| The legislative session is underway. This week at the Capitol I spent my time in committee meetings, developing and introducing bills, collaborating with colleagues, and consulting with advocates and state agencies on how we might work together to move our priorities forward.
As the bills I introduce and co-sponsor are processed over the course of the session, you can view them and check on their progress by visiting the legislation page of my website.
Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to testify at a public hearing. |
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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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| On Monday, January 20, in partnership with Southington Community Services, I will be hosting a MLK Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The event will run from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please contact me by replying to this email if you are interested in volunteering at the event. |
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| In Southington, the First Baptist Church, 581 Meriden Ave., will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. observance on Sunday, Jan. 26, during the 10 a.m. service. Connecticut’s Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas will be the guest speaker and two middle school students will be recognized for their excellence. |
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| As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let's take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of a leader whose vision of justice, equality, and nonviolent resistance transformed our nation and inspired the world. Dr. King's unwavering commitment to civil rights reminds us of the power of courage, compassion, and collective action to create meaningful change.
If you are unable to join me at Monday’s Day of Service event or attend the observance at First Baptist Church, I encourage you to find your own ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Let us all strive to bring awareness to the importance of active citizenship in improving our communities. |
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Select Committee
on Special Education Convenes |
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| This week an organizational meeting of the Select Committee on Special Education was held. In my role as Vice-Chair of this committee, I am working closely with Committee Chair Rep. Maryam Khan (Hartford, South Windsor, and Windsor), committee members, and legislative staff to plan the agenda for our work. |
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| As a teacher, I am eager to bring my classroom experience and perspective to the policy table to help municipalities in their efforts to improve outcomes for all children. |
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| This week I introduced a bill that would allocate state funds to repair and expand the Veterans Memorial on the Southington Town Green.
The town of Southington Veterans Committee has been working to update the existing monument since 2019. The current plaques on the monument have numerous misspellings and omissions of names.
My proposal also includes adding the names of the Iraq, Afghanistan and Global War on Terror Veterans. Learn more by clicking here. |
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| On February 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 February 15. Details to follow. |
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I want to make sure all of you stay safe and informed! A new scam is circulating where fraudsters are sending text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll and asking for payment. Please DO NOT click any links or provide any personal information.
Here are some tips from the FBI:
⚠️If you receive one of these messages, file a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov. Include where the number of the originating text came from, and the website from which the number was generated.
⚠️Delete any scam texts received.
⚠️If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
⚠️Always verify any toll-related charges directly through official state websites or customer service.
Stay vigilant and share this message with your friends and family to help protect our community! |
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| Attention 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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| Celebrate the new release in the wildly popular Dog Man series, "Big Jim Begins," as well as the new "Dog Man" movie at the Southington Library on Saturday, Jan.18, from 2 to 4 p.m. Make something in Petey's Secret Lab, complete the Dog Man Police Academy Obstacle Course or test your knowledge of Dog Man trivia.
Registration is required; click here for more details. |
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| The Southington Library and EmpowerSTEM invite children ages 7 – 12 to design and test race cars Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m. The Ferrari F1 team had a terrible season this year. The problems with the team were attributed to the poor design of the car. The biggest design flaw was that the car was not aerodynamic and due to that the car did not go very fast.
The program may last up to two hours, and adults must remain in the library while children participate. Registration is required; click here for more details. |
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| Books and Brews, on Monday, Jan. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., is a casual book discussion group for adults. Instead of "assigned reading," you are welcome to share whatever you've been reading and bring a book or two to swap. You're guaranteed to leave with a long to-be-read (TBR) list!
ADULTS 21+ ONLY. Event is held at Kinsmen Brewing, 409 Canal Street, Milldale.
Registration is requested; click here for more details |
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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!
Chris Poulos
State Representative |
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