Chris Poulos

Connecticut Ag Day at the State Capitol was a delight this week, especially because it offered some time for a visit with Southington’s Agriculture Science students and their teacher, Patrick O’Keefe. It was great to hear about their interests and the premier Ag Sci program that we proudly host at Southington High School.

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

This week I was proud to vote for SB 430, which would authorize funding to be used by Connecticut State Colleges and Universities to establish an advanced manufacturing apprenticeship and community robotics center at Tunxis Community College in conjunction with local manufacturers.

As an educator, parent, and longtime supporter of CyberKnights - Team 195, I have seen the first-hand benefits of Southington’s robotics program. Robotics is a critical component to fostering interest and aptitudes in the STEM fields. In the video below, I share these sentiments with the Commerce Committee before a unanimous vote to move the bill forward.

I look forward to welcoming Southington robotics students to the annual Manufacturing Fair next week at the State Capitol.

It was a pleasure to meet with Southington teachers this week for an Education Legislation Q&A. At the meeting, we discussed legislative highlights from last session and priorities for the current session. Hearing from teachers about their successes and challenges in the classroom is critical input that informs my advocacy efforts on their behalf.

Great news! The Aging Committee approved HB 5001, an omnibus bill that I co-sponored, which will provide further support to our seniors. 

This proposal is a priority for the House Democrats, and I am thrilled it is progressing through the legislative process. 

Issues impacting seniors are often ignored. Our elderly residents need support and access to resources that will provide them with the best quality of life possible. HB 5001 does this by: 

• Requiring additional training of home care workers 
• Creating a more efficient process for accessing Medicaid
• Expanding the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Click here to read an article that explores additional details of the bill. 

Our aging population faces a growing list of challenges that are not isolated incidents. As our society gets older, these issues will only become more pronounced. HB 5001 not only acknowledges these complexities but also paves the way for crucial improvements. This legislation will ensure that our seniors can age gracefully. Next stop, the House Floor!

Beautiful views, live music, auction, and more at Long View Ciderhouse for the Southington Education Foundation’s (SEF) inaugural Cider & Wine Tasting event! Join me in supporting the SEF on May 8 for cider, light bites, music, conversation, and maybe even catch the sunset.

Back in action! The House of Representatives will be in session Monday at noon.

Watch live: CT-N.com

Stay up to date: housedems.ct.gov

Calendar of events: cga.ct.gov

Sending all my support to the men's and women's UConn basketball teams as they hit the court this weekend. Show ‘em how CT does it! #HuskyNation