosting numerous in-person events to answer questions. I attended the first one and I encourage you to attend.  It is important to note that no one likes to see an increase in any tax. But the alternative may have been a severe cut in services that could have resulted in layoffs to teachers and police; reduced days of operation for garbage pickup, at the senior center, library, and town hall; or a fire and EMS department without the necessary resources to support the town. I am committed along with Sen. Matt Lesser and state Rep. Kate Farrar to continue doing everything we can on the state level to assist Newington. Please see the graphics below from town officials with more information.  Pizza & Policy If you're a Newington resident, please register by today and meet me and Rep. Kate Farrar for Pizza and Policy on Sunday! Details below. I hope to see you there! Reading the Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence was first publicly read on July 8, 1776. As we continued to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, I was honored to participate in a community reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, at the Veterans Monument at the Newington Town Hall lawn. Thank you to everyone who came out on a beautiful evening in town to celebrate community and our country's independence! Disability Pride Month Accessibility is not a favor; it is a fundamental human right. Creating a more inclusive world benefits everyone. House Democrats will continue to push down barriers and demand equity every single day! Life. Be in It. Extravaganza The 44th annual Life. Be in It. Extravaganza take place at Mill Pond Park beginning this Wednesday. The park will be transformed into a carnival with games, rides, food, and more. Individual ride tickets may be purchased, or purchase a ride wristband and enjoy unlimited rides that day. Tickets can be purchased at the carnival ticket booth. Single-day ticket prices for unlimited rides are as follows: Wednesday, July 15: $20 (5 to 10 p.m.) Thursday, July 16: $20 (5 to 10 p.m.) Friday, July 17: $25 (5 to 10 p.m.) Saturday, July 18: $30 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Sidewalk Installation Great news for a more walkable and healthier Newington community! Thanks to Connecticut Department of Transportation a new sidewalk from Fenn Road to Maple Hill Avenue was scheduled to start today. This will create a safe connection to the Cedar Street CTfastrak station and for visits to many local businesses. During construction lane closures on Route 17 between Fenn Road to Alumni Road and Maple Hill Avenue can be expected Monday through Friday. between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., on Saturday and Sunday. New Britain Farmers Markets Shop fresh local produce, support local vendors, enjoy delicious food, and connect with your community in New Britain.  Plus, eligible shoppers can double their SNAP benefits, helping bring even more fresh, healthy food home. See the locations, days and times 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 Website Email Facebook Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences