Dear Neighbor,
This week I sat down with Philip Thibodeau, editor-in-chief of The Southington Outsider, a recently launched nonprofit, nonpartisan online newspaper. Its mission is to provide trusted local news and build community, covering everything from local history and school events to features, sports, town elections, and more. |
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Phil and I talked about my work as Southington’s State Rep—what’s been accomplished, what’s been challenging, and what may be ahead in future legislative sessions. I invite you to read the interview and consider subscribing to The Outsider as it grows into a go-to source for community news.
Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them! |
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| Supporting Our Veterans in Southington |
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| Our state is doing its very best to support our veterans and service members by hosting the annual Connecticut Veterans Stand Down event on Friday, September 19 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. This event serves as one-stop access to a variety of federal, state, local, and community resources for veterans, their immediate family members, active military, national guard, and reservists. |
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| I’ll be stopping by the Stand Down event taking place at the Southington Armory (600 Woodruff Street, next to DePaolo MS), and I encourage you to join me. In past years, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful this event is—connecting Veterans and their families with the resources, care, and community they deserve. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Transportation and local transit companies will provide free bus service to the Southington Armory. You will find the schedule for September 19 below. For full details, visit: CT Veterans Stand Down Information. |
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| Thank you to all our veterans and service members for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms. Your service makes our community and country stronger. |
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| New Statewide Initiative To Prevent Fires |
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Governor Ned Lamont has officially launched Fire Safe CT, a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing fire-related tragedies through public education and community support.
This coordinated effort brings state and local agencies, fire service professionals, and health care experts together to protect Connecticut from the dangers of fire. |
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Core objectives include:
- Public Education: delivering clear, actionable fire prevention tips through multimedia campaigns—highlighting home safety, outdoor fire management, and burn injury prevention.
- Community Empowerment: providing local fire departments and municipal fire marshals with enhanced tools, educational materials, and support to boost community-level fire risk reduction efforts.
To learn more and get involved go to ct.gov/firesafe and for advice on outdoor fire safety, visit DEEP's Forest Fire Prevention Tips to learn how to protect your home, property, and the first responders who serve us.
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| Apply Now For Home Energy Assistance |
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Higher energy bills are a challenge for everyone, but you can get some help! The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program, formerly known as Operation Fuel, is accepting applications through Wednesday, September 10!
This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or a past-due utility bill to eligible Connecticut individuals and families making up to 75% SMI gross household income. |
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For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need.
There are four Energy Assistance Application Cycles:
- September 2-10, 2025
- November 2-10, 2025
- January 2-10, 2026
- March 2-10 , 2026
CLICK HERE to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.
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| End of Federal Clean Energy Tax Credits |
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| Time is running out to claim thousands of dollars in clean energy incentives. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, buying an electric vehicle, or upgrading your home with cleaner, more affordable energy — now is the time to act because many of these federal incentives will expire soon. |
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Electric Vehicle (EV) Credits:Find out which new and used EVs still qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 until September 30, 2025.Residential Clean Energy Credits:Claim 30% of the total cost of solar panels, battery storage, and geothermal systems if you buy by December 31, 2025. Energy Efficient Home Upgrade Credits:Make home energy upgrades, like insulation, windows, or efficient electric appliances, by December 31, 2025, to claim the credit.Click here to view the full credit timeline of tax credits.
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| Just a reminder, the Southington Elks will host a FREE bicycle safety event for children ages 8 to 14 on September 6 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 114 Main Street. You will find more details below. Sign up for this event by clicking HERE. |
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| Teen Workshop on Reptiles & Birds of Prey |
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| The Southington Public Library invites teens to see reptiles and birds of prey up close on Saturday, September 6 at 3 p.m. A wildlife expert will provide a one-hour presentation that will include each animal's unique rescue story, offering a meaningful perspective on the challenges wildlife face and how people can help protect animals. |
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| Child Car Seat Safety Check |
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| The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington (ECCS) and the Southington Police Department are teaming up to host a free child car seat safety check at the Calendar House on Saturday, September 6. The Police Department has several certified child passenger safety seat officers who will be on hand to make sure seats are installed correctly and safely. Checks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. See below for more details. |
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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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