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| Unfortunately, like a lot of residents, I've been battling a cold for the past few weeks. The good news is I haven't missed any votes and I've been able to continue my work as your tireless advocate at the State Capitol.
This week, I restarted doing videos on Facebook to keep you up to date on what I've been doing in Hartford, as well as the status of important issues such as the budget and key deadlines.
Please click on the video below to watch the most recent installment of what's going on, as well as keep scrolling for additional important information. |
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| There are four bills coming up for public hearings next week that I believe are important to Newington residents in particular.
If you'd like to testify on any of these bills, please find more information below.
Three of the bills are in the General Law Committee, which is holding a public hearing on Monday at 10 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building, and another bill is before the Insurance Committee, which has a public hearing Tuesday at the LOB at noon.
You are welcome to come testify in person. However, the hearings are being conducted via Zoom and are being streamed, so you don't have to travel to Hartford to testify or follow along.
The three bills before the General Law Committee, one of which I introduced and one I co-sponsored, are the following:
- Proposed H.B. No. 5162, which is an expansion of protections for victims of domestic violence by prohibiting access to vehicle-tracking data.
- H.B. No. 5112, which would prohibit pet shops from selling, leasing, bartering or transferring dogs, cats or rabbits.
- Proposed S.B. No. 971, which would provide oversight of hotels, motels and inns for the purpose of preventing human trafficking.
If you'd like to testify on any of these bills, you must sign up register (link here) by Sunday, Feb. 9, at 3 p.m.
You can also submit written testimony through this link.
Watch the hearing here on YouTube.
On Tuesday, the Insurance Committee has a hearing on long-term care in insurance at noon at the Legislative Office Building. Specifically, the bill would:
- require the Insurance Department to conduct a study concerning an alternative pool for long-term care policyholders;
- require a public hearing concerning long-term care premium rate increase requests in excess of 10 percent;
- require notice to individuals of the risk of long-term care premium rate increases prior to the purchase of any long-term care policy;
- limit premium rate increases for certain long-term care policies renewed in this state;
- allow life insurance companies to issue annuity contracts with long-term care riders;
- implement a tax credit for individuals who purchase long-term care policies;
- and require the Insurance Department to conduct a study of the long-term care premium rate filing process.
If you'd like to testify on this bill, you must sign up register (link here) by Monday, Feb. 10, at 3 p.m. You can also submit written testimony through this link.
Watch the hearing here on YouTube. |
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Governor's Budget Address
and Legislative Priorities |
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| The General Assembly held a joint session on Wednesday to hear Gov. Ned Lamont present his proposed budget.
The governor highlighted a number of key areas to fund, including special education, childcare, and housing. |
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| A couple of things of note. First, this is just the beginning of a lengthier process involving the legislature, resident input, and other key stakeholders.
Second, there are, without question, overlapping priorities in the governor's budget and what the House Democrats have identified for this session. (Please see the graphics below.) |
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| These priorities reflect our recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families, and protecting our environment has never been more critical. |
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| Black History Event Reminder |
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| A reminder to join us this tonight, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. for the Champions of Change: A Black History Month Tribute at the OIC of New Britain (114 North St., New Britain).
Come meet local leaders -- including me, Sen. Rick Lopes, Reps. Bobby Sanchez, David DeFronzo, Common Council President Francisco Santiago, President John McNamara and Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez -- and enjoy light refreshments.
Additional parking is available across the street at St. Ann's Rectory.
I hope to see you there. |
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| With the federal government freezing funding, laying off federal workers, and dismantling agencies, Sen. Chris Murphy is hosting a Citizen Meeting to provide an update on what he’s doing to fight for people in our state followed by a Q&A with attendees.
He will be joined by Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
The meeting is Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11:45 a.m. at Duffy Elementary School, 95 Westminster Drive, West Hartford.
RSVP is required by clicking here to attend. |
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Women’s Business Development Grants
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| Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have exciting opportunities to secure funding to support and grow their companies.
The Women’s Business Development Council is accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. |
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The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today! |
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Special Education Listening Tour
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| The Special Education committee is holding a listening tour across the state that will help to inform their work this legislative session.
The next one is Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Room 214 in Beacon Hall at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.
If you can't make that one, another will be held on Thursday, February 13 at 2 p.m. in Room 2B of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford. You can watch that session on YouTube Live by clicking HERE.
Special education is a top priority, and your input is crucial. |
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| Newington Pride's monthly meet up will be at Goldburgers, 1096 Main St., on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. |
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| 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 and/or "FOLLOW" my Instagram account for news and legislative updates! |
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