Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for July 24

July 24, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

Over the past six months, it has been an eye-opening experience to visit local businesses across the 81st District on my inaugural Tour of Southington Businesses. From manufacturing and construction to food service, engineering, and brewing, every stop has been an opportunity to hear directly from the hardworking, dedicated people driving our local economy forward.

The goal was simple: Listen. I wanted to learn how our businesses are excelling, what obstacles they are facing, and how state government can be a better partner in helping them grow and create jobs.

I made sure to invite state leaders, including Governor Ned Lamont, agency officials, legislative leaders, and industry experts, to join many of these critical visits so they could hear the important conversations firsthand in Southington.

Thank you to every business owner and employee who welcomed us and shared their stories. I learned something at every stop, and those valuable conversations will continue to shape my work at the Capitol.

I'm already looking forward to making the Tour Southington of Businesses an annual tradition. In the meantime, CLICK on the image below to watch the Tour recap. Enjoy!

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

Farmers' Market Fridays

It was a delight to stop by The Southington Farmers' Market on the Town Green. I enjoyed catching up with local vendors, listening to live music, tasting some delicious food, and seeing so many familiar faces.

Gresczyk Farms served up some fresh yellow plums and blackberries, which my family and I enjoyed over the weekend.

Be sure to stop by the farmers' market on Fridays from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. to support our local farmers and small businesses and enjoy an afternoon in downtown Southington!
Learn more about our farmers' market
Musical performance at Southington's Farmers' Market
 

Registration Open for CT's
New Paraeducator Preparation Academy

This week, Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced a new, six-week program to provide aspiring paraeducators with exam preparation, mentorship, and a pathway into Connecticut’s special education workforce.

Registration is open for Connecticut’s New Paraeducator Preparation Academy, with the inaugural pilot session beginning on August 17 and running through September 23.

The program will be held at the Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) Center in East Hartford. Instruction will be provided by certified bilingual educators, covering the full cost of study materials and the exam, and offering Spanish-language support.

The academy will connect participants who successfully complete the program and pass the ParaPathways assessment with districts seeking to hire paraeducators. Once employed, participants are paired with experienced mentor paraeducators as they begin their careers.

CLICK HERE to visit the Paraeducator Preparation Academy webpage and register.
 

New Law Expands Health Insurance Coverage

I was proud to support my colleague, Rep. Kerry Wood, in the bipartisan passage of a measure supporting certain patients including veterans, children, and parents.

Earlier this month, Public Act 26-33 officially became law, expanding health insurance coverage for PANS/PANDAS treatment, scalp cooling systems for chemo patients, athletic prosthetics for people with limb loss, and expanded infertility care.

This legislation is dedicated to the veterans who lost limbs while bravely serving our country, our children who could not participate in sports, the countless parents who advocated on their behalf, and many others. We hope this policy makes a meaningful difference in your lives.

CLICK on the image below to watch a video outlining the impact of this new law.
 

Viva l'Italia

You're invited to the Southington Italian-American Festival, which runs tonight through Sunday in downtown Southington. This family-friendly event features amazing dishes, children’s activities, BINGO, an Italian Marketplace, Sunday morning outdoor Italian Mass (a personal favorite), a great lineup of music, and so much more.

Thank you to the Sons of Italy, UNICO Club, and Sorelle d’Italia for organizing the Festival. Viva l'Italia!
Click here for more information
 

A History of Dinosaurs

Adults are welcome to examine the story of dinosaur evolution next week at the Jurassic classroom at Southington Public Library. You will look at real dinosaur fossils as well as museum-quality casts and learn how dinosaurs evolved compared to living animals. This free event will take place on Monday, August 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Click here to learn more
 

CT FTD Golf Tournament

Swing into Action at the 14th Annual CT Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Foundation Golf Tournament on Friday, August 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Lyman Orchards Golf Club – Jones Course.

Participants will enjoy friendly competition while supporting a vital mission. The CT FTD Foundation is devoted to fighting frontotemporal dementia through awareness, support, and research. Don't miss out!
Click here to register
 

Connecticut's Role in U.S. Revolution

You have an opportunity to learn how Connecticut played a critical role in the Revolutionary War and gaining U.S. independence. Mike Allen, a noted storyteller and former journalist, will detail how prominent Connecticut figures contributed to the formation of the new country.

This free event will be held on Monday, August 10 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Southington Public Library. CLICK HERE to learn more.
 

Korean Armistice Day

July 27th marks the historic signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, which brought an end to active fighting of the Korean War after more than three years of conflict.

On Monday, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the 1.8 million Americans who served during the war alongside millions of allied South Korean troops who defended freedom.
 

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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