Dear Neighbor,
Thank you to everyone who joined me this week at the new Southington Public Library for another great stop on my Legislative Session Q&A Listening Tour.
It was a productive conversation filled with thoughtful questions and important feedback, as the General Assembly prepares to head into the next critical phase of the 2025 legislative session. With bills advancing out of committee and soon headed to the floor, your input helps guide the work I do on your behalf at the Capitol. |
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It was also great to see so many people taking advantage of the beautiful new library building. If you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend taking the time for a visit and checking it out.
I’m grateful for every opportunity to connect directly with constituents, and I’m looking forward to continuing the tour in the weeks ahead. Let’s keep the conversation going. |
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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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| Public Hearing on Special Education Legislation |
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The Select Committee on Special Education will hold a public hearing on April 21 at 10 a.m. to receive testimony on HB 7277 and SB 1561.
These bills reflect insights gathered during a statewide listening tour with sessions in Norwich, Bridgeport, Winsted, and Hartford; research from Special Education experts; and testimony from parents, students, educators, district administrators, and other key stakeholders.
The committee is now inviting public input on the proposed legislation.
Click here to register to testify or submit written testimony.
You can also watch the hearing live on the committee’s YouTube channel.
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Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe - the last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.
I am happy to announce that, effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means more than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years. |
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Early detection is key to successful treatment outcomes, and these regular screenings will help keep them healthy and keep their minds at ease.
Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area. |
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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
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Let's support the Knights of Columbus in their efforts to support our local charities through their annual fundraiser taking place across from the Southington Drive-In this week.
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The Connecticut General Assembly is coming together to support Connecticut Foodshare!
Don’t miss the 2025 CGA Kickball Classic.
📅 May 12, 2025
⏰ 4:30 PM
📍 Dunkin’ Park in Hartford
🎟️ $10
Grab your ticket today at https://yardgoatsevents.com/upcoming-events/cga-kickball-charity-classic
See you there! |
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| Town Wide Winter Coat Drive |
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| Reminder- Southington Community Services is partnering with the Southington School System, Churches, Banks and public and private entities for the Operation Stay Warm town wide coat drive during the month of April 2025. Please donate your new or gently used warm winter coats in both adult and children’s sizes. Coats should be clean and free of rips, stains and having working zippers. Donations will be distributed in the Fall of 2025 through the Pop-Up Shop and outreach facilities. Donations will be collected from April 1st through April 30th. Please CLICK HERE for a complete listing of drop off locations. Thank you for your generosity! |
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Family Fun Day at the Southington Drive In is Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person, purchased in advance at the Little Red Store in Plantsville, Lewis Farms in Southington, South Side Meat Market in Bristol and Pat's Ice Cream in Southington.
The day will include face painting, glitter tattoos, balloonists, magicians and more. Check out the graphic below for more details.
Proceeds of the event go to CCMC Oncology Department and Bread for Life.
Rain Date is May 10. |
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| Sunday is Easter. Wishing you and your family a joyful and peaceful celebration. May this season of renewal bring hope, happiness, and time well spent with loved ones. |
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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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