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Happy Juneteenth! What a week! It’s always great when I am able to fulfill my State Representative duties here in Stratford. It was wonderful to see and hear from so many of you at local events and community meetings this past week.
In this week's email: Raymark Clean Up Milestone Achievement, learn about the letter a bipartisan group of legislators sent to PURA rejecting rate increases, find information on changes to SNAP and HUSKY Health, find other local and state updates, and more.
Congratulations to all the Stratford High School and Bunnell High School Class of 2026 Graduates!
Summer is in full swing! In anticipation of the hot weather and potential algae issues in Motil and Longbrook Park, I contacted DEEP earlier this week to inquire about the town's permit status. I’m happy to report that the permits were finally approved Wednesday afternoon and treatment will begin sometime next week!
Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you. Call my office at any time at 860-240-8585 or email me at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov.
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| Community Discussion with Seniors, Caregivers, and AARP CT at the Baldwin Center |
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Next Monday, June 22nd, I am hosting a community discussion at the Baldwin Center to update Stratford seniors and their caregivers on resources and services available, as well as to discuss legislation we passed this session. If you are a senior or caregiver, please join us for this important discussion with guest speakers and representatives from AARP CT.
The Community Discussion with Seniors, Caregivers, and AARP CT will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 22nd, at the Baldwin Center (1000 W Broad St).
If you have any questions, please email me or my Outreach Coordinator at Sam.Zakur@cga.ct.gov. |
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| Boothe Memorial Park Hats Off to the Roses |
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This past weekend, I attended the annual Booth Memorial Park Hats off to the Roses. Thank you to all the incredible and dedicated volunteers who make this event a success every year. This was a great event to enjoy the Boothe Memorial Park Rose Garden with the Stratford community, and I look forward to coming back again this season.
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| Korean and Vietnam War-era Veterans Recognition Ceremony |
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On Monday afternoon, I joined Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner John Carragher, Mayor Chess, and State Delegation at the Stratford Veterans Award Ceremony, where we honored more than 100 Korean War- and Vietnam War-era veterans. This was an opportunity to recognize the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and to protect our nation. These veterans served with courage and honor, and we will not forget the fearless men and women who served during this time.
Thank you to all the veterans and their families who were able to join us on Monday, and all those who served across Stratford. Thank you for the courage, sacrifices, and commitment to our country. We are deeply grateful for your service during the Korean War and the Vietnam War and are proud to honor your military service.
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| Click here to watch a recording of the ceremony |
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| Raymark Superfund Site Cleanup Update |
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On Wednesday morning, I joined Mayor Chess, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Stratford Health Department for a press conference at the Raymark Superfund Site to celebrate the major cleanup milestone. This milestone in the Raymark Superfund Site Project marks the completion of an 11-acre multi-layer capping system at Raymark Superfund Site Operable Unit 4.
This is a major step forward in this project and in preparing this site for future development. Following the press conference, we also had the chance to tour Operable Unit 5 (OU5) at Shakespeare Park by the Housatonic Boat Club, which is currently undergoing cleanup efforts. OU5 is scheduled to be completed in a year and a half. I am thrilled to see this project moving forward and for this land to be a step closer to being redeveloped.
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Student Advocacy in Action with
Franklin Elementary School Students |
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This week, I visited Franklin Elementary School to thank its 6th grade class for their incredible legislative advocacy this session!
Thanks to the student leadership of Charlie Royster, she encouraged her fellow students to join her in a volunteer civics exercise. Charlie and her mom, Ivy, took the time during session to come up to Hartford to testify and participate in the legislative process. Inspired by her experience, she asked other students, from Kindergarten to 6th grade classes, to write letters to the legislative Appropriations Chair, Rep. Toni Walker, advocating for the Free School Meals State Funding. As many of you know, part of the State Budget we passed back in May did include FREE SCHOOL BREAKFAST for ALL CT Public Schools! It was an absolute joy to meet with the students, teachers, and principal to thank them for making a difference.
I applaud Franklin’s students for caring about feeding kids and taking real, meaningful action for students all across CT! Job well done!!
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| Stratford Juneteenth Ceremony |
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Every year on June 19th, we recognize Juneteenth. This Thursday morning, I had the opportunity to join members of the Stratford community for a Juneteenth Celebration and flag raising on the Town Hall Green. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. For many years, this important holiday was primarily celebrated in the South, but was unknown to others from the rest of the country. However, thanks to great advocacy work, it is now rightfully observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.Contrary to popular belief, the Emancipation Proclamation did not end the practice of slavery in America. It also did not end at the conclusion of the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, 2 months after the Civil War ended, a group of Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were now free. They were among the last group of Americans to be notified of their freedom.Although Juneteenth celebrates a momentous event in our history, we must also take time to reflect on the horrors of slavery and its lingering effects on our society. As your state representative, I will continue to push for legislation that will make Connecticut a better state for all. If you have any questions about Juneteenth, its history, and how it has been celebrated around the country, please check out this page from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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| Fighting Back Against Massive Proposed Utility Rate Hikes |
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I am once again joining a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers opposing massive water and electric rate hike requests from Aquarion Water Company and Eversource that would place an even greater burden on Connecticut families and businesses.
Through two letters signed by 77 legislators, we are urging the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to reject:
- Aquarion’s proposed 42% rate increase – approximately $88 million
- Eversource’s proposed 11% rate hike – approximately $503 million
The letters explain why these eye-watering rate hike requests are outrageous, unsustainable, and unwarranted at a time when many residents are already struggling with the rising cost of living. We are calling on PURA to apply the highest level of scrutiny to every element of these proposed rate increases and reject every cent that is not amply justified.
There are two upcoming public comment hearings scheduled:
- Wednesday, June 17 @ 5:30 PM - New Milford Public Library, Memorial Hall, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT 06776
- Wednesday, July 15 @ 12 PM - REMOTE ACCESS: Sign In | Zoom
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| DSS Reminder to Check New SNAP and HUSKY Eligibility |
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The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) wants residents to be aware of new work requirements affecting some recipients of SNAP benefits and upcoming changes to HUSKY Health eligibility rules. It is important to review the new requirements and determine whether they apply to your situation.
SNAP Work Requirements:
As of November 2025, some SNAP recipients must meet one of the following work rules:
- Work at least 80 hours per month or earn at least $217.60 per week
- Participate in a job training or work program, such as SNAP Employment & Training, for at least 80 hours per month
- Complete at least 80 hours per month of community service or volunteer work
- Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling 80 hours per month
CLICK HERE to use the SNAP Work Rules Pre-Screener and find out whether these requirements apply to you.
Upcoming HUSKY Health (HUSKY D) Changes:
Starting January 1, 2027, some HUSKY D recipients may be subject to new work requirements. To meet the rules, individuals must fulfill at least one of the following:
- Earn at least $580 per month
- Work at least 80 hours per month
- Complete at least 80 hours per month of volunteer work or community service
- Participate in a qualified work or training program for at least 80 hours per month
- Be enrolled at least half-time in an education program
- Combine work, training, and/or volunteer activities totaling up to 80 hours per month
CLICK HERE to answer a few questions to learn if the new proposed rules apply to you.
Connecticut's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) offer free, in-person assistance with SNAP and HUSKY Health benefits. To find the agency serving your area, visit: www.cafca.org/agencies.
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| Access Health CT Special Enrollment Deadline |
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Access Health CT announced that eligible customers can enroll in a health insurance plan with Temporary Premium Assistance through a Special Enrollment Period that will end on June 30th.
The Temporary Premium Assistance has provided over $1.6 million in savings for 10,580 Connecticut residents to date. At the end of 2025, Governor Lamont announced the Temporary Premium Assistance to help customers who lost financial assistance when the federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits expired. The Special Enrollment Period for Temporary Premium Assistance opened on February 1st, and customers can continue to enroll through June 30th.
Customers who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:
- Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
- Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% of FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
To enroll, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, with help available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.
For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
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Bridge Work on I-95:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will start bridge work on I-95 north and southbound in Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, and Stamford starting on Sunday night, April 19th.
This project is scheduled to start on Sunday night, April 19th, and be completed on Friday, July 3rd. This project ensures the bridges remain in a state of good repair.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be various alternating lane closures on I-95 north and southbound between Exit 7 and Exit 36 from Sunday night, April 19th, to Friday, July 3rd, overnight from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Traffic control signing patterns, crash units with illuminated arrows, and State Troopers will guide motorists through the work zone. Bridges to be worked on are 00134, 0111A, 00114, 00113, 0110A, 00108, 00107, 00106, 00115A, 00105A, 06613, 00027, 00028, 00029, 00032.
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Noise Barrier Replacement on I-95:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has started noise barrier replacement on I-95 between Exits 32-33 in Stratford. This project is expected to be completed next year, in April 2027.
The barrier has reached the end of its useful life and needs replacement. The barrier is being replaced to conform to current standards, which are in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) MASH standards. The existing timber noise barriers have wood rot, broken or missing panels in many areas, as well as vegetative overgrowth.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect lane closures on I-95 northbound at Exits 32 and 33 in Stratford beginning Wednesday. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. Lane closure operations will generally be limited to off-peak and nighttime hours. No lane closures will be permitted during weekday morning and afternoon peak travel periods (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.). During daytime hours, work will primarily consist of shoulder closures only. One lane closure may occur during late morning and evening hours. During the overnight hours, up to two lane closures are permitted, and rolling roadblocks.
The work schedule for this project is from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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| Wishing all the Stratford Dads a very Happy Father’s Day! |
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| Stratford Community Updates |
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The Celebrate Stratford Summer Sunset Concert Series will continue weekly through September 8th. Every Tuesday at 7 p.m., enjoy live music at the Paradise Green Gazebo.
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The Stratford Student Art Showcase is on exhibit at Sterling Community Center through June 22nd. The showcase is held by Sterling, Stratford Public Schools, and the Arts Alliance of Stratford to celebrate the creativity of Stratford's student artists with work from across all our schools.
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The Stratford Veterans Museum Golf Tournament will take place on June 27th at the Short Beach 9 Hole Golf Course. Email svm5952@gmail.com or call 203-449-6139 to register.
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Point Stratford will hold a town-wide public meeting to discuss shaping the future of Stratford's waterfront at the site of the former Stratford Army Engine Plant. The meeting will take place on Monday, June 29th, starting at 6 p.m. in the Stratford High School Auditorium.
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The Stratford Arts Commission is accepting proposals from artists who wish to participate in this public art event, Pop Up Planter Boxes 2026. The planter boxes will be placed outdoors, and the public will have FULL access when showcased. Approximately one week after the opening of the exhibit, each artist whose work is chosen will be paid a $250.00 honorarium. If you are interested in learning more, visit www.stratfordct.gov/page/arts-commission for requirements and learn how to apply. Applications must be submitted by June 30th.
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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