Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for January 23

January 23, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

I attended the official launch of the Southington Outsider, our community’s new online local news source, to show my support for this exciting endeavor led by founder and editor-in-chief Phil Thibodeau. Thursday's celebration provided a great opportunity to connect with residents and hear directly from Phil and his team about their vision for the Outsider and its role in informing the community and amplifying local voices in Southington.

During the event, I was honored to present a congratulatory citation recognizing the launch of the Southington Outsider and acknowledging the dedication and hard work that Phil and his team put into creating this new publication. It was encouraging to see such strong community turnout and enthusiasm for a grassroots effort focused on transparency, civic engagement, highlighting local events, and celebrating important community milestones.

I invite you to check out the Southington Outsider and consider subscribing.
The Southington Outsider
Subscribe here

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

F&F Concrete Follow Up

I shared an overview and photos last week from the first stop on my Tour of Southington Businesses at F&F Concrete. During the visit, I had the opportunity to speak with President Lauren Forgione about her company’s success and the conditions that help promote economic growth in the State of Connecticut. I’m pleased to share a short video from the visit, featuring Lauren and my comments on the goals of the tour.
Click on the image above to watch the video.

This visit kicked off a series of monthly business visits through June, providing me the opportunity to listen to local employers and bring their voices back to the Capitol.
 

Honoring Our Veterans

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending the 14th Annual Elks Club Military Appreciation Dinner. I joined the Southington legislative delegation in presenting an official citation to the Elks for their dedication to honoring our veterans and had the opportunity to thank veterans for their service, their families for their support, and the Elks for their continued commitment to this important cause.
 

Coffee With Chris - See You Tomorrow!

Reminder - Tomorrow, Saturday, January 24 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., I will kick off my 2026 Legislative Session Listening Tour at the Southington Coffee House on Main Street. I invite you to stop by, ask questions, and share their priorities or concerns. I hope you can attend and look forward to a great conversation.
 

Stay Indoors During Dangerous Cold

I encourage you to stay indoors because we are about to experience some of the coldest temperatures and heaviest snow the state has experienced so far this season. The governor activated the Severe Cold Weather Protocol from 12 p.m. today (Friday) until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28. During the overnight hours, temperatures will get into the single digits and wind chills will dip below zero.
 

Special Enrollment Period
for Health Coverage

Access Health CT has announced a new Special Enrollment Period starting Sunday, February 1 to help eligible Connecticut residents enroll in affordable health insurance using a new state-funded subsidy. This period is separate from Open Enrollment, which ends Saturday, January 31.

The new subsidy helps offset the loss of federal Affordable Care Act tax credits and supports working families:

  • Households earning 100%–200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for a subsidy replacing 100% of expired federal credits.
  • Households earning 400%–500% of FPL may qualify for a subsidy replacing 50% of expired credits.

Eligible residents will see the subsidy applied to their insurance bill, with mailed notices and updated premium statements coming soon.

Free enrollment help is available at AccessHealthCT.com or by calling 1-855-805-4325 (help available in 100+ languages). TTY users can call 1-855-789-2428.

If you need coverage, don’t wait—enroll starting February 1.
 

Energy Savings Week

January 15 through January 26 is Energy Savings Week in Connecticut. There are resources available to lower your bills such as a home energy assessment or energy efficiency programs. Visit EnergizeCT.com and take a look at the graphics below to learn more.
 

Pet Health & Wellness Clinic

You have the opportunity to give your pets the gift of love ahead of Valentine's Day! The Calendar House Senior Center is hosting a Low Cost Health & Wellness Clinic for pets. This event will be held on Friday, February 6 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 388 Pleasant Street, but you must register by Tuesday, February 3.

Click here or call (860) 621-3014 to reserve your spot. The clinic costs $60 for qualifying seniors and veterans and $100 for everyone else.
 

Planning of Conservation &
Development Public Event

You are invited to a public gathering to learn about Southington's Plan of Conservation and Development, ask questions, and provide feedback.

The open house will be held on Wednesday, February 11 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Municipal Center Assembly Room at 196 North Main Street.
 
Speakers will touch upon a variety of topics including:

  • Land use
  • Economic development
  • Resiliency planning
  • Historic preservation
  • Traffic, transportation, and corridor planning
Click here to learn about the plan
 

Blood Drive

The American Red Cross is encouraging anyone, who is able, to donate blood because your actions can save lives. The Southington Public Library is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, February 11 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
 
CLICK HERE or call 1-800-REDCROSS to reserve your spot.
 

Dash to Better Blood Pressure

Reminder - Local health experts are encouraging adults with high blood pressure to take part in a free six week program to improve your health. The campaign is called the Dash to Better Blood Pressure. Participants will meet every Tuesday at 11 a.m. starting February 3 at the Southington Calendar House (388 Pleasant Street). Please look at the graphic below for more information.
 

New Date for Martin Luther King Jr. Service

Due to the impending storm, organizers have moved a service commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s life to Sunday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church (581 Meriden Avenue). I am honored to have been invited to speak.

During the service, the church will recognize two middle school students for their outstanding leadership and commitment to strengthening their school and community, an inspiring reflection of Dr. King’s enduring legacy and the values he championed.
 

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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