Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for August 7

August 7, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

I was honored to welcome Governor Ned Lamont, the Commissioner of Veterans and Military Affairs, legislative colleagues, town officials, veterans, and volunteers to the American Legion as we celebrated Southington's proud tradition of military service and recognized two major milestones.

We highlighted the passage of the Connecticut HERO Act, expanding benefits for Connecticut veterans, including a new Veterans Dental Care Program. I was especially proud to recognize the Southington Veterans Committee for the instrumental role it played in developing and advocating for this important policy.

We also celebrated the recent $50,000 state grant to preserve Southington's Veterans Monument. After working on this effort over multiple legislative sessions, I'm proud we secured the resources needed to restore the memorial, correct omissions and misspelled names, and ensure our local veterans receive the lasting recognition they deserve.

This project is especially meaningful to me because my father serves on the Southington Veterans Committee. The committee’s dedication to preserving our town's proud military legacy has made me even more grateful for the volunteers who work tirelessly to honor those who served. Thank you to all involved for your hard work!

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

Taste of Southington

It was a privilege to reconnect with residents and support our community's small businesses this week at the annual Taste of Southington! The food, drinks, and music were excellent as always.

The chicken parmigiana and penne ala vodka from Fratelli’s did not disappoint, and I always enjoy a cookie for dessert from Endless Sweets Bakery.
Shout out to the Stanley Street Big Band for providing a nice vibe.

Thank you to Christina Volpe and the Barnes Museum team for organizing another excellent community event and bringing our community together!
 

Join Me for Music on the Green – August 12

I'm excited to share that I'll be hosting Music on the Green on Wednesday, August 12.

This year's featured band is What It Is, an outstanding tribute band performing the legendary horn-driven sounds of rock, funk, soul, and R&B. Their set includes favorites from Chicago, Tower of Power, Bruce Springsteen, Steely Dan, Huey Lewis, Paul Simon, Michael Bublé, and many more.
Learn more about the band

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. on the Town Green. Admission is free, so bring a lawn chair or blanket, gather your family and friends, and enjoy a great summer evening. Weather permitting, the weekly classic car show will be on display before the concert.

Community events like Music on the Green remind us what makes Southington such a special place to call home. I hope you'll join me for an evening of great music, good company, and community spirit.
 

Immediate Food Assistance

Thousands of families, including households with children, just lost access to SNAP benefits because of new federal changes. In response, Governor Ned Lamont has announced a one-time $300 grocery benefit, for eligible households.

The benefit is accessible on a prepaid virtual grocery card – not an existing EBT card – and can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard or Visa at any food retailer.

Individuals qualify if they lost SNAP eligibility due to the federal changes that took effect on December 1, 2025, and are no longer receiving SNAP benefits.

The program is funded by $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund, which was created through a bipartisan vote of the legislature and approved by Governor Lamont to help residents affected by recent federal policy changes.

We understand this one-time benefit cannot fully replace the assistance that many families have lost, but it will provide immediate relief for those who are really in need.
Learn more about eligibility and how to access the benefit
 

Expect Delays on Route 229

Drivers in Southington should expect delays and detours in August for a milling and resurfacing project. The work will take place on a one mile stretch of Route 229 from Hart Street to Sommers Hill Drive.

There will be lane closures on Route 229 and a temporary closure of the off-ramp at Exit 31 on I-84 West. The project will start on Sunday, August 16 and is scheduled to wrap up on Thursday, August 27 with work taking place from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Sunday to Friday.

Please slow down in work zones or avoid the area during the project.
 

August Primary Reminder

Primary elections will take place on Tuesday, August 11, and early voting is available through Sunday, August 9. Please look at the graphic below for voting hours.

The East Side Community Room inside Southington Public Library is serving as our early voting location.

In Connecticut, only registered members of a political party may vote in that party's primary. Unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in a primary must enroll in a political party by 12:00 p.m. on August 10, provided they have been unaffiliated for at least three months.
Click here to update your party affiliation
 

Low-Cost Health & Wellness Clinic for Pets

I encourage folks to get their pets an affordable check-up next week. A low-cost clinic is taking place on Friday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Southington Calendar House. Services include a wellness check, rabies vaccines, and basic deworming.

Qualifying veterans and seniors will be charged $60 per pet. All others will pay $100 per pet. CLICK HERE to register or call (860) 621-3014, and make sure to do so by Tuesday, August 11 to guarantee a spot.
 

Free Books for Children

Your child has an opportunity to pick out a free book on the Southington Summer 2026 Bookmobile Tour. Organizers will make two stops on Friday, August 14 including at:

  • Bread for Life's Summer Lunch Program
    DePaolo Middle School
    11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Southington Farmers' Market
    Southington Town Green
    3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Thank you to the Early Childhood Collaborate of Southington and Read to Grow for organizing such a great event.
 

Sales Tax Free Week

Connecticut's Sales Tax Free Week returns Sunday, August 16 through Saturday, August 22, giving families and shoppers a chance to save money on back-to-school purchases and other everyday essentials.

This year, my colleagues and I expanded the exemption to include clothing, shoes, and backpacks priced under $300, helping families stretch their budgets as students prepare to head back to the classroom. Whether you're shopping for your children or picking up something for yourself, this is a great opportunity to save.

During Sales Tax Free Week, eligible clothing, footwear, and backpacks purchased from Connecticut retailers and participating online retailers are exempt from the state's 6.35% sales tax.

Click here to view the complete list of tax-exempt and taxable items.

I hope you take advantage of these savings and keep a little more of your hard-earned money as you prepare for the new school year.
Click here to learn more about Sales Tax Free Week
 

Backpacks & Backflips for a Great Cause!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 16, from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. on the Southington Town Green!

Evelyn Rose Hawley will be doing one backflip for every backpack donated to benefit Southington Community Services and help local students and families get the school supplies they need for a successful school year.

Most-needed items include:

  • Backpacks
  • Headphones/earbuds
  • Sharpies
  • Pencil pouches
  • Sticky notes & index cards

  • Binders/trapper keepers
  • Multicolor pens & colored pencils
  • Dry erase markers
  • Pocket folders

A great cause, a fun challenge, and a wonderful way to help local families get ready for the school year.
 

Connecticut's Role in U.S. Revolution

Reminder - 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.
 

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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