Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for April 10

April 10, 2026

 
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Dear Neighbor,

I would like to start by sharing some great news! I am proud to share the House unanimously passed House Bill 5406, The Connecticut Hero Act, and it is now heading to the Senate for consideration.

This legislation strengthens and expands support for Connecticut Veterans in several important ways, including:

  • Establishing a state-run dental care program for eligible veterans
  • Waiving motor vehicle operator license fess
  • Expanding eligibility for state military medals
  • Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to warn veterans about unauthorized "claim sharks"
Advocating for the Veterans Dental Care on the House Floor

A subcommittee of the Southington Veterans Committee played a large role in this proposal, and I was honored to work alongside its members—including my dad, who led the effort in developing the bill, met with committee leadership and Department of Veteran Affairs staff, and testified at the public hearing alongside Rachel Wache and Larry Ireland.

Together, their strong advocacy and leadership were instrumental in bringing the Veterans Dental Care initiative forward. Their work helped elevate this idea from a local priority into a statewide proposal that will benefit veterans across Connecticut.

These updates improve access to critical services, strengthen protections, and ensure greater recognition for the service and sacrifice of our veterans. I look forward to continuing to support this legislative effort as it moves through the Senate and ultimately to the Governor’s desk, where it will be considered for final approval.

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

Gulf Shrimp Recap

I am sharing new video highlighting my recent visit to Gulf Shrimp Co. on Atwater Street in Plantsville. Please take a look at this quick recap, highlighting the company’s impressive retail and wholesale operation and the important role it plays in supporting Connecticut’s hospitality industry.
 

Early Childhood Advocacy Day

This week, I attended Connecticut Early Childhood Advocacy Day at the State Capitol to support key legislative priorities aimed at strengthening early childhood funding and expanding initiatives that serve young children and families. At the event, I connected with Joanne Kelleher of the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington and many other dedicated advocates to learn about their ongoing efforts and show my support for their work.

The day provided a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from parents, providers, and community leaders, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to investing in early care and education because when we support our youngest learners, we strengthen families, communities, and our state’s future.
 

Never Forget

This week, I stood alongside the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee at the unveiling of a new POW/MIA plaque, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of America’s Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action. The plaque serves as a powerful reminder of the commitment we share to never forget those who served and were never returned home.

The unveiling took place on Thursday, coinciding with National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day, at the Veterans Display in the concourse connecting the Legislative Office Building and the Capitol.
 

DOT Pavement Marking

Drivers should plan for nighttime delays for roadwork on I-84 East from Exit 30 to 34 in Southington. 

The work includes:

  • Cutting small grooves into the road and installing rumble strips along the center line (so drivers feel and hear a vibration if they drift out of their lane)
  • Repainting lane lines and shoulder lines with long-lasting reflective paint (epoxy markings) to make them more visible, especially at night and in bad weather

📅 Schedule: Sunday, April 12 through Friday, November 6
🕖 Hours: 8 p.m. - 5 a.m., Sunday through Friday
📍 Impacts: Sign patterns, cones, and traffic personnel guiding drivers

Drivers are encouraged to use caution in the work zone and allow extra travel time during these hours.
 

Listening Tour Continues

All Southington Veterans and their families are invited to attend my annual Veteran Coffee Hour and Resource Discussion. In collaboration with the Southington Veterans Committee, I will host the event at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17 at the Southington Calendar House.

Special guests Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, Veterans Committee Co-Chair State Rep. Jaime Foster, and Sen. Paul Honig will join me to share information about local resources and programs and to answer your questions.

Before that, I welcome you to meet me at the next stop on my Legislative Session Listening Tour on Monday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the Calendar House. If you live in Southington, I hope you'll 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 at these events!
 

Kickball Classic

Reminder - 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.
 

Fishing Derby

It’s that time of year! Join the annual Fishing Derby from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 held in honor of Garrett L. Van Epps. All proceeds will benefit a Southington High School senior pursuing further education in a trade field, following in Garrett’s footsteps.

It costs $10 per fisherman or $25 for a family of three or more to participate in the festivities at YMCA Camp Sloper (1000 East Street). The registration fee includes lunch, multiple raffles, plenty of laughter, and of course—Garrett’s favorite pastime, fishing. Please remember to bring your own fishing gear and bait.

Please read the graphic below for registration and payment information.
 

History and Pints

Get ready for an evening of local history and learn how everyday spaces fostered debate, spread ideas, and connected Southington to the broader story of our independence.

History Pints: Asa Barnes & Revolutionary Southington explores the life of Asa Barnes, a tavern keeper in Revolutionary-era Southington, and how taverns, homes, and local networks helped shape community life and the American Revolution.

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at Clark Hall within Kinsmen Brewing (409 Canal Street). Admission is free with a suggested $10 donation at the door. This is a 21+ event; ID is required for alcohol service.
 

Manufacturing Day at the Capitol

I hope you will join me at the Manufacturer ConneCTion Fair, an event bringing together students and manufacturers for a hands-on, engaging introduction to modern manufacturing careers. The free event kicks off at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 23 at the State Capitol.

Students from Connecticut’s middle schools, high schools, and technical high schools will explore interactive exhibits run by local manufacturers. Past activities have included virtual welding simulators, robotics demonstrations, and other immersive experiences designed to showcase today’s high-tech manufacturing and engineering careers—many of which offer starting salaries of $65,000 or more with no college debt.

Interested in more information? Contact Mikaela at mikaela.shea@cga.ct.gov.
 

Operation Stay Warm

Reminder- Southington Public Schools and Southington Community Services are sponsoring Operation Stay Warm. This program distributed more than 850 winter coats and accessories to the Southington community last year. Please consider donating new or gently used winter coats and accessories in both adult and children's sizes. 

Southington Community Services will continue to collect and distribute winter coats to those in need at 91 Norton Street in Plantsville during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
 

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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