Chris Poulos

IOREBTA Program funds annually support appraisal gap financing for first-time homebuyers, development of affordable housing projects, counseling for low- and moderate-income homebuyers, and second mortgage down payment assistance when the Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Loan was suspended. The IOREBTA Program has also funded the purchase of mortgages from Connecticut chapters of Habitat for Humanity and other housing subsidies. This year's grant awards include help for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and Veterans' housing, low-income and affordable housing and homelessness assistance and prevention programs.  

This grant will help furnish new apartments and existing group homes in Southington and nearby communities for members of the IDD community and will be equipped with the latest assistive technology to allow the residents to live as independently as possible. It will also help to purchase a large industrial refrigerator for a future complex where a supply of food can be stored for those who have specialized diets, food consistencies, or food restrictions. 

I appreciate the recognition by Rep. Geoff Luxenberg, Co-Chair of the Housing Committee and the Housing Advisory Panel, of the hard work The Arc of Southington, led by CEO Tricia Gibney (pictured with me below) and her staff, puts forth for the IDD community. The Arc is a wonderful asset to our town, and I am so happy to support their dedicated efforts through my advocacy for this grant funding.

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

It was a blast to serve at our 24th Annual Leading Ladies luncheon at the Aqua Turf Club. Each year women who have made significant contributions to make Southington a better place to live and work gather for lunch and friendship. All tips earned by the servers during the luncheon are donated to the Leading Ladies Immediate Response Fund that supports programs that benefit women and girls in Southington. It was a great honor to be invited and support this great group of women and their important cause. 

This week I had the great honor of attending the Southington Rotary Club’s 75th anniversary celebration, at which we honored Donna Ayer, Missy Cipriano, Janet Mellon, Dawn Miceli, and Rachel Wache for their incredible service to the Southington Community. The Southington Rotary also surprised Kelly Leppard, Jim Earl, Wayne Stearns, and Rebecca Terricciano with Paul Harris Fellow Awards. What an excellent evening celebrating Southington’s Finest!

I am pleased this week to share the State of Connecticut has allocated $2,986,773 in Special Transportation Funding for resurfacing bridges, ramp redesign, and safety improvements to I-691. I’ve received a number of constituent inquiries regarding this project and have personally driven over the white patches throughout the I-691 construction zone over the past two years. With this funding, we can all look forward to the completion of this project. 

Last Sunday, I was blown away by the Blue Knights Marching Band at their 30th annual Music of the Knight competition. I was delighted to attend, and it was an honor to present an official state citation recognizing the BKMB’s three decades of hosting the event, their eight state titles, and numerous other awards. 

This week, I attended the Southington Town Council meeting with Sen. Rob Sampson and Representatives Francis Rexford Cooley and Donna Veach to congratulate Councilors Victoria Triano and Tom Lombardi for their many years of service and contributions.  At their last meeting, the Southington legislative delegation was proud to honor them with official state citations. Thank you, Victoria and Tom, for your service to Southington.