Dear Neighbor,
On September 5, I had the solemn honor of attending the dedication of the Jude Lane overpass above I-84 in Southington, now officially named the Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier Memorial Bridge. |
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| At the dedication, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state and local officials, and members of the law enforcement community joined together with Trooper Pelletier’s family to honor his service and sacrifice. New signs, both on I-84 below the overpass and on Jude Lane, now remind motorists daily of the courage and dedication he embodied. |
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| Overpass dedicated to fallen State Trooper. |
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| I was humbled to play a role in making this tribute possible. After being approached by the wife of a police officer who lives in town with the suggestion, I introduced legislation to name the bridge in Trooper Pelletier’s memory. Working with the Department of Transportation and Colonel Dan Loughman of the Connecticut State Police, we confirmed with Trooper Pelletier’s family that they supported the proposal and ensured this measure was included in the Department of Transportation agency bill that passed earlier this year. |
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| The dedication of this bridge serves as a lasting symbol of our promise to never forget Trooper Pelletier’s life and service. It stands not only as a reminder of his sacrifice but also as a call to continue working together for safer roads and stronger communities. |
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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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| Education Hearing on Policy and Budget |
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Today at the Capitol, I participated in an informational forum hosted by the Education Committee to better understand how recent changes in federal guidance and policies—along with the current proposed budget—may affect schools here in Connecticut.
The hearing provided an important opportunity to hear from experts and stakeholders about the challenges our districts face and the resources needed to support students, teachers, and families.
As always, I will continue to advocate for policies and funding that strengthen our schools and ensure every child in Connecticut has access to a high-quality education. |
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| Southington Stands in Remembrance |
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| Yesterday, I joined members of our community at the Southington 9/11 Memorial in Plantsville to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. It was a moving service led by our local fire and police departments, town officials, and community members, reflecting on the events of that day and the resilience that has carried us forward. May we never forget the victims, the heroes, and the unity that defined us in the aftermath of tragedy. |
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| I enjoyed attending the Southington Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours networking event this week at Liberty Bank. It was great to catch up with chamber members, local business owners, and folks from other organizations while making new connections and learning about the needs of Southington’s business community. A big thank you to Billy McDougall and Jason Rodriguez at Liberty Bank for hosting the gathering. |
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| Connecticut Receives Credit Rating Increases |
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Thanks to sound fiscal management, Connecticut will receive another credit rating boost! Moody's and Fitch attribute the move to our strong budgets, aggressive pension liability payments, and impactful revenue growth. This is the seventh and eighth credit increases our state has received since the start of the Lamont administration.
So, why does this matter? These credit rating upgrades will result in even greater demand for our bonds, creating savings for taxpayers, while freeing up resources for the state to make critical investments in education, housing, social services, and much more. |
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As of October 1, Connecticut law will require children under 18 (increase from under 16) to wear a helmet when riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, or in-line skates.
Helmets must meet United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards.
Check out the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington’s (ECCS) updated Bicycle Safety and Helmet Laws webpage for more information. |
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| Important Reminder: Secure Your Load |
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One person died in a crash on I-95 in Westbrook after plywood boards fell from a tractor-trailer, causing a chain reaction crash. It happened last Friday when several vehicles lost control due to the plywood that spilled onto the highway.
This is a reminder that unsecured loads are dangerous, illegal, and preventable. Please make sure your loads are tied down securely. |
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| Veterans Hall of Fame Nominations Reminder |
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| Don't forget! The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame honors veterans from Connecticut who have made a positive impact– through leadership, service, and dedication– in their community after the conclusion of their military service. |
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To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or lived here for at least five years, received an honorable discharge, and demonstrated exceptional service to others beyond their military career.
Nomination packages must be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. CLICK HERE for full details and application materials. You should deliver them either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mail through the U.S. Postal Service to: Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 |
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| Apple Harvest Volunteers Needed |
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Do you love the Apple Harvest Festival? Here’s your chance to be part of the magic behind the scenes! The festival committee is looking for volunteers to help make the 56th Apple Harvest Festival (October 3-5 and October 10-12) unforgettable.
For more than half a century, this beloved tradition has been made possible by the dedication of incredible volunteers. Whether you’ve enjoyed the festival with family, want to give back to the community, or simply wish to be part of something joyful and neighborly, this is a great way to get involved. Lend a hand, share a smile, and help keep this tradition going strong. |
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Representatives from the League of Women Voters will be at the Southington Public Library next Tuesday, September 16, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to register residents to vote (or confirm your existing registration) and find your polling place for the 2025 elections. They will be set up at a table near the south entrance (children’s section).
Those who can’t make it to the library next Tuesday can still access voter registration forms anytime at the Circulation Desk. Residents may also register as new voters in Southington, update their address, change their name, or change their political affiliation by visiting the Southington Registrar of Voters at Town Hall, or by downloading the forms from the Registrar of Voters webpage. |
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| UPDATE: Repairs at Recreation Park's tennis and basketball courts will be taking place through Sunday, September 14. |
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| Southington Festival Chorale Reminder |
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Reminder- The Southington Festival Chorale will begin its new season on September 15th with a Winter Concert planned for December 7th. The Chorale welcomes singers of all experience levels.
Anyone interested is invited to attend the upcoming open rehearsal on September 15 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. to learn more and see what the group is all about.
Questions can be directed to the Chorale via Facebook—they would love to hear from you! It promises to be a wonderful season of music. |
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I extend my condolences to the family of Charlie Kirk and to all who are grieving this loss. This act of political violence is unacceptable, has no place in our society, and must be condemned at every level. I stand in full support of the joint statement issued yesterday by the Connecticut Democratic and Republican Party chairs.
Let's recommit ourselves to civility, productive government, and peace. All flags in Connecticut remain lowered through sunset on Sunday, September 14 as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk. |
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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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