Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for February 6

February 6, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

This week marked the opening of the 2026 Legislative Session at the State Capitol. Opening Day is always an exciting and meaningful time, bringing legislators together from across Connecticut to recommit ourselves to the work ahead on behalf of the communities we serve. Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to connect with colleagues, attend the formal opening of session, and reflect on the responsibility of representing Southington at the Capitol.

On the House floor, I took a moment to wish Southington native Austin Florian the very best as he prepares to compete on Team USA for the Skeleton event at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Let’s all cheer him on and wish him success as he represents our community and our country on the world stage.
Wishing our Southington Olympian the best of luck ahead of the Games.

During Opening Day, Governor Ned Lamont addressed a joint session of the General Assembly, outlining his agenda and priorities for the upcoming session. I also had the opportunity to meet with fellow members of the Moderate Caucus, as well as the Chairman of the Independent Party of Connecticut, Chip Beckett, as we discussed collaboration and the work ahead. As the session gets underway, I’m looking forward to listening, working across the aisle, and advancing thoughtful solutions that reflect the needs and values of Southington residents.

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

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.

Last Sunday, I had the honor of speaking at the 28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the First Baptist Church of Southington. This year’s theme, public education, gave me the opportunity to share reflections from my 26-year career as a teacher, along with my perspectives on the current state and future of our public schools.
Sharing stories and perspectives on public education
at Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and congratulations to Nanor and Owen (and their families!), recipients of the First Baptist Church’s Martin Luther King Jr. Awards from DePaolo and Kennedy Middle Schools. Their commitment to service and to the Southington community is truly admirable.
 

Flying High, Saving Big

Recently, I had the opportunity to join a bipartisan group of legislators for a tour of Connecticut’s Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD) in Groton. Following a briefing from Major General Evon and his team at the National Guard’s Windsor Locks Readiness Center, we traveled by Black Hawk helicopter to Groton to tour one of just four regional U.S. aviation maintenance centers.

We saw firsthand how the military cost-effectively repairs and sustains aircraft serving a 14-state region. This mission highlights Connecticut’s critical role in our national defense and the highly skilled workforce that supports it.

To learn more about how the 1109th Aviation Repair Depot saves the Army millions by rebuilding helicopters instead of replacing them, while supporting a highly skilled military and civilian workforce in Connecticut, check out the article linked HERE.
 

CyberKnights Advance

I enjoyed joining the CyberKnights at a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics competition last weekend in Vernon. It was exciting to see the CyberSquires, one of our FTC teams, earn a spot in the competition's finals that will take place later this month.

While there, my son Andrew, a member of Team 195, and I had the chance to speak with U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney about high school robotics and the vital role these programs play in preparing young people for careers in manufacturing and other high-demand fields. Best of luck to the CyberKnights as they continue their journey in the FTC competition.
 

Federal Funding to Protect Drinking Water

Last week, U.S. Congressman John Larson announced $3 million in new federal funding to support the Southington Water Department’s construction of a treatment facility to remove harmful PFAS chemicals from Southington’s drinking water. The funding, recently signed into law, builds on $2 million secured in 2024 and will accelerate critical PFAS treatment at Wells 9 and 10.

Last April, I was proud to sign on to a letter of support and advocate for this grant, reinforcing our community’s shared commitment to protecting public health and ensuring residents have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water.
 

Coffee With Chris- See You Tomorrow!

Reminder- I’ll be hosting the next stop on my 2026 Legislative Session Listening Tour tomorrow, Saturday, February 7 from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. I invite you to stop by the Lions Den (57 West Main Street) in Plantsville to ask questions, share your priorities, and join the conversation. I hope you can attend and look forward to a great discussion.
 

Farmland and Open Space Protected

As a champion of open space and Connecticut farms, I recently urged Governor Lamont and his staff to take action to prevent steep property tax increases on farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land that could threaten their preservation. In response, the governor directed the Office of Policy and Management to reinstate the 2020 land use values under Public Act 490, reversing the 2025 assessments.

The governor also announced the formation of a working group with farmers, municipal leaders, and agricultural organizations to develop fair, long-term solutions, helping protect family farms, preserve open space, and sustain Connecticut’s agricultural heritage for future generations.

Click HERE for more details.
 

Veterans Inducted to Hall of Fame

On January 22, fourteen honorees were inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding achievements in public service, community leadership, education, nonprofit work, and advocacy on behalf of fellow veterans.

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established to raise awareness of the lifelong contributions veterans make after completing honorable military service. It is not a military hall of fame; rather, it honors veterans for the meaningful and lasting impact they continue to have on their communities and society.
 
Click HERE for an official press release with information about each of the inductees.
 

From Liberty to Legacy

You're invited to learn about the different perspectives of two hit Broadway shows on the founding of our great country. An expert will break down how the Musicals 1776 and Hamilton portray contrasting visions during revolutionary times.
 
The presentation is called "From Liberty to Legacy: American Ideals in the Musicals 1776 & Hamilton," and it will be held on Wednesday, February 18 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Southington Public Library. Registration is not required. 
 

Bottle Drive

You can start Valentine's Day by giving back to the community! Central CT Kidz Community Service Group is hosting a Bottle Drive for Southington Community Services. Organizers will accept plastic, cans, and glass.

  • Saturday, February 14
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • 91 Norton Street in Planstville

In case of snow, the event will be held Sunday, February 15.
 

Planning of Conservation
& Development Public Event

Reminder- 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
 

Behind The Badge

Reminder- Have you ever wondered what happens behind the badge? The Southington Police Department is now accepting applications for its 10-week Citizens Police Academy, an opportunity for residents to gain an inside look at modern policing in Southington. The program begins on Tuesday, April 7 and offers participants hands-on exposure to a wide range of topics.

The Citizens Police Academy is designed to strengthen community understanding and engagement by providing direct interaction with Southington police officers and staff. Applications are due by Sunday, February 15. Interested residents may apply online by clicking HERE.
 

Blood Drive

Reminder - 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.
 

Winter Coat Drive

Rogers Orchards is encouraging you to participate in its winter coat drive from now through February 28. Organizers ask that you donate a new or gently used coat. Drop off locations:

  • Rogers Orchards: 2976 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike
  • The Bottle Shop at Long View Ciderhouse: 336 Long Bottom Road

Rogers Orchards is proud to partner with Button Up Connecticut to donate the coats to those in need. 
 

Have a Heart

February is American Heart Awareness Month—a reminder that while heart disease is often preventable, it remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. This month, take simple steps to protect your heart and the hearts of those you love, from staying active and managing stress to knowing your numbers and getting CPR certified.
 

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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