| On Wednesday, I attended a press conference of the bipartisan Feeding CT Caucus, highlighting Connecticut Foodshare’s vital work in feeding our neighbors.
Despite their incredible efforts, many in our state still face food insecurity.
I’m proud to support this effort through my co-sponsorship of HB 5831, which would increase funding for the Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program. |
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| This investment will provide more meals, support local food pantries, and strengthen our local food system—including organizations like Bread For Life and Southington Community Services. Connecticut can do better and I am ready to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure no one goes hungry in our town and state. |
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| Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Retired Teachers Gathering |
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| On Wednesday, I attended a gathering hosted by the Association of Retired Teachers of CT (ARTC). I met with members to learn about their legislative priorities, in particular the high cost of insurance for retirees. |
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| As an educator, and the son and nephew of retired Southington teachers, I can relate to many of their issues and concerns. I look forward to ongoing conversations with constituents and advocates about how we can make retirement more affordable, not just for teachers, but all Connecticut retirees. |
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| Congratulations to Southington Students |
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| Congratulations to 8th graders Ekam Singh (Kennedy MS) and Vaidehi Patel (DePaolo MS), this year's recipients of the First Baptist Church's Martin Luther King Jr award. |
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| From left to right: Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Vaidehi Patel, Pastor Sharon Holt, Ekam Singh and State Rep. Poulos. |
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| Both students have made impressive contributions that reflect a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to making the world a better place, much like the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
A special thank you to Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas for joining the event to personally recognize our students. |
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| Expanding Survivors Benefits |
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| We had an important vote on Tuesday, with the expansion of benefits to the families of state employees killed in the line-of-duty.
This legislation, which passed unanimously, was inspired by the tragic deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. |
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| The change ratified by the legislature means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.
Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty. |
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| Car Insurance Discounts for CT Residents |
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| State law provides that people over 60 years old are eligible for a discount on their car insurance upon the completion of a DMV-approved accident prevention course.
For more information, please see the graphic and also click on the links provided below. |
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Those interested in an approved course should contact one of the following course providers for details:
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| On Feb. 9 from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m., I will host the kick off my 2025 Legislative Session Listening Tour at the Lions Den Coffee Shop in Plantsville. State Rep. Rebecca Martinez (Southington, Plainville, Farmington) will join me on this first stop.
I hope you can attend and look forward to the conversation! |
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| This event is the first in a series of Legislative Q&A Sessions that I will hold throughout the course of the legislative session. The next tour stop will be on Feb. 15. Details to follow. |
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| Medicaid Reimbursement Increase Proposal |
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| On Tuesday, House and Senate Democratic leaders announced a legislative proposal to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers.
A recent state Medicaid Rate Study found that Connecticut lags well behind peer states when paying providers under Connecticut’s Medicaid program.
Many areas of care are currently reimbursed at the same levels they were in 2007.
One goal is to have providers brought up to a 75% to 80% reimbursement rate. Another goal is to create a system of automatic increases so issues like this don't keep recurring. |
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| Updating the State Water Plan |
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| On Wednesday, lawmakers discussed a new bill that would update key aspects of the state's Water Plan, including water conservation and water quality control.
A highlight of the discussion was a new focus on the quality, not just quantity, of water in our state.
Updating the Water Plan is important to Southington and the state, and also has urgent support across our reservoir towns. |
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The Friends of Southington Community Services is hosting "Shop 'Til You Drop," on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 75 Center St., Southington.
The shopping benefit, which takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. will offer a variety of items, including designer luxury bags, mid-range bags, furs, collectibles, and jewelry.
Proceeds benefit the Southington Food Pantry, which provides meals and food for those in need in town.
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| Dementia Friendly Southington |
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| LiveWell is hosting a screening of the film "Human Forever," with a community discussion to follow on Monday, Feb. 10, from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m.
The event takes place at the Resilient Living Center on the LiveWell campus, 1261 S. Main. St., in Plantsville.
"Human Forever" is a documentary on how how dementia is dealt with in other countries.
RSVP at livewell.org/humanforever or call 860-628-9000. |
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| Reminder for Chocolate Lovers! |
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| If you a have a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Festival at American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72 (64 Main St.) may be up your alley.
The event, which takes place on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature the second annual baking contest (for three different age groups: 7 to 15, 16 to 64 and seniors 65+), as well as home-baked goods, handmade candies and raffle baskets.
Registration is required for the baking contest, with judging that starts at noon.
For more information, contact Eileen at 203-621-4258 or edandrea72@yahoo.com, or Terri at 860-620-2525 or tpetito@snet.net, with the subject "Baking". |
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| 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! |
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