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I hope you and your family have been staying cool on these hot days and are able to take advantage of the beautiful shoreline beaches and parks we have here in Stratford! If you are in need of a cooling center during our extreme heat, call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org.
Over the last few weeks since session ended in June, I have received several inquiries from constituents regarding Sections 247-256 of the biennial budget bill, substitute language from SB 1276, which is the updated law for Gold Star families' and 100% Permanently and Totally Disabled Veterans' property tax exemptions. Implementation of these new changes requires municipalities to expand exemptions via local ordinances, which requires the Town Council and Ordinance Committee to pass and approve changes, which can take 4-6 weeks to occur due to town meeting schedules. This week, I met with Stratford Town Attorney Florek and Council Chair Carl Glad, requesting to initiate this process, and will be meeting with the Mayor's administration to follow up within the next few weeks. This legislation was very important to me during session, and I will continue to make it a priority in advocating for the town of Stratford to update the local ordinances to offer Veterans' property tax exemptions for our Gold Star Families and those who qualify. |
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| Ella T. Grasso Women's Leadership Brunch |
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| Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Ella T. Grasso Women's Leadership Brunch with many of my colleagues from across the state. This was a powerful celebration of many remarkable women leaders from across our state. This is what leadership looks like in Connecticut, and I am deeply honored to serve with these amazing women in the Connecticut General Assembly. |
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| State Comptroller's Monthly Economic Update |
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| This month, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon's Economic Update focuses on the impacts the Trump Administration's "Big Beautiful Bill" will have on Connecticut. This is a great resource that explains and dives deeper into the economic issues that impact Connecticut residents. |
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| Investing in our Community Health Centers |
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Medicaid reimbursement rates are going up for community health centers across Connecticut. This means more funding for care that helps 440,000 people each year.
What's in the new agreement:
- $80 million in funding from the Biennial State Budget
- Rolled out over 3 years (by June 2028)
- Affects 17 community health centers across the state
- Funding increase starts October 1, 2025.
This is a big win for Connecticut's Medicaid patients and providers.
- Improving access
- Keeping care affordable
- Reducing ER visits and overall health care spending
- Strengthening the healthcare safety net
These health centers provide primary care, dental, and behavioral health services. They treat anyone, regardless of ability to pay, and are a lifeline for many residents.
Through community health centers, patients can access preventative care, chronic disease management, and mental health services.
We’re putting our values into action. Connecticut is committed to keeping care accessible and affordable for all. With community health centers in every corner of the state, quality care is always within reach.
🔍Find a center near you at cthealthcenters.org
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| Taking Action to Protect Connecticut's Environment |
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Since the state’s open space program began in 1998, more than 48,000 acres of publicly accessible land has been protected. It’s great to see this next round of funding, which will continue to improve the quality of life in Connecticut and provide beautiful outdoor spaces for all of our residents to enjoy.
You can find the complete list of grants and projects here: https://shorturl.at/HCIW1. |
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CT Dept of Consumer Protection New Home Construction
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Did you know that if you hire a registered New Home Construction Contractor and the project is never completed, you may be eligible for the New Home Construction Guaranty Fund?
The fund helps consumers who are unable to recover losses from a failed home construction project. Now, consumers are eligible to receive up to $50,000 (previously $30,000)
Be a Smart Consumer: By hiring licensed professionals ✅
Note: Homeowners must apply for the fund within two years of receiving a court judgment.
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| CT Dept of Consumer Protection Roof |
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Knock Knock, Who's There? It could be a scam.
Don't fall for unsolicited offers for roof inspections or services at your front door.
Be a Smart Consumer:
✅ If approached by a roofing company, tell them you want to research before deciding. Don't fall for same-day pressure tactics.
*This shows if they have an active registration with DCP*
✅Read through reviews on BBB Serving Connecticut
✅ Have a written contract that establishes a timeline, payment method/schedule, contractor's credentials, and signatures for both parties
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| CT Dept of Labor New Job Notices |
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Get new job notices from the Department of Labor, straight to your inbox 📩
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| One way you can support local farmers and veterans from around the state is at the upcoming Veteran Farmers' Market hosted by the CT Department of Veteran Affairs, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, CT Department of Agriculture, and many more organizations from across the state. The Veteran Farmers Market will take place on Monday, August 4th, from 3 - 6 p.m. at the Department of Veteran Affairs Campus located at 287 West St, Rocky Hill. There will be a variety of veteran vendors in attendance, including farms and food trucks. Click here for more information. |
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ROUTE 113
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 113 in Stratford. This project is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 7th, and be completed on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025. Once completed, all traffic lines, including crosswalks entering the Paradise Green area, will be repainted, helping to increase public safety measures!
The project consists of milling and resurfacing a 1.64-mile segment of Route 113 in Stratford from Route 1 (Barnum Avenue) to Route 110 (Main Street).
⚠️This project is scheduled to begin milling on Monday, July 7th, to Saturday, July 12th, 2025.
⚠️The resurfacing segment of this project is anticipated to begin on Sunday, July 13th, to Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025.
🚧 LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO 🚧
Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 113 from Route 1 (Barnum Avenue) to Route 110 (Main Street) in Stratford. 👮🏽♂️Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. The work schedule for this project is from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Sunday night to Saturday morning. |
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Surveying on I-95 North and Southbound in Stratford
Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that Survey Operations will be performed on Interstate 95 north and southbound in Stratford starting on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
⚠️This project is scheduled to occur on Saturday, July 19 and be completed on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
🚧 LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO 🚧
There will be various lane closures on I-95 north and southbound at Exit 32 in Stratford on Saturday, July 19 and Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. |
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Teens in Stratford — want to make a difference in someone’s life (including your own)?
💚 Learn how to recognize mental health challenges, support your friends, and connect to help.
📍 Free classes July 28, 30 & August 1 at Birdseye!
🧠 Certification included — sign up today |
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| The Sterling Center will have FREE lunches this summer for Students from Stratford Schools. Visit the Sterling Center weekdays from 11:45 am - 12:15 pm to pick up your meal! |
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The Stratford Health Department is offering Immunization & Physical Clinics for school-aged children to help them get ready for the new school year! Call 203-385-4090 today to schedule an appointment.
Let’s keep our kids healthy and classroom-ready!
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Stratford's Blues on the Beach is happening on July 19th at Short Beach from Noon to 9 pm. For additional information, click here.
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It is Paradise Green Farmer's Market Season! Every Monday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Paradise Green. This is a great chance to support our local CT farmers and businesses.
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| Summer is back in Stratford, and the pool at Sterling Community Center will be open for Community Swim on June 28th! Every Saturday, starting at the end of June through August 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the pool will be open to everyone for $3 per person. |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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