Dear Neighbor,
It’s official! Earlier this week, the Governor approved the legislature’s request to provide much-needed relief to Connecticut schools.
I was proud to support this legislation that secures $653,705 in special education funding for Southington. This critical funding will provide immediate relief to help cover excess special education costs, including staffing, programming, and outplacements for students. |
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This funding is part of a bipartisan $40 million state investment to support special education expenses across Connecticut. As Vice-Chair of the Select Committee on Special Education, I recently joined a statewide listening tour, where I heard directly from students, parents, and educators about the urgent need for more funding—not just for the future, but for this year. This funding injection is just one step in a broader commitment to supporting special education. While this immediate relief will help ease financial strain, we must continue working toward long-term, sustainable solutions.
Click HERE to read full press release.
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Support HB 6932: Expanding Accessibility! |
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| This week, I met with members of the Connecticut Association for the Deaf (CAD) and fellow legislators at the Capitol to discuss HB 6932, which would establish a State Interpreting Standards Board to set clear qualifications, improve oversight, and ensure interpreters are certified for specialized settings. |
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| In 2022, after hearing from Southington resident and CAD President Luisa Sobeleski about the lack of resources for Connecticut’s Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing community, we took action—passing legislation to create the Bureau of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing. Since then, an executive director has been hired, and CAD & Hartford HealthCare partnered to expand ASL interpreting services in medical settings. |
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| HB 6932 builds on this progress, and yesterday, key state leaders met to show their support. I’m proud to have collaborated with the Human Services Committee to introduce this bipartisan legislation and to help lead efforts to implement the vital work of the Bureau. |
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| Earlier this week, I was invited to attend the Champions for Public Education Day of Action at the Legislative Office Building. Hosted by the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), teachers and legislators came together to advocate for school funding, improved working conditions for educators, and solutions to the public education workforce shortage, amongst other priorities. As a teacher, I am committed to sharing my classroom experiences with my legislative colleagues in an effort to promote policies that give our students and educators the resources they deserve. |
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| It was informative to attend an event hosted by the Connecticut Auto Retailer Association and had the pleasure of connecting with Southington resident Chuck Dortenzio. It was great to hear his insights and discuss how pending legislation could impact the auto industry’s role in our State’s economy. Events like these are a great opportunity to connect with hardworking individuals who keep Connecticut moving forward. Thanks to Chuck and everyone who took the time to come up to the Capitol and share their insight. |
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| Join me at the O’Shenanigans 5K on Saturday, March 8. While the race is at capacity and registration has closed, residents and friends are invited to come down and cheer on the runners and walkers. You can also support the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) Can Drive to provide nonperishable food donations to benefit Bread for Life. I’ll be welcoming everyone at the start and running the race, hosted by HMF in partnership with Kinsmen Brewing and Sauced. Hope to see you there! |
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Southington Community Services is hosting a bottle drive -- Freezin' for a Reason -- at 91 Norton St. in Plantsville on Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Central CT Kidz Community Service Group organized the event to purchase a new freezer for Community Services. More information on the graphic below. |
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Tis the season of going green.
The Barnes Museum is hosting a St. Patrick's Day celebration -- Emerald City Afternoon Tea -- on Saturday, March 15, from noon to 2 p.m.
Bask in emerald and pink hues while sipping on tea and eating delicious bites during a cozy afternoon at the Barnes Museum. Following tea, visitors will be treated to a guided tour of the museum.
Tickets are $25. For more information, visit here. |
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The Prom Shop, hosted by Southington Community Services, will be open at the Southington Congregational Church, 109 Church St., on March 15, 22 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Patrons are invited to look at a selection of gently used prom dresses, men's suits, jewelry and accessories.
All items are free. |
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Get ready to go green ... food-wise, at least.
The Southington Public Library is getting into the Shamrock Spirit for children ages 4-12, who will learn about green smoothies, green dips and green veggies from the Southington Shoprite Dietician. Samples will be included!
Space is limited, and registration is required, for this free, in-person program taking place from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11.
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| Public Hearings Next Week |
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| Remember to Spring Forward |
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| Sunnier days are ahead! ☀️ |
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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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