Kaitlyn Shake

This week, Governor Lamont signed HB 5003 into law as PA 26-12!

This bill delivers expanded workplace protections and support for Connecticut workers across different fields, through the most comprehensive Labor and Public Employees bill in our state's history.

This legislation is a major win for workers across Connecticut. Our workers, teachers, nurses, police, firefighters, para-professionals, building trades employees, healthcare workers, veterans, and women in the workplace deserve our support and to be protected while on the job. 

At a minimum, they need to be protected from harm while on the job. It is unacceptable that healthcare workers are 5x more likely to experience violence at work, but that is our reality. As a Nurse and Legislator, it’s what propelled me into spearheading the financial protections in Section 1 of HB5003.
 

As of October 2026, healthcare workers who are assaulted at work, leading to a partial or total injury, will finally receive 100% of their wages through workers' comp. For those working in public education, Section 1 also applies to you, as we updated the existing state statute with similar language.  People who work in public education will file their assault claims through workers' compensation and will not have to prove the intent of the assault in state court.

This comprehensive legislation will make a real, meaningful difference in the lives of workers in Connecticut.
 

I am so incredibly grateful for the coalition of policymakers, unions, and advocates who worked with us on this 75-section Labor bill. I am so proud to be part of this meaningful legislation that will positively impact  workers across multiple labor sectors.

On Sunday, May 3rd, I had the pleasure of attending The New Paradigm Theatre Annual Gala. This was an inspiring night to celebrate the creativity, leadership, and empowerment of the performers and theatre. The theme of this year's gala was "Stronger Together: A Tapestry of Community and Creativity", highlighting the importance of what empowers change.

It was a vibrant evening showcasing their theatrical talent through short, beautiful renditions of Broadway musicals. This successful fundraising gala was organized and produced by their youth members, and I could not be prouder of their dedication, creativity, and incredible performances. I believe the arts and theatre are an important part of every community and applaud their work. 

At this event, I was humbled to have been recognized among nine community honorees and awarded “The Next Paradigm Award.” Supporting our Stratford youth, civic engagement, and the arts remains a local initiative I am committed to, and I look forward to supporting future opportunities here in Stratford. 

Their upcoming production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will take place this summer at Stratford High School, August 7-9th, and I hope you consider seeing the show!

To learn more, click here: nptheatre.org/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat/

I am proud to share that the budget passed during the 2026 Legislative Session delivers real relief to residents across the state. 

Here in Stratford, we are receiving an additional $1,618,526 in state funding. This funding includes $1,212,175 in additional education funding and $406,351 in additional town aid, helping close critical gaps in school budgets and town finances.
 
Our budget addresses affordability for residents:

• Over $300 million relief package for cities, towns, and schools
• $100 million to offset local property tax increases
• $12 million to establish universal free school breakfast programs across the state
• $162M new Education Equalization Grant to address underfunding in our current school funding formula
• Expanding sales tax-free week to include clothing, shoes, and backpacks under $300 (from $100)
• Making basic school supplies tax-free, including backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, and paper
• Creating a family caregiver tax credit for residents caring for a loved one for individuals who make less than $50,000, or couples who make under $100,000
• Helping small businesses offer health care support by providing a tax credit when they contribute toward employees’ individual health insurance coverage.

This investment in state funding is a direct response to supporting the communities across the state, like Stratford, in the areas they need it most, from additional town aid to critical education funding. I am grateful for the continued support from Speaker Ritter and House Democrat Leadership to help residents through property tax relief and increased aid. This will make a real, meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.