Updates from Rep. Chris Poulos for Feb. 28, 2025

February 28, 2025


 

 

I had the pleasure of visiting the Southington Dog Pound, where I met with dedicated volunteers and Animal Control Officer, Josh Karabin. They walked me through recent renovations, including newly installed kennel doors, and shared their proactive efforts to rehabilitate and prepare animals for adoption.

Their commitment to animal welfare is truly inspiring, and was interested in hearing about their future plans for the facility.

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

St. Luke's in the House!

This week, students from St. Luke Catholic School visited the Capitol to gain firsthand insight into our state government and the legislative process. Rep. Mastrofrancesco and I had the pleasure of meeting them in the House Chamber, sharing our thoughts on public service, and discussing the legislative process. It was great to answer their questions and offer a behind-the-scenes look at democracy in action.

I’m always impressed by our students’ engagement in civic education and their desire to better understand how government works. A big thank you to the teachers, chaperones, and everyone who helped make this visit a success!
 

Thank You For Your Service

This week, the House and Senate advanced tax relief for 100% permanently and totally disabled Veterans. I’m proud to stand with our Vets and grateful for the bipartisan support that my colleagues from both chambers offered for this bill.
 

Roadway Safety Grant For Southington

Many residents have raised concerns about roadway safety in our town and on our highways, requesting increased enforcement. In response, Southington will participate in the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation 2025 High-Risk Rural Roads Speed Enforcement Grant.
 
From March 1 to May 30, the Southington Police Department will step up speed enforcement efforts with increased patrols and a new speed monitoring trailer to enhance road safety. This initiative, funded by the state, aims to reduce speeding and keep our community safer.  Thank you to the Southington Police Department for your hard work to secure and implement this grant.
 
Click HERE to learn more about the initiative.
 

Get Your REAL ID

The Transportation Security Administration issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.
 
Beginning on May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.
 
What is a REAL ID?
 
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.

When will I need a REAL ID? 

  • Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

How do I get a REAL ID? 

  • You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
  • In Connecticut, you'll need:
    • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
    • a Social Security card; and
    • two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
    • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID? 

  • Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

What other forms of ID are acceptable?

  • A U.S. passport.
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them.

For more information, visit the following:
Department of Homeland Security website
CT Department of Motor Vehicles website
CT Information Portal website
 

Southington Reads 2025

Southington Reads 2025, hosted by the Southington Library, will feature national and international bestselling author Juliet Grames at the Aqua Turf Club on Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m.

Grames, a Hartford native and Farmington Valley resident, has a notable career in publishing and serves as editorial director at Soho Press. She holds degrees from Oxford and Columbia College.

Grames is best known for her debut novel, "The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna," which was shortlisted for both the New England Book Award and Connecticut Book Award, and received Italy’s Premio Cetraro.

For more information, visit the library's website here.

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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