Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for April 2

April 2, 2026

 

Click Here to FOLLOW me on Facebook

Dear Neighbor,

A recent visit to Gulf Shrimp Co. on Atwater Street marked the third stop on my Tour of Southington Businesses. I’m grateful to owners Forrest Bly and Chad Simoneaux for welcoming me and providing an inside look at their operations.

I was pleased that State Representative Kerry Wood, Chair of the Moderate Caucus, and Yvette Tavares, Vice President of Sales and Operations for the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association, joined me on this tour.

During the visit, it was clear that Gulf Shrimp plays a vital role in Connecticut’s hospitality industry, serving as both a retailer here in Southington and wholesaler providing fresh seafood to more than 400 restaurants statewide.

Its success is rooted in the strong trust and relationships built with restaurants and hospitality partners across the region. The industry truly operates as one interconnected economic ecosystem, where collaboration and reliability are essential, and Gulf Shrimp stands out for the way it consistently invests in and strengthen those relationships. I couldn’t have be more impressed with their operation.

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

Listening Tour Continues

The next stop on my Legislative Session Listening Tour will be at The Calendar House on Monday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m. If you live in Southington, I hope you'll join me to share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss the legislation that matters most to you. These conversations are an important part of my work at the Capitol, and I value hearing directly from you.
 
As an added bonus, we'll have coffee and cake to enjoy together. I look forward to seeing you there!
 

Free Tax Preparation Services

Time is running out to file your tax returns before the April 15 deadline, but free, trusted help is available for those who need it.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free, reliable tax preparation services to individuals making less than $69,000 and cannot prepare their own returns. Volunteers are trained to help prepare basic tax returns and help ensure taxpayers claim valuable credits without paying high fees or risking costly mistakes.

The AARP Tax-Aide Program also provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to adults age 60 and older. Many locations offer free electronic filing for both federal and Connecticut returns. You can find a nearby site using the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator.

These programs put real money back into the pockets of hardworking families. I encourage you to use these services because they are safe, trusted, and designed to support the community.
 

Kickball Classic

You're invited to the 2026 CGA Kickball Classic on Monday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m. at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford.

The Democrats are the reigning champions, and we’re ready to take the field and defend our title against our Republican colleagues. 

Please join us! Click here to purchase tickets.
 

Be A Hero

Please consider donating at the Grace Church Blood Drive in honor of Daniela and Matteo, taking place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at the Southington YMCA (29 High Street).

There is an urgent need since the American Red Cross declared a severe national blood shortage toward the start of the year. Daniela, age 13, depends on regular blood transfusions to survive, and your donation can make a real, life-saving difference. Fortunately, Matteo is currently able to be treated with medication and does not need transfusions at this time.

There is no substitute for blood. Please consider signing up and helping neighbors in need.
 

Senior Conference

Senior citizens and their adult children are invited to learn how to navigate the challenges of aging at the Senior Conference & Resource Fair. The free, informative event guides participants by planning ahead, understanding options, and connecting with trustworthy local resources. A free, light lunch is included.

📅 Schedule: Thursday, April 9
🕖 Hours: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
📍 Bonus: free lunch

CLICK HERE to register or call the Calendar House at (860)-621-3014.
 

Hop On Over To The Barnes

Reminder: The Barnes Museum invites the community to explore the grounds in search of colorful Easter eggs filled with candy and small toys. Then, the kids can head inside to meet the Easter Bunny! The event will be held on Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m. It's free to enter, but the museum asks for a $10 donation. CLICK HERE for more information.
 

UConn Final Four 

Many of us will be watching with pride as both UConn's women's and men's basketball teams continue their amazing runs toward a national championship! Incredibly, both teams have advanced to the Final Four and are just two wins away from the ultimate goal.

The UConn women tip off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Phoenix, while the men take the court at 6 p.m. on Saturday in Indianapolis.

It's another remarkable moment for Connecticut. Let's go Huskies!
 

Session Dates

The House is back in session on Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9. Stream it live on Youtube or CT-N.
 

Spring Blessings!

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and joyous Passover, and a very Happy Easter this Sunday. May these holidays bring peace, renewal, and time with loved ones to all in our community.
 

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  
 

Website

Email

Facebook

Copyright © 2026 Connecticut House Democrats, All rights reserved. 
You are receiving this email because you have signed up for email updates or corresponded with State Representative Chris Poulos. 

Our mailing address is: 
 

Connecticut House Democrats

300 Capitol Ave Rm 4000

Hartford, CT 06106-1553


Add us to your address book



Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.