Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for April 24

April 24, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

On the latest stop of my Southington Business Tour, I had the pleasure of visiting Kinsmen Brewing Company with members of the Town Council, Lou Perillo, Southington’s Economic Development Director, and Rachel Diamond, Executive Director of the Connecticut Brewers Guild.

Hosted by Jonas Griggs, Head Brewer and Director of Operations, we toured the facility and discussed brewing operations, the on-site restaurant, event spaces, and future expansion plans.

Please click on the image below to watch video of the visit!

Kinsmen Brewing opened in 2017 in the restored former Clark Brothers Bolt Company factory, transforming a historic industrial site into a vibrant, welcoming community destination along the Farmington Canal Rail Trail.

Kinsmen continues to thrive as a regional gathering space that blends craft brewing, hospitality, and events, while building on exciting plans for continued growth and investment in the site.

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

Breakfast With Southington Vets

Last Friday, I hosted my annual Veteran Coffee Hour and Resource Discussion at the Southington Calendar House in partnership with the Southington Veterans Committee. It was a an excellent opportunity to bring together local veterans, their families, and community and state leaders to share information, connect, and discuss important issues.

Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch joined us to provide a helpful overview of state and federal benefits available to veterans, and Veterans Committee Co-Chair Senator Paul Honig offered a legislative update while answering questions.

I was especially grateful to have my dad, a member of the Southington Veterans Committee, dig deeper into the Veterans Dental legislation that originated here in Southington under his leadership. This bill has already passed the House unanimously and is now under consideration in the Senate, a promising step forward in expanding care for our veterans.

A highlight of the event was recognizing Sergeant Major Steve McCarty for his extraordinary service. It was an honor to present him with the following citation:

“In recognition of Steve McCarty’s lifelong service to his country and community. As a Command Sergeant Major, dedicated American Legion leader, and committed volunteer, his unwavering support of veterans and selfless contributions to Southington stand as a lasting example of honor, leadership, and patriotism.”

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a thoughtful and impactful discussion.
 

Veterans Resource Fair

As a follow up to my district event at the Calendar House, I was glad to join Reps. Anthony Nolan, Hubert Delany, Bill Heffernan and DVA Commissioner Ron Welch for a Veterans Resource Day at the State Capitol. The event connected veterans with organizations offering benefits, employment, and support services.

In my remarks, I stressed the importance of ensuring veterans are aware of the benefits they’ve earned. I’m grateful to the veterans who attended and to the many organizations whose work continues to make a real difference.
 

Legislative Update

This week, we passed legislation to help ensure our 2026 elections remain free, fair, and secure. This measure modernizes our election system while strengthening protections for voters.

Key provisions include:

  • Updating absentee ballot laws and vote-counting procedures
  • Adding safeguards to ensure every vote is accurately counted
  • Protecting our elections from corrupt outside influence
  • Taking action against individuals or groups who attempt to interfere with our elections

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration and reinforces the integrity of our democratic process.
 

Catching Up With Prevention Advocates

It was a pleasure to reconnect with Megan Albanese and her colleagues from Rushford Adolescent Substance Use and Mental Health Services. I previously worked with Megan in her role as Youth Prevention Coordinator for Southington STEPS.

She has since moved into an expanded role at Hartford HealthCare, where her work is now reaching a broader population in need of mental health and substance use support, further amplifying her impact. I look forward to continued collaboration with Megan and her team at Hartford HealthCare.
 

AARP Friends at the Capitol

It was great joining AARP Connecticut for a conversation, coffee, and pastries at the State Capitol this week. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with advocates and my Southington AARP friends, Janet Ferracci-Carter and Laura Schiavone, to discuss the issues affecting older residents across our state.

Events like this are a valuable way to hear directly from stakeholders, share perspectives, and continue working collaboratively on policies that support seniors and strengthen our communities. Thank you to AARP for hosting a thoughtful and engaging afternoon.
 

Optometry Parity

I attended an informal breakfast at the Legislative Office Building to discuss pending legislation affecting primary vision care. It was a pleasure to connect with local optometrists, including constituent, Dr. Cathy Ferentini, and members of the Connecticut Association of Optometrists to get their thoughts on Section 7 of House Bill 5561, which seeks to establish fee parity for optometry services in Medicaid.

Providers explained that Medicaid currently pays optometrists less than ophthalmologists for performing the same eye care services. They said this lower reimbursement can discourage providers from participating in Medicaid and may limit patients’ access to care.

Optometrists also shared that they perform most of the eye exams for Medicaid patients and often detect serious health conditions early, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

The conversation helped clarify how the proposal could expand access to eye care while still being mindful of the state’s budget.
 

Earth Day Cleanup

Families are welcome to stop by Panthorn Park on Earth Day to clean up the pond and surrounding area. You’re welcome to join the Southington Land Conservation Trust and KinderWild Nature-Based Play from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25 at 485 Burritt Street in Plantsville. Dress for the weather, bring gloves, a bucket or repurposed bag, and grabbers if you have them.

The cleanup is aimed for families with children aged 3-10. Organizers will meet you by the blue tarp in the clearing just over the bridge by the pond.
Click here to register
 

Southington Walking Tour

The Barnes Museum invites you on a casual walking tour exploring the people, places, and history that have shaped Southington’s built environment and community life. “Jane’s Walk: A Southington Walking Tour” begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2 from the Barnes Museum and travels to Factory Square, the Town Green, and back.

This year’s focus highlights the Town Green as a place of remembrance and community. After the walk, guests are invited to tour the museum’s first floor. No registration required. $10 suggested donation appreciated. Questions? Contact thebarnesmuseum@southingtonct.gov.
Click here if you have any questions
 

Take Back Day

Reminder - As families across Connecticut begin with their spring cleaning, clearing out old or unused medications is an important step toward a safer home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, on Saturday, April 25, offers residents a reminder to safely dispose of expired or unused medications at local collection sites.

In Southington, the Police Department (69 Lazy Lane) maintains a secure prescription drop box for safe disposal. Residents can also use MyOldMeds’ easy-to-use locator to find one of 237 secure disposal sites across Connecticut by entering their ZIP code. The site also provides helpful guidance on proper disposal practices and safe medication management.
 

House Is in Session

There are less than two weeks remaining to pass new laws, and the debate is moving at a quick pace. My colleagues and I will return to the House Chamber on Monday, April 27 through Saturday, May 2 to call on and vote on important legislation. 

You can stay connected and actively participate by:
 

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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