Chris Poulos

Beginning In 1973, the Land Trust was instrumental in safeguarding the great unconformity geologic formation. Since that time, Southington’s Land Trust has been a powerful voice in spreading public awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting land for the environment and advocating for wildlife. I was proud to share my appreciation for their work to ensure that public access is maintained for our residents to experience the wonders of nature.

Many congratulations and thanks to all the dedicated members and best wishes for continued success in your endeavors. 

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

I was honored this week to be invited to speak at the Connecticut Education Association’s press conference on HB 6884, An Act Concerning the Recruitment, Retention and Enhancement of the Teaching Profession.

My remarks included support for the provisions of the bill that require the engagement of active, practicing classroom teachers in State Board of Education and Department of Education deliberations on policies and the development of guidance on how best to implement them in schools. Earlier in the 2023 Legislative Session, I introduced several bills to this end, and I am pleased that they have been met with enthusiasm and are now included in the language of HB 6884. 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has started a three-year bridge rehabilitation project at 17 locations in central Connecticut, including Southington, with minor impact to traffic consisting of lane width reduction and lane shifts. 
                                             
The work will include milling of decks, deck patching, deck end repairs and resurfacing along with steel repairs beneath. The project will extend the service life of the bridges in the years to follow. The project will include night work between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. along with limited day work that will not affect traffic. 
 
The lane closures in Southington include:

• I-84 West in the vicinity of Exit 32 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. narrowing the on-ramp from Queen Street 
• Canal Street Lane restriction to two 11-foot lanes between Westfield Drive and Atwater Street; Route 10 Milldale Exit 29 on-ramp to I-84 East with reduced lanes and shoulder widths 

Have you heard? The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) coverage has been extended to March 31. Learn more at ct.gov/heatinghelp.

This Monday from 10-11 a.m., please join me and Commissioner Thomas Saadi from the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs for Veterans Coffee Hour at Calendar House Senior Center presented by the Town of Southington Veterans Service Office.

You can click here to see the bills my colleagues and I on the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee have reported out so far this legislative session. We hope to see you for coffee and conversation!