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Some great news out about bills that have been voted out of committee for the entire legislature's consideration.
The Transportation Committee this week moved forward a bill (HB 7162) that would provide protections for motor vehicle owners whose vehicles are towed and establish a consumer bill of rights regarding towing.
The bill stems from too many Connecticut residents who have said they unfairly lost their motor vehicles and/or possessions within them after having their vehicles towed.
On the long-term care insurance front, on which I've worked with Newington residents for years, the Government Oversight Committee passed a measure that 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%; 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 Connecticut; and require the Office of Health Strategy to report concerning the regulation and rate filing processes of long-term care insurance in the state.
It's among several pieces of legislation that addresses the crisis affecting 100,000 long-term care policy holders in Connecticut.
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| Honoring The Women Who Served |
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Recently I had the pleasure of honoring over 70 Connecticut female service members, including Newington’s own Gladys Silva-Perales who also helped organize the event.
These women and so many before them have broken barriers and proven that they are an essential part of our military’s strength. Their service should never be overlooked, and we must advocate for them and honor their sacrifices.  |
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I was honored last weekend to march in the Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade as the town of Newington 2025 Honoree. 
I love Newington and was so proud to represent it!
There was an amazing turnout of residents and it was wonderful to see so many friendly faces, including many from my other favorite place, New Britain!
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!   |
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Congratulations to all the students and staff who put on another great show last night with their performance of, “Once Upon a Mattress.” Thank you as well for the culinary academy’s delicious pre-show treats!
We have a lot of great cooks, actors, musicians, and a stage crew supported by a wonderful team of staff at the high school. A special shout out to Christopher Clark, who will be retiring after this year and has led the high school for decades as a producer and director in countless performances.  |
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| 'Moana Jr.' Performances Next Week |
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Speaking of theater performances, the Newington Children's Theatre Company, Connecticut's longest-running nonprofit youth theater group, is presenting its second Mainstage Musical, Disney's "Moana Jr.," for 12 shows over two weekends, March 27 to April 6.
The show will feature more than 150 kids ages 5 to15 from more than 25 towns in six casts at John Wallace Middle School, 71 Halleran Drive, Newington.
See showtimes and ticket information here. |
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It was a pleasure to provide an update on the current state government and the current legislative session along with Sen. Matthew Lesser and Rep. Kate Farrar, as well as hear an update on town government from Mayor Jon Trister, Superintendent Dr. Maureen Brummett, and Town Manager Jonathan Altshul.
Thank you to Paul Muska and the Newington Chamber of Commerce for hosting this great event to provide information on what state and town officials are working on to improve our community. |
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| Student Loan Reimbursement Forum |
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Please join me and Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw on Tuesday, April 1, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Travelers Lecture Hall at Central Connecticut State University for an info session on the student loan reimbursement program.
Come see how you can possibly have some of your student loan debt reimbursed. |
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| Problem Gambling Awareness Month |
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As March Madness heats up, here’s a reminder not to get too carried away.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services for problem gamblers.
This year's theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition.
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4 million to 6 million people experience mild or moderate issues. The cost to the country -- $14 billion annually – is incredibly steep. Yet the ability to place a sports-related bet has never been easier – in most cases just a few clicks on a smartphone.
The lower barriers to place bets and the removal of the social stigma on gambling has had devastating consequences for some. Indeed, one of the most vulnerable demographics to problem gambling are youths. The NCPG and Responsible Play CT cite data that shows more than 75% of college students have gambled in the last year.
There are state and national resources for help.
- Responsible Play CT offers information and a toolkit on problem gambling.
- The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut. Its number is 888-789-7777.
- The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (860-344-2244) offers problem gambling services.
- The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- The NCPG's problem gambling toolkit can be found by clicking here.
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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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