Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for May 8

May 8, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

Now that the 2026 legislative session has officially come to a close, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you, the great residents of the 81st District, for your continued engagement, thoughtful input, and support.

Your calls, emails, conversations at community events, and willingness to share your perspectives help guide the work we do at the Capitol and ensure that our decisions reflect the needs and values of our community.

It is an honor to represent Southington at the State Capitol, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously every day. Throughout this session, I’ve worked to make thoughtful, responsible decisions that reflect the priorities of our community and position us well for the future.

Not every decision is going to be met with agreement, and I respect that. My approach has always been to listen, ask questions, and carefully consider how each vote affects the people I represent.

Southington is a strong community because of the people who live here—engaged, hardworking, and willing to speak up. That input makes me a better representative.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to continuing the work ahead.

Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them!
 

2026 Legislative Session Highlights

Bipartisan Budget Passed


Good news for Southington! I’m pleased to share that the newly passed bipartisan state budget provides Southington with an additional $1.015 million in education and municipal aid to help offset local property tax increases.

Importantly, the state is not mandating how these funds must be used. The town will have full discretion to allocate the money where it’s needed most or use it to help reduce the proposed local property tax increase. I’ll have more updates and details on the state budget in the coming weeks.

Supporting Those Who Serve Our Communities


My colleagues and I made targeted investments in the people who keep our communities strong — first responders, veterans, nurses, teachers, and working families.

I was proud to co-sponsor House Bill 5003, a bipartisan measure that strengthens support for police, firefighters, and veterans through expanded benefits, mortgage assistance for first responders, stronger recruitment and training efforts, and support for the families of fallen volunteer firefighters and state marshals.

The bill also helps veterans transition into civilian careers by expanding access to jobs, benefits, and tuition assistance opportunities here in Connecticut.

At the same time, we strengthened protections for workers by improving support for nurses and teachers injured on the job, increasing stability for paraeducators, and advancing fairer and safer workplace standards. 

This legislation is about standing with the people who serve, protect, educate, and build our state.

CT Hero Act


It’s official! The House and Senate unanimously passed House Bill 5406, An Act Concerning Various Measures Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces. The CT HERO Act most notably expands access to dental care for eligible veterans through the Veterans Dental Care Access Program.

I was proud to support and advocate for this legislation, which builds on the work, input, and advocacy of a subcommittee of the Southington Veterans Committee. Their efforts helped elevate the need for expanded dental access and ensured veterans’ experiences were directly represented in the conversation in Hartford. This is a meaningful win for Southington’s veteran community and for all who have served across our state.

The bipartisan HERO Act delivers real additional benefits, protections, support, and relief for our veterans and military families. Specifically, the legislation:

  • Strengthens protections for veterans by ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs clearly warns people about unrecognized claims assistance and points them toward trusted resources
  • Supports military families by helping make transitions smoother for young children in Birth-to-Three when a family is relocating due to services
  • Increases access to earned benefits, including tax relief on military pay
  • Protects veterans from bad actors who try to take advantage of veterans and service members when filing claims

This bill is about making a real difference in the lives of our veterans, service members, and military families. Here in Connecticut, we understand that taking care of veterans in our communities is our responsibility, and we will continue to pass legislation that supports the people who protect us.

Expanding Access to ASL Education


I was proud to support the passage of House Bill 5557, which creates an American Sign Language (ASL) Education Working Group to expand ASL education opportunities across Connecticut. This working group will bring together educators, advocates, and stakeholders to develop thoughtful recommendations on ASL curriculum standards, teacher certification pathways, interpreter and educator workforce development, and ways to grow ASL programs in our K–12 schools and colleges.

This bill builds on years of advocacy and collaboration with Connecticut’s Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community. It continues the progress we’ve made in recent years, including the creation of the Bureau of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing in 2024 and the establishment of the Interpreting Standards Board last year.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with the advocates and community leaders who worked thoughtfully on this proposal and am proud to support efforts that improve accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity across our state.

Stay tuned for more updates in future newsletters about our accomplishments during the 2026 legislative session.
 

Investing in Lifelong Learning

In the closing days of the legislative session, I was glad to meet with educators, students, and advocates and hear firsthand how adult education programs are supporting our community. I spoke with Southington resident Ray Byron and many others at the Connecticut Association for Adult & Continuing Education (CAACE) Adult Education Capitol Showcase & Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

Each person highlighted how adult education programs are helping people gain new skills, strengthen our workforce, and create new opportunities for families across Connecticut. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and highlighted the important impact these programs have in our communities.
 

Roadside Vegetation Management Underway

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced its 2026 Roadside Safety Vegetation Management (RSVM) Program, which will run from May through August along major highways and state roads across Connecticut—including key routes that serve Southington, such as I-84 and Route 691.

This annual program is designed to improve roadway safety by managing vegetation growth around guiderails, signs, and barriers. Left unchecked, overgrowth can obstruct visibility and reduce the effectiveness of safety infrastructure.

In Southington and throughout the central region, residents may see crews working along highway ramps and state-owned roads in the coming weeks. The state uses approved herbicides and, in sensitive areas, non-chemical treatments like high-temperature steam to address vegetation and spot treatments for invasive plants in sensitive areas near water sources.

Travel impacts are expected to be minimal, as this work is conducted using moving operations that keep traffic flowing.
 

A Taste of Southern Baking Traditions

The Southington Public Library will host a baking program featuring recipes from Baking in the American South by Abbe Byrn, highlighting the work of African-American women and home cooks. The program is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. and includes a tasting.

You can only register in person at the Reference Desk. Space is limited to 15 participants, and copies of the book will be available at sign-up. Please bring your own serving utensils. All food is prepared in home kitchens, so attendees should be mindful of potential allergens. Happy baking!
 

Exploring Non-Alcoholic Brewing

Southington Public Library will host a program on the science, craft, and growing popularity of modern non-alcoholic brewing. The session will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13 and will explore flavor development, brewing techniques, and why the non-alcoholic beer market has expanded so rapidly in recent years.

The event is open to anyone interested, whether you're cutting back or simply curious. Registration is not required, though attendees may choose to sign up in advance to receive a reminder.
 

The Gardeners Market

You are invited to the 2026 Gardeners Market to buy plants for your garden! The event is on Saturday, May 16 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Calendar House Portico (388 Pleasant Street).

Proceeds help the garden club support scholarships and educational, civic, beautification, and conservation projects in Southington.
 

Touch-A-Truck

Families are invited to get up close and personal with construction, military, emergency, and other specialty vehicles at the 22nd annual Touch-A-Truck! The event will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southington Drive-In (995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike). The rain date is Sunday, May 17.

New this year, the event will begin with a sensory-friendly quiet hour from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., offering a more comfortable experience for children who benefit from reduced noise and activity.

In addition to exploring trucks and meeting the people who operate them, children can enjoy pace painting and glitter tattoos. Admission is $4 for kids, and adults are free.
 

As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Chris.Poulos@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates!

Sincerely,

Chris Poulos
State Representative  
 

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