Chris Poulos

I attended the annual trade show for the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) on Thursday at the Aqua Turf, where more than 100 vendors showcased the latest in law enforcement technology, vehicles, communication equipment, publications and much more. 

Of particular interest, Southington Deputy Chief William Palmieri, Alex Riccardone, Town of Southington Corporate Council, and I learned about state-of-the-art technology that would help to address auto thefts and inquired on potential funding grants.

There were also presentations from Chief State's Attorney Patrick Griffin and Dr. Mark Kirschner. Many thanks to CPCA for the invite!

We are more than halfway through the regular session, and this is the time of year when legislative activity picks up in the Connecticut General Assembly.
 
After weeks of holding public hearings, the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee and Appropriations Committee approved their budget proposals (Appropriations handles the spending side and Finance handles the revenue side). 
 
Over the next several weeks, I will join my fellow legislators in working with the Governor and his staff to craft the final budget agreement. The budget bill will then appear before the House and Senate for consideration. After being passed by both chambers, the legislature's final budget must then be signed into law by the governor before the end of the fiscal year, June 30.
 
Take a look at the graphic below for a glimpse of the budget process timeline.

I will keep you posted as we bring the budget bill to the floor to be debated and voted on in the coming weeks. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns about issues pertaining to the budget or its process. 

How are you celebrating Celebrate Trails Day on Saturday? Here in Connecticut, there are lots of options! Check them out at bit.ly/3AfYscP.

Members of the Connecticut General Assembly, Democrats and Republicans alike, are coming together outside of their offices and chambers, in the spirit of bipartisanship, for some fun and good causes.

The second annual CGA Kickball Classic is set for Monday, May 1 at 4:30 p.m. (gates open at 3:30) at Dunkin' Park in Hartford, home of the Yard Goats. 

The admission price is $10, and proceeds will go to two great causes: the Q Fund at the Middlesex County Community Foundation, in memory of State Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, who tragically died in a car crash at the start of the 2023 legislative session; and the Sarah Foundation, in memory of former State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda. 

We welcome the public to cheer on your favorite team and support two great causes, as we honor two great legislators who left us far too soon. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to CT Foodshare, too.

To purchase tickets online, click HERE (there is a $2.25 fee for online purchases), or purchase at the gate. 

To learn more about the Q Fund at the Middlesex County Community Foundation, click HERE.

To learn more about the Sarah Foundation, click HERE.

The 19th annual Touch-A-Truck event, co-sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72 and the Town of Southington Recreation Department, takes place at the Southington Drive-In on May 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  Admission fee is $4 per child; accompanying adults enter for free.

Please contact Tracy at tracy.garrigus@comcast.net if you are interested in participating with your vehicle(s).