News Briefs

Turco Votes in Favor of Massachusetts Gas Tax Holiday

Breaking from the vast majority of his Democratic colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, State Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D- Winthrop) co-sponsored a budget amendment to suspend collection of the state gas tax during the summer months of 2022. Of the 129 Democrats in the House, only Turco and three others supported suspending the gas tax. 

When asked why he would continue to support this measure in the face of heavy Democratic opposition Turco responded, “I was elected to represent the hard-working people of Winthrop and Revere and I will unequivocally support any piece of legislation that benefits my constituents, regardless of whether it was proposed by a Democrat or a Republican. With both tax revenue and gas prices spiking to their highest levels in history over the course of the last few months, I simply believe that the Commonwealth can afford and taxpayers deserve a break at the pump.”

For context, in May of 2021, the average price of a gallon of gasoline in Massachusetts was $2.91. This month, the average price across the Commonwealth is $4.60, 51 cents higher than the previous monthly record set in July 2008 at the height of the Great Recession.

Turco Secures Funding for Winthrop in MA House Budget

After three long days of debate, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its Fiscal Year 2023 Budget around 8 pm on April 27. Having been engrossed by the House, the budget will now move ahead to the Senate for further deliberation. The $49.73 million budget included significant investments in education, veterans’ affairs and public safety, three issues of paramount importance to Winthrop’s State Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco. In terms of education, Rep. Turco succeeded in his push to guarantee full funding of the Student Opportunity Act, which ensures every student in the Commonwealth, regardless of socio-economic status, receives access to a quality education. With regards to veterans’ affairs, Turco cosponsored an amendment to provide increased funding for the training of service dogs to help physically or mentally impaired veterans. He also worked closely with Rep. Jessica Giannino of Revere to secure funding for State Police Patrols along Revere Beach to ensure the safety and security of America’s first public beach.

Beyond the statewide issues, Representative Turco fought hard for his hometown constituents in Winthrop. Turco successfully acquired funding for CASA, Community Action for Safe Alternatives, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping combat substance abuse located on Pauline Street. A tireless advocate for public safety, Turco also lobbied successfully to include funding for a child safety program in Winthrop. 

Overall, Rep. Turco was pleased with the outcome of his first full budget process after his special election back in April of last year. “This year’s House budget was a win for the people of Winthrop and Revere,” said Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop). “With the help of my colleagues, we were able to secure a number of important budget items, including funding for: the Robert J. Haas Health and Wellness Center in Revere, initiatives to combat domestic violence in Winthrop and child safety programs in both Winthrop and Revere. I would also like to thank Speaker Mariano and Chairman Michlewitz for their leadership and guidance throughout the entire process.”

Upcoming American Legion Events

The American Legion Post 146 is hosting the following events free to the public.

• May 29, at 9 a.m. a marine memorial service will be held at the Winthrop Elks Marina celebrating and remembering all who went down to sea in ships during times of conflict. The Winthrop emblem club will place a wreath of flowers and the American Legion will present honors to those remembered. All are welcome to attend.

Following this service, a mass will be celebrated in honor of those remembered at Saint John’s the Episcopal Church on Bowdoin street Winthrop, at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

• May 30, at 10 a.m. the American Legion is hosting a memorial day service at the cemetery field house located on River Road and Cross Streets. All are welcome to attend and join in a moment of silence for those who served in our armed forces since this great country began almost 250 years ago. Honors will be rendered according to military tradition, speeches will be made and individuals will be recognized for their respective contributions to our freedom and way of life. Patriotic music will be provided and sponsored by the friends of Winthrop beach.

• May 30, at 1 p.m. the American Legion is hosting a musical concert on Winthrop town hall common, featuring the Boston firefighter marching band. Playing a rendition of patriotic tunes. This is a one hour event, free to the public.

WHS PTC Clothing Drive

On Tuesday, May 17, the WHS High School Parent Teacher Club began it’s clothing drive at the Public Landing next to the Winthrop Yacht Club.  The drive will run through Monday May 23, or until the trailer is full.