Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for August 14

August 14, 2026

 

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Dear Neighbor,

Helping residents and businesses navigate state government remains one of the most important parts of my job as your State Representative. While much of the work I do during the legislative session takes place at the State Capitol, the most meaningful part of my job happens right here in Southington, helping neighbors find answers, navigate state agencies, and access the programs and services they need.

If you are having difficulty getting a response from a state agency, have questions about a state program or benefit, or need help resolving an issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly by replying to one of my weekly messages or calling my personal cell phone at 203-520-1243.

While I can’t promise a particular outcome, I can promise to listen, help you get answers to your questions, and connect you with the appropriate resources or people who can help. My goal is to make sure you are not left trying to navigate state government on your own.

Constituent services are about more than answering questions. They are about understanding your concerns, following up, and making sure you are heard. Whether you are dealing with a state agency, looking for information about a state program, or have a concern that affects our community, I will do my best to help.

Please never hesitate to reach out to me directly or to my office. It is an honor to serve as your State Representative, and I will continue working every day to make state government more accessible, responsive, and helpful to the people of Southington.

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

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.

We have also permanently removed the sales tax on non-electronic school supplies such as pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, paper, folders, binders, lunch boxes, and more.

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

Whether you're shopping for your children or picking up something for yourself, 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.
Learn more about Sales Tax Free Week
 

Support For Our Farms

The federal and our state government are stepping up to support Connecticut farmers who suffered losses from severe weather. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has teamed up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a nearly $53 million Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant.

Here’s how it works: farmers who earned at least $1,000 in farm income and experienced at least $500 in documented losses from weather events in 2023 and 2024 will be eligible. Payments may cover up to 95% of losses, with a minimum of $1 million per year, per category.

Farmers can apply starting in September with a second round in late fall.

This investment recognizes the vital role Connecticut farmers play in our economy and in providing fresh, nutritious food to families across our state. Supporting our farmers helps ensure that Connecticut agriculture remains strong and resilient for years to come.
Click here to learn more
 

CT Tourism Growth

More travelers are experiencing what makes Connecticut such a great place! The annual Tourism and Economics report for 2025 shows that tourism growth in Connecticut more than doubled the national rate.

The state welcomed 72.2 million visitors in 2025. Additionally, visits to Connecticut increased 3.1% over the previous year, compared with national growth of 1.5%.

Key findings include:

  • Connecticut tourism in 2025 generated $20.1 billion in total economic impact
  • The industry supported 125,000 jobs and generated $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue
  • Through June 2026, statewide hotel occupancy increased 4.3% compared to a slight decline across New England
Check out the full report
 

Passport Application or Renewal

Need a passport? You can take care of several travel-related services in one convenient location during an upcoming event at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford.

The event will take place on Friday, August 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering an opportunity to apply for or renew your U.S. passport, enroll in TSA PreCheck, or complete a Global Entry interview.

  • Passport: CLICK HERE to make a reservation to apply for or renew your U.S. passport.
  • TSA PreCheck: CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment. Please be sure to complete your TSA PreCheck pre-enrollment online before your appointment.
  • Global Entry: CLICK HERE to schedule an interview. You must first apply online and receive conditional approval before completing your interview.

If you're planning to travel in the coming months, this is a great opportunity to take care of these important travel documents and programs in one place. I encourage you to make an appointment early, as availability may be limited.
 

Dino-Mite End of Summer Celebration

Children of all ages are invited to celebrate the end of summer, participate in dino-riffic crafts and activities, and potentially meet a REAL dinosaur! Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and pose for photo ops at the free Dino-Mite party on Monday, August 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Southington Drive-In (995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike).
 

Southington Battle of Badges Blood Drive

Come save a life by donating to the Southington Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Donors will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, a custom Battle of the Badges t-shirt, food from Outback Steakhouse, and more.

Event details:

📅 Saturday, August 22
⏰ 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
📍 John F. Kennedy Middle School – 1071 South Main Street
 

Backpacks & Backflips for a Great Cause!

Reminder: 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.
 

Remembering Nancy Wyman

The state is mourning the loss of former Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, who passed away earlier this week.

Wyman was a tireless advocate for Connecticut but left her mark on education and health care reform.

U.S. and state flags on all Connecticut state government buildings have been lowered in her honor.

Nancy Wyman served as the 108th lieutenant governor of Connecticut from 2011 to 2019. She was the first woman in Connecticut elected as state comptroller, serving in that office from 1995 to 2011. She also served as state representative of the 53rd Assembly District from 1987 to 1995.
 

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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