Updates from State Rep. Chris Poulos - June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023
The House of Representatives is racing toward its June 7 adjournment. 

Please check out my recap of the busy week at the State Capitol along with other noteworthy items, and thanks for taking the time to read them!

 

Support Services for IDD Individuals Approved by the House

We are delivering on key legislative priorities this session by addressing specific concerns affecting our Intellectually, Developmentally Disabled (IDD) population, which has been lacking adequate funding and services for far too long.

HB 5001 is a comprehensive multi-year measure that expands vital services to these vulnerable individuals, so that their most basic needs are properly met. This new bill complements the children's mental health legislation that became law last year.
 
Key provisions in this wide-ranging bill, which reflect strong bipartisan efforts, include the reduction of waitlists and updating a decades-old approach to serving this community.

 

In addition, this bill establishes a solid framework to address:

  • Housing Needs
  • Educational and Transitional Services
  • Transportation
  • Day Programming
  • Career and Job Coaching
  • Life Skills Training
  • Behavioral Service

It is my goal to continue working on finding solutions that not only bring a level of relief and peace of mind to guardians and family caregivers, but to the individuals who are developmentally challenged to help them reach their best potential.

 

Voting and the Importance of Local Elections
I was happy to join the Southington Robotics Team for an event on the importance of voting in your local elections and what your legislator can do for you!

Civics engagement is important to impress on our young people and I am proud to play a part in perpetuating it.

Please check out two videos from the event, as well as some pictures, below:

Presentation: youtu.be/QJWmbnIG8OQ
Cyberknights: youtu.be/uJmC9DskCko
 

 

Resources for Veterans

Tuesday there was a press conference to honor our military service members and veterans followed by a veterans and military resource fair with over a dozen organizations, including the Department of Veterans' Affairs, Hartford Healthcare, and the Department of Labor.

As a member of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, part of my job is providing those who served our country the resources they need to properly integrate back into civilian life. Our veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting us, and this resource fair was one way of showing our gratitude for their tremendous sacrifice and service.

The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee passed a number of critical bills out of committee this sesson, including:

  • HB 5049: An Act Exempting From Licensing Requirements Certain Child Care Services for Children of Members of the United States Military 
  • HB 5510: An Act Including the United States Space Force in References to the United States Armed Forces 
  • SB 634: An Act Concerning Municipal Veterans Services 
  • SB 638: An Act Concerning a Fee Waiver at Public Institutions of Higher Education for Certain Veterans and Members of the National Guard 
  • SB 642: An Act Establishing a Working Group to Address Concerns Regarding the Upkeep of Veterans' Graves 
  • SB 1131: An Act Concerning Veterans' Specialty License Plates and Driver's Licenses for Certain Former Armed Forces Reservists

 

Honoring an Educator

I was proud to honor Kristen Record, a physics teacher at Bunnell High School in Stratford and Connecticut’s 2011 Teacher of the Year, on the floor of the House this week for her recent induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.
 
The National Teachers Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding educators whose commitment to excellence enhances the public’s awareness of the vital role educators play in today’s society. Record, a teacher for 23 years, is one of only five educators selected for induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame class of 2023, the 31st class inducted into the program. Since the inaugural induction ceremonies in 1992, 150 educators have been inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, including myself in 2022.

 

Rabies Clinic

A Rabies clinic will be held June 10 from 2-4 p.m. at the Southington Dog Pound on 646 Woodruff Street.
 
Shots are $20 (cash only). Anyone interested in a three-year shot must bring last vaccination record for their pet. Dogs must be on a leash and cats in a carrier. Pet owners are asked to remain in their vehicle until prompted for their turn. Town Clerk staff will be on site to issue dog licenses as well. Cash or check made out to Town of Southington (no credit cards) will be accepted for licensing.

For questions, please contact the Town Clerk's office at (860) 276-6211.