Dear Neighbor,
This summer, I set a goal to meet as many of you as possible right at your doorsteps. Over the past few months, I’ve visited more than 1,000 homes and attended numerous local events across the 81st District—listening, learning, and taking notes on the issues that matter most to you. These conversations have been candid, thoughtful, and often inspiring. |
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| Many of you shared concerns about the rising cost of living, especially when it comes to energy, housing, and healthcare. Others spoke about the importance of maintaining strong public schools, protecting the character of our neighborhoods as Southington grows, and investing in infrastructure—roads and public spaces that keep our community safe and accessible. |
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Your feedback isn’t just meaningful—it’s actionable. The insights you’ve shared will guide my priorities in the year ahead, ensuring that I bring your voices directly to the Capitol. My role as your State Representative is to be a bridge between the community and the decisions made in Hartford, and there’s no better way to do that than by hearing from you face-to-face.
I’m grateful for every conversation, every story, and every suggestion. These visits have reminded me why I do this work—and they’ve made me even more determined to deliver results for Southington.
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Fresh Finds on the Town Green |
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I enjoyed stopping by the Southington Farmers Market on the Town Green today and spending time with our wonderful local vendors. It was great to catch up with familiar faces, meet new friends, and take in the welcoming atmosphere.
I’m especially looking forward to the fresh native strawberries from T&D Growers and the honey from the Southington Honey Company, whose proceeds support Bread for Life. |
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Having the Farmers Market right in the heart of Southington is a gift—after picking up fresh, local treats, you can stroll to nearby businesses and continue supporting the fabric of our community.
The Southington Farmers Market runs every Friday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. through September 26. I hope you get a chance to stop by and experience it for yourself! |
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| I-84 Eastbound Milling and Paving |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin a milling and paving project on I-84 eastbound between Exits 30 and 35 in Southington and Plainville starting Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Work will take place nightly, Sunday through Friday, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., and is expected to be completed by Friday, September 26, 2025. Drivers should expect lane and ramp closures, with traffic control personnel and signs guiding vehicles through the work zone.
Schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions. Drivers are reminded to drive with caution and observe posted speeds in the work area. No work will be performed during holiday periods. |
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| New Law Strengthens Consumer Protections |
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Last legislative session, I was proud to support Public Act 25-44, a new state law that strengthens consumer protection by promoting transparent pricing, enhancing data security, and expanding consumer rights.
Key provisions of the law include:
- Transparent Pricing: Businesses must now advertise goods and services with all fees and charges included in the listed price (excluding taxes), helping consumers avoid hidden costs.
- Device Privacy and Security: Manufacturers of certain internet-connected devices must disclose if a product includes a camera or microphone, and take reasonable measures to protect any personal information collected.
- Right to Repair: Electronics and appliance manufacturers are now required to provide access to repair manuals, tools, and parts on fair terms, empowering consumers to fix their own devices.
- Municipal Website Standards: All Connecticut municipalities must transition to a “.gov” domain by July 1, 2027, to ensure secure and standardized online access.
- Stronger Price Gouging Protections: The law expands price gouging rules during emergencies to include wholesale, rental, and lease transactions—not just retail consumer sales.
- Subscription Transparency: Companies offering auto-renewing services must send annual renewal reminders and make cancellation easier through websites, email, or phone.
- Clear Rental Pricing: Landlords must disclose all periodic fees and costs upfront when advertising a rental unit.
These changes, taking effect on various dates, aim to give consumers more control, clearer information, and added protections in an increasingly digital and complex marketplace.
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Supporting patients is—and will always be—a top priority for me. Earlier this summer, Governor Lamont signed legislation I supported that puts patients first and holds insurance companies accountable.
✔️ Capping excessive premium hikes – The Connecticut Insurance Department can now limit rate increases for insurers with a history of unjustified cost hikes.
✔️ Enforcing mental health parity—with real consequences – Insurers must treat mental health the same as physical health. Those who don’t comply can face fines up to $625,000 and must publicly report their performance.
✔️ Ending harmful “step therapy” delays – Patients with MS, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression will no longer be forced to try cheaper medications first while their health deteriorates, and trial periods are reduced from 60 to 30 days. |
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| On August 22, Read to Grow will distribute free books at two Bookmobile stops in Southington, in partnership with the Early Childhood Collective of Southington. The first stop will be the Margaret Griffin Child Development Center (lower parking lot off Eden Avenue behind Derynoski Elementary School) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The second stop will be the Southington Farmers Market (Southington Town Green) from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Families are invited to either location to stop by and pick out a free book. |
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Donate blood to help save lives and vote for your favorite department! On Saturday, August 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Southington Police and Fire Departments will face off in the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 1071 South Main Street in Plantsville.
Donors receive free A1C testing, a $15 e-Gift Card, and a commemorative t-shirt. Bring your kids to see police and fire vehicles, enjoy giveaways, and meet local heroes.
Schedule your appointment by scanning the QR code below, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or visiting redcrossblood.org with Sponsor Code SouthingtonBOB. Hope you can make it! |
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| School Supply Donation Drive Reminder |
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Reminder - Join friends and neighbors of the Southington community on the Town Green in their efforts to collect school supplies at EV's Backflips for Backpacks tomorrow, Saturday, August 16, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
This is a community initiative spearheaded by Evelyn Rose, a young state gymnastics champion. The event is dedicated to students in need in Southington. Organizers will donate all materials to Southington Community Services. |
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| The summer is not over yet. CLICK HERE for a list of things 37 things to do in Connecticut during the remaining days of August. |
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| Find more activities HERE on the August 2025 Event Calendar. |
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| As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Chris.Poulos@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates! |
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Sincerely,
Chris Poulos
State Representative |
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