Chris Poulos

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives was back in session at the State Capitol.

Please see below for a recap of the session and other noteworthy items. Thanks for taking the time to read it!

State Police Contract Approved

During Wednesday's session, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a new four-year contract for the Connecticut State Police that offers improved wages, benefits and working conditions.

This agreement increases the base pay for trooper trainees and includes a higher rate for existing law enforcement professionals who are hired by the Connecticut State Police and attend the Connecticut Police Academy. Additionally, there is wellness stipend for those who have attained bachelor’s or advanced degrees, and increased funding for college tuition reimbursement to pursue educational opportunities.

I am grateful for the work the men and women of the Connecticut State Police do daily to keep our state safe with integrity, commitment to service, and sacrifice.

Connecticut Teacher of the Year

I was also honored to share with my House colleagues that Carolyn Kielma (Kuhr), a science teacher at Bristol Eastern High School and the Connecticut Teacher of the Year, is one of five finalists for National Teacher of the Year. Carolyn grew up in Southington and is 1994 graduate of Southington High School.

Free Income Tax Preparation Services

Southington Community Services, in partnership with Human Resources Agency (HRA) of New Britain, offers free income tax preparation services to income-eligible families and individuals. This program runs annually from mid-February until the beginning of April. You may be eligible for free tax preparation services including e-file and direct deposit. In order to prepare your taxes, you need to make an appointment. You will need to call HRA at 860-826-2278 and let them know that you are calling to make an appointment to be seen at Southington Community Services. The appointments will be scheduled for Monday mornings. They will let you know if you meet their income guidelines.

AARP Tax Aide also offer assistance by appointment only at Southington Calendar House for individuals or couples.  Appointments will be available on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. beginning February 7 through April 14.  Appointments can be made by calling 860-621-3014.

After making your appointment, you will be instructed to come to the Calendar House to pick up an intake booklet to be completed at home prior to your appointment. The intake booklet must be filled out completely, with no omissions.

CTDOT Holding Virtual Public Hearing on Bridge Project

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning the replacement of Newell Street Bridge over the Quinnipiac River in Southington on February 2 at 7 p.m. 

The meeting will take place on Zoom and registration is required. A Q&A session will immediately follow the presentation. The presentation will be recorded. For instructions detailing how to access the meeting, ways to provide comments, and how to ask questions, please visit portal.ct.gov/DOTSouthington131-208.

Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please submit comments and questions by February 16 to DOT-FLBP@ct.gov and 860-594-2020 or Marc P. Byrnes, Project Manager (860-594-3489). Please reference State Project No. 0131-0208 in the email or voicemail.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2025.