Chris Poulos

This week, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hartford HealthCare's expanded cancer care at the Bradley Memorial Campus of The Hospital of Central Connecticut. At the same event, enhancements for the Behavioral Health Network facility at 98 Main Street were announced, which will bring critical mental health resources closer to home, reflecting a commitment to supporting every aspect of community well-being.

These monumental investments ensure Southington residents have greater access to life-saving oncology treatments and comprehensive mental health care right here in our community.

These expansions were made possible by a generous grant from the Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation. Their support reminds us how vital partnerships are in creating a healthier, stronger Southington.

Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them!

It was exciting to make an official first visit to the new Southington Public Library on Monday. The staff greeted me with smiles at the door and I enjoyed visiting the different areas of the new facility, and seeing our community’s vision in place. I encourage all residents to take time in the coming weeks to visit and experience our beautiful new library.

Reminder that Saturday at 10 a.m. is the official ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the new building. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz will be attending, as we unveil and tour our state-of-the-art library. Parking at this point of construction is limited so if you wish to attend, please plan accordingly.

Thanks to sound fiscal policies, Connecticut has made significant progress in strengthening its pension funds for retired state workers and addressing legacy debt.

The improvements in the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) are detailed in reports released this week. Our latest independent valuations found both systems to be at their highest funding levels in decades.

The majority of our debt as a state came from decades of underfunding our retirement programs for teachers and state employees. With 13 straight years of the legislature making full payments into these systems, as well as policies we adopted in 2017 that use surpluses to pay down debt, we’ve managed to pay off $8.6 billion of debt early, which saves taxpayers $730 million annually. 
 
Connecticut residents are directly benefiting from this sound fiscal management.

As a member of the Commerce Committee, I have some good news to share! Connecticut has repaid all 2024 Unemployment Trust Fund borrowing prior to the recent deadline, so employers in the state will avoid an increase in federal unemployment taxes in 2025.

This is the second consecutive year that state investments into the Trust Fund spared employers federal unemployment tax increases and the fourth consecutive year that Connecticut employers do not have to pay special assessment fees, which cover interest on the loans. So far in 2024, the state borrowed and repaid $215 million for unemployment benefits payments.

In recent years, Governor Lamont, the Connecticut General Assembly, and the business community came together to stabilize the Trust Fund and reduce the pandemic-related financial burdens on employers. This includes the adoption of Public Act 21-200 in 2021 and Public Act 22-67 in 2022, both of which promote long-term Trust Fund solvency, create fiscal predictability for employers, and protect employers from federal tax and fee increases. Additionally, in 2022 Governor Lamont and the legislature allocated $195 million in funding the state received from the American Rescue Plan Act and directed it into both the Unemployment Trust Fund and special assessments – actions that fully mitigated the financial impact of Trust Fund borrowing on employers.

Employers pay 2024 payroll taxes beginning in January 2025.

This week, I had the opportunity to join Joel Barlow High School’s AP Politics and Government class as a guest speaker. I gave a brief overview of my work as a State Representative followed by a Q&A session. The students had some terrific questions about the legislative process, making tough votes, campaign finance, constituent services, the role of political parties, managing special interest groups, and working with community organizations. I was impressed by their knowledge of and enthusiasm for government.

Bright Lights Christmas Festival is TONIGHT from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on the Southington Town Green.

Next week is Christmas in the Village on Friday, December 13 from 5-7:30 p.m. in Plantsville center.

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