| This week, I was thrilled to welcome students from Southington’s middle schools to the State Capitol for the 8th Annual Manufacturer ConneCTion Fair. We began the day with a brief meet-and-greet at the Legislative Office Building before heading to the Capitol, where I had the honor of introducing them to my colleagues on the House floor. A special highlight for me was giving a shout-out to my son, Andrew, in the House Chamber. |
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| After leaving the House Chamber, Southington students joined hundreds of their peers from across Connecticut for this dynamic event, which transformed the Capitol’s first floor into a hands-on, high-energy showcase of innovation and career opportunity in modern manufacturing. Students from middle schools, high schools, and technical high schools explored interactive exhibits featuring virtual welding simulators, robotics, and advanced engineering displays. |
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| The fair provided an up-close look at the fast-growing field of advanced manufacturing — an industry offering high-paying careers with little to no college debt. One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the opportunity for students and manufacturers to connect directly. Southington’s students and educators did a fantastic job representing our community and embraced the chance to engage with industry leaders and local businesses. |
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| This annual tradition continues to demonstrate how public policy, education, and industry can come together to build a stronger workforce for the future. As a legislator, I remain committed to strengthening partnerships between our schools and local manufacturers to ensure that even more students will have access to opportunities like this in the years ahead. |
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| Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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Today, I had the privilege of joining residents and staff at The Summit at Plantsville for a special breakfast in honor of National Nursing Home Week. It was a meaningful opportunity to thank the dedicated caregivers and connect with the residents who make this facility such a vital part of our community.
The compassion and commitment of the staff at The Summit are truly inspiring. I’m grateful for the warm welcome and proud to support the incredible work being done every day to care for our loved ones.
Thank you to Barbara Blau and the entire team for inviting me to be part of this celebration. |
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| The 4th Annual Kickball Classic at Dunkin' Park was a home run in every sense. Shout outs go to legislators from both sides of the aisle who played, the fans and supporters that cheered, and everyone who donated to Connecticut Foodshare. |
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| While victory was sweet, nothing is sweeter than coming together to help our neighbors in need. |
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| This week, I attended Nonprofit Advocacy Day at the Capitol with other members of the Southington delegation and met with Patricia Gibney, CEO of the ARC of Southington. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from our nonprofit leaders about the essential services they provide and the challenges they face. |
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As a longtime advocate for Connecticut’s nonprofits, I’ve consistently pushed for increased funding within available resources. In 2023, I supported raising the Governor’s proposed 1% budget increase to 3%, and in 2024, I backed allocating $50 million in ARPA funds to organizations that deliver critical services.
I also helped secure a $20,000 housing grant for the ARC of Southington last year and continue to seek additional funding opportunities. I remain fully committed to advocating for ARC and all nonprofits that serve our community with care, compassion, and dedication. |
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This week, the House passed HB 7009, a comprehensive education bill that supports student civic engagement, reforms school safety drills, and strengthens protections for student well-being.
The bill establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which will recognize graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional civic knowledge and involvement — both in the classroom and through community service or leadership activities. At a time when civic participation is declining nationally, this effort aims to inspire a new generation of informed, engaged citizens.
HB 7009 also improves school crisis response drills by setting new standards that better prepare students and staff during school emergencies.
Additional measures in the bill include limiting the use of smart devices in schools, addressing antisemitism through education and awareness efforts, allowing school districts more flexibility in determining early kindergarten enrollment, raising the standard for suspending young students, and requiring same-day notification to parents when restraint or seclusion is used.
As an educator, I was proud to vote in favor of HB 7009 — legislation that encourages engagement, protects students, and reflects our shared commitment to a safer, more inclusive learning environment. |
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| Putting Kids Before Clicks |
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| The House of Representatives passed HB 6857 on Wednesday which will protect our kids from data harvesting and predatory advertising on social media platforms. In doing so, Connecticut took a major step forward as a national leader by passing legislation to reign in big tech’s predatory practices that are reinforcing addictive and harmful choices in minors. I am proud to be a part of the nationwide movement that prioritizes youth mental health over tech profits. |
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The programs below are part of Connecticut's commitment to protecting older adults from fraud and abuse. By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to protect our seniors!
🛡️ Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Operated by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, SMP helps Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse.
✔️ One-on-one counseling to review Medicare notices and billing.
✔️ Educational presentations on common types of healthcare fraud.
✔️ Assistance in reporting suspected fraud to appropriate authorities.
🌐 https://shorturl.at/BTXyd
🛡️ Senior$afe Program: Managed by the Department of Banking, this program educates financial professionals and the public on recognizing and reporting elder financial exploitation.
✔️ Training sessions for financial institutions to spot red flags of fraud.
✔️ Consumer education materials on preventing financial abuse.
🌐 https://shorturl.at/tMPXi
🛡️ Elder Justice Hotline: Operated by the Office of the Attorney General in collaboration with the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut, the Elder Justice Hotline provides information, assistance, and justice for older adults facing fraud or abuse.
📞 1-860-808-5555
🛡️ AARP Fraud Watch Network: This service is available free of charge to AARP members and non-members alike.
✔️ Watchdog Alert emails delivering breaking scam information.
✔️ Prevention tips based on the latest information from experts.
✔️ An interactive map with the latest law enforcement warnings.
✔️ Access to a network of people sharing their experiences with scams.
🌐 https://shorturl.at/eFs0G |
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| CT Cracks Down on Ticket Scams |
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| Thanks to the Swifties out there, we passed HB 7182 on Wednesday to crack down on the legalized scalping of online ticket sales and resales by requiring the disclosure of hidden fees and markups while banning lookalike companies that profit off speculation and jacking up the price. These new rules put CT fans first! It's all about transparency and protecting your wallet. |
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Southington's 31st annual "Music on the Green" outdoor concert series -- PRESENTED BY THE Southington Recreation Department -- will take place on Wednesdays, May 28 to Sept. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Southington Town Green (Route 10/Main St.). Admission is free.
The first concert on May 28 features the Sharades, who will perform hits from the '50s, '60s and '70s.
In the event of inclement weather, concerts may be postponed to Thursday evening.
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| Cheryl Jankura Memorial Food Drive |
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Reminder: The Cheryl A. Jankura Memorial Food Drive will take place Tomorrow, Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bread for Life parking lot (31 Vermont Ave., Southington). The annual event honors the late Southington teacher while supporting local children through the Bread for Life Summer Lunch Program.
Donations of individually-packaged snacks and drinks are needed, along with grocery store gift cards and monetary contributions to help cover perishable items. This year’s drive also remembers four beloved community members recently lost and celebrates the service of honorary ambassadors Art Secondo and Diana Sheard. Let’s come together to fight summer hunger in our community! |
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Reminder: The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72 and the Town of Southington Recreation Department are hosting a Touch-A-Truck event at the Southington Drive-In (995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike) on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children can climb on and into construction, military, emergency and other vehicles. There will be face painting, glitter tattoos and refreshments.
Admission is $4 per child, while adults are free.
Rain date: Sunday, May 18. |
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Reminder: The Orchard Valley Garden Club is having its Gardeners Market in the Calendar House Portico (388 Pleasant St.) on Saturday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Plants and garden crafts will be on sale, along with a fundraiser raffle and gardeners tag sale.
Proceeds will benefit the club's scholarship program and other community projects. |
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⏰ Coming up at the Capitol! The House will be back in session next week. Stay tuned for key updates, votes, and what’s on the legislative agenda.
Here are some great ways to stay informed:
➡️ The Connecticut Network (CT-N) provides live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of legislative sessions. You can watch sessions live on Roku, YouTube or their website: https://www.ct-n.com.
➡️ Connecticut General Assembly's official website offers a Schedule of Events: cga.ct.gov/calendarofevents.asp. |
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| This week is National Police Week and we honor the brave men and women in law enforcement across Connecticut who put service above self every day. Thank you for your courage, commitment, and sacrifice. |
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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!
Sincerely,
Chris Poulos
State Representative |
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