Chris Poulos

This week we had an excellent turn out for my Veteran’s Coffee Hour and Legislative Q & A at the Calendar House. It was a privilege to partner with the Southington Veterans Committee and Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) to offer our residents an update on the legislation impacting Veterans and the share information about the state resources and benefits available to those who have served. Special thanks to Councilor Val DePaolo for attending on behalf of the Town Council and to Paul Spedaliere, State Veterans Services Supervisor, who stayed after the meeting to make sure every question from every Veteran in attendance was answered.

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

This week I attended the Southington Public Library's Artist of the Month event, at which local artist Donna Broulliard’s work was featured. Donna personally walked me through her exhibit and explained the significance of the featured collection, and afterwards I presented her with an official State citation honoring her achievements. Special thanks to the library staff for hosting the event, along with Southington Community Cultural Arts (SoCCA) and the Arc of Southington for supporting Donna’s passion for the arts.

Many Southington residents and other advocates came to Hartford this week to share their legislative priorities and positions on proposed bills. It was great to see my “Friends in Red” from CEA and the AARP and meet with neighbor Jim McCorkle in between votes on Wednesday and Thursday while we were in session. Thank you all for your engagement in the legislative process!

It was an honor to be invited to the annual CT Police Chiefs Association Spring Expo this week. At the event, I met with Chief Jack Daly and we discussed current public safety legislation that is under consideration in the General Assembly. I also had the opportunity to catch up with resident Dan Laporte who was showcasing the VIF software that the Southington Police Department is using to better assist our town’s disabled residents. The Expo proved to be a very education experience.

What a pleasure to spend a night out this week at the Italian-American Legislative Caucus Dinner (my mother’s family that came from Pescara and Naples qualifies me for membership in this Caucus)!  It was great to enjoy a tremendous meal and good times with fellow legislators and friends at the Italian Society’s Sons of Italy Hall in Middletown … all for the good cause of promoting Italian culture through education.

The Third Annual CGA Kickball Classic was held Monday at Dunkin' Park in Hartford and together Democrats and Republicans raised $1,500, which will be split between The Pink Fund and The Earl E. Exum Memorial Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

It was awesome to welcome and congratulate the UConn Men’s Basketball Team in the House Chamber this week. I am happy to report that following their visit, there was a unanimous, bipartisan vote in favor of a three-peat next year!

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, street takeovers have become a national issue, including here in Connecticut. This cannot become the new normal. These takeovers by the illegal use of all-terrain and other types of vehicles, pose a significant threat to public safety, endangering participants, innocent bystanders, and law enforcement officials.
 
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives took bipartisan and unanimous action to help cities and towns regain control of their streets as we voted 148-0 to pass HB 5413 to control takeovers, which have proven to be a concern for many of our residents.

I am glad my bipartisan vote provides additional tools and increased penalties to cities and towns to help deter street takeovers. The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

Work zones are temporary, but actions behind the wheel can last forever. This Work Zone Awareness Week, let’s ensure the safety of our dedicated crews. Below in the graphic are some important reminders.

Monday is Passover. Chag Pesach sameach!