Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for July 10

July 10, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

I am proud to share that I secured $50,000 in state funding to restore and update the Southington Veterans Memorial on our town green. This project has been a priority of mine for several legislative sessions. After members of the Southington Veterans Committee identified inaccuracies on the memorial, I proposed state funding and continued advocating for the project through multiple state budget negotiations until we successfully secured the investment.

For more than 60 years, the memorial has honored Southington veterans who served from World War I through the Vietnam War. This restoration will correct misspelled names, add more than 50 previously omitted veterans, and ensure every eligible hero is properly recognized for their service and sacrifice.

I am also hopeful that this funding will allow the Southington Veterans Committee to begin the important work of recognizing those who have served during the Global War on Terror, ensuring their service is honored for generations to come.

As a member of the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee, this effort is especially meaningful to me. My father, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, serves on the Southington Veterans Committee, and I've been honored to work alongside him and many dedicated volunteers throughout this process.

Projects like this don't happen overnight. They require persistence, collaboration, and a shared commitment to preserving our community's history. I'm grateful we were able to get this across the finish line and look forward to seeing the restored memorial unveiled by Veterans Day.

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

Celebrating Connecticut’s Top Teachers

This week, educators came together to celebrate Connecticut's District Teachers of the Year, including Southington's own, Kim Padroff, a 4th grade teacher at Hatton School and a Connecticut State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist.

It was inspiring to hear teachers from across our state share stories from their classrooms, reflect on their experiences, and offer advice to the next generation of educators. It was truly a wonderful evening celebrating the dedication and impact of our teachers.
 

That’s a Wrap!

Thank you to everyone who joined me at my recent Legislative Session Recap. I enjoyed sharing highlights from this year’s legislative session, answering your questions, and hearing your priorities.

While there is always more work to do, I appreciate the opportunity to connect with residents and discuss the issues that matter most to our community.
 

Supporting Summer Tourism in Southington

Summer is the big travel season, and Connecticut's restaurants, attractions, hotels, shops, and downtowns are happily welcoming tourists. With higher gas prices and airfare encouraging more people to vacation closer to home, communities like Southington have a wonderful opportunity to showcase everything that makes our town special.

Today’s travelers are prioritizing authentic experiences they cannot find elsewhere. With that in mind, we know Southington offers a vibrant downtown with outstanding local restaurants to concerts on the Green, unique small businesses, and community events, Our town offers countless reasons for visitors to stop, explore, and return.

If you meet someone visiting from out of town, do not hesitate to share your favorite local spots, like the Southington Drive-In, and encourage them to experience all that Southington has to offer. Every recommendation helps support our small businesses, strengthens our local economy, and showcases the pride we all have in calling Southington home.
 

Student Loan Changes in Effect

New student loan rules are affecting more than 500,000 Connecticut residents with student debt. Here are the some of the biggest changes:

  • SAVE Plan ends: Borrowers have 90 days to choose a new repayment plan or will be automatically moved to the standard repayment plan, which could mean a sharply higher monthly bill.
  • Fewer repayment options: New borrowers now have just two repayment plans
  • Parent Plus loans: Parents are now limited to borrowing $20,000 per student each academic year instead of the full cost of attendance.
  • Grad PLUS program eliminated: Graduate students can no longer borrow up to the full cost of attendance through Grad PLUS.

If you’re affected by these changes, the Connecticut Office of the Student Loan Ombudsperson can answer questions.

Contact the Student Loan Ombudsperson:

Phone: (860) 240-8170 or 800-831-7225 and press option 2
Email: banking.complaints@ct.gov
Online: portal.ct.gov/DOB/Consumer/Consumer-Complaints/Student-Loan-Servicer

Eligible Connecticut residents may also qualify for the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program, providing up to $5,000 per year (maximum $20,000) to help offset student loan payments. Some of the requirements include:

  • Proof of 50 hours of volunteer service
  • Being a CT resident and meeting residency requirements
  • Making a qualifying student loan payment during the 2025 calendar year

Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted. 
Click here for application instuctions
 

Donate Your Bottles

Do you have any recyclables that you would like to dispose of? Southington Community Services is hosting a bottle drive this weekend to raise money for its programs. Here is where you can drop off cans, plastic, and glass:
  • Sunday, July 12
  • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • 91 Norton Street
If you can’t make it, please call (860) 302-9216 to arrange a pick-up.
 

Puzzle Swap

Calling all puzzle enthusiasts! If you've completed your favorite jigsaw puzzles and are ready for a new challenge, stop by the Puzzle Swap at Southington Public Library on Friday, July 24, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bring up to five adult jigsaw puzzles you've already finished, and swap each one for a new-to-you puzzle. To participate, please ensure your puzzles are:

  • Designed for adults
  • In good condition
  • In their original box
  • Complete with no missing pieces

No registration is required—just bring your puzzles and enjoy discovering your next great challenge!
 

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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