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The week began with me and several of my colleagues calling out the Trump Administration for its horribly timed reversal of the pause on student loan repayments. To be clear: people want to, and should, repay what they owe for the loans they received, or have their payments reduced if they qualify for a relief of assistance program. However, they also should have the flexibility to pay those loans back at a schedule and at a rate that works for them to enable them to juggle other household bills.
One person who took part in the press conference said she pays $200 a month for her student loans. The Trump Administration's reversal will require her to pay $800 per month. That's not sustainable for her, and not fair for the thousands of Connecticut residents who face these types of increases, or face wage garnishments of up to 15% of their paychecks, which will result in them not being able to pay for basic living expenses.
People have to be able to afford their rent, their mortgage, their grocery bills, and health care costs. |
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| Environmental Bill Passes |
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On Thursday, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.
As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.
This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability. |
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Key provisions of the bill include:
- Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
- Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
- Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
- Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
- Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
- Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals
The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.
HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.
The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.
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| Firearm Industry Responsibility Act |
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| The House on Wednesday passed a bill -- The Firearm Industry Responsibility Act -- to increase gun safety and accountability. The legislation provides the state and its communities the ability to pursue justice and encourage responsible practices within the gun industry. |
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| Connecticut Hero Act Passes |
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The Connecticut Hero Act passed the House of Representatives unanimously on Wednesday, and it is legislation that helps, empowers, and recognizes our Veterans.
“Thank you for your service” isn’t enough. The Connecticut Hero Act is how we turn respect into real action. We stand with our Veterans — not just on Veterans Day, but every day.
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On Wednesday I joined fellow members of the newly formed House Democrats Blue Collar Caucus, which is focused on the issues that matter most to Connecticut’s working and middle-class residents.
I am proud to be a member of a group of legislators that supports:
• job training opportunities that help people climb the economic ladder,
• smart policies that protect people in the workplace,
• tax policy that puts hardworking middle- and working-class residents first.
We stand against corporate greed, monopolies, and price gouging that have affected so many Connecticut residents, from housing and rental costs to prices at the grocery store, medical costs, and more. We are pro-worker, pro-union, and stand with nurses and hospital staff, teachers and school staff, first responders, construction workers, tradesmen, and many others who work hard to make ends meet, put food on the table, and fight for a slice of the American Dream — a dream that often seems harder and harder to reach. |
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Congratulations to the Newington Volunteer Fire Department on achieving an ISO Class 2 rating — a distinction earned by only the top 5% of fire departments nationwide.
I was honored with Senator Lesser, Mayor Trister, and other town officials to celebrate them recently for this incredible achievement making Newington the only fully volunteer department to achieve this in the state.
This could not have been achieved without the hard work of all department members, but especially Chief Trommer and the Deputy and Assistant Chiefs.
Congratulations to our volunteer firefighters and thank you for your service! |
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| Newington Children's Theatre Fundraiser |
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| Newington Children's Theatre Company Board President Chris DeFrancesco (left), and Assistant Director Shae Killoh (right) present Sen. Matt Lesser and me with "NewingTONY" awards during NCTC's "Oz Dust Gala" fundraiser April 26 at the Indian Hill Country Club. Sen. Lesser and I were honored for our continued support and advocacy for NCTC, which has included substantial grant funding to help the program build its own performance space. |
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| Breaking Ground on the Spark on Cedar |
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Last week, I joined state and local leaders with the developers of the Spark on Cedar, a new 232-unit housing development on the long-vacant National Welding site in Newington, to officially break ground!
This project was a public-private partnership with the help of a state grant thanks to the work of previously elected officials like former State Rep. Sandy Nafis to clean up the contaminated brownfield site and turn it into transit-oriented housing to strengthen the community. |
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Newington Advocacy Day at the Legislative Office Building is Wednesday, May 7, from 9 to 10 a.m.
Join me, Rep. Kate Farrar, Sen. Matt Lesser, and others as we discuss important measures being considered this legislative session. |
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There's a four-town walking competition between Newington, Berlin, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. We all know Newington is the best, so let's show it.
Visit ccthd.org/walking-competition or call 860-785-8380 ext. 216 for details on registration, tracking steps, or receiving a pedometer (while supplies last).
During May, log steps or activities into the walker tracker program or have activities automatically linked to your fitness device.
Every activity logged during May supports your well-being and helps the town. |
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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 for news and legislative updates!
Sincerely,
Gary Turco
State Representative |
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