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It was a very productive week at the Capitol in Committee Meetings, Public Hearings, and meetings with advocates. In this week's email, you can read about our joint legislative letter calling on PURA to reject the Aquarion merger, review information and instructions on how to apply for the last Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance Cycle, and more. If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please call my office at any time or email me at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov.
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| This Week in Legislative Committees Meetings |
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The Human Services Committee held a public hearing this Tuesday, March 3rd, on various bills raised. It was a great opportunity to hear from the Department of Social Services Commissioner and other advocates on bills concerning Medicaid, HUSKY, and more. I look forward to next week as we continue public hearings in our committee and hear more from advocates and residents on bills that will directly impact them. Click here to read the full agenda.
The Labor and Public Employees Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, March 3rd, which included crucial bills on worker retention. One bill we heard testimony on was H.B. 5003, which I am proud to co-sponsor this session. Click here to read the full agenda. The Labor and Public Employees Committee also held a meeting on Thursday, March 5th, to begin the JF process for various bills as they have moved through the legislative process within our committee. Click here to read the full agenda.
The Public Safety and Security Committee held two public hearings this week. During the hearing on Tuesday, March 3rd, we heard testimony on a crucial bill to address firefighter and police officer recruitment and retention across the state. It is important to know that there was discussion regarding the need to include EMS in this bill, and I, along with my colleagues, continue to advocate for EMS as well. Click here to read the 03/03 full agenda. During the hearing on Thursday, March 5th, a few of the bills are focused on volunteer firefighters, officers, and ambulance personnel, such as S.B. 373, which I am proud to co-sponsor this session. There are ongoing conversations advocating to the Governor's office to include EMS in his recruitment and retention bill, and I encourage the ongoing conversations on the issue. Click here to read the 03/05 full agenda. |
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In addition, there were multiple other committees holding public hearings this week: Education, Public Health, Energy & Technology, Transportation, General Law, Children’s, Higher Ed, Appropriations, Judiciary, Housing, Environment, Government Oversight, Aging, etc. I strongly encourage you to stay up to date by utilizing the Connecticut General Assembly’s weekly online calendar, where you will view the list of events and committee meetings/hearings. When you click the name of the meeting, the next screen will give you the option to view the agenda, submit testimony, and or view the speaker list. If you choose to view the agenda, you will then see a list of bills, and if you click on the bill number, it will take you to information about the bill and where in the legislative process that particular bill is. Please remember to utilize this resource as a guide to help you navigate and stay up to date as the short session continues!
And I'd especially like to thank Stratford Mayor Chess for coming up to the Capitol in Hartford to testify, and members of the Stratford Town Council and Board of Education who submitted testimony to the Education Committee on H.B. 5002. This is a bill I am proud to co-sponsor and will adjust and increase the ECS funding formula for all municipalities, including Stratford. |
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| Watch my remarks on the H.B. 5002 Public Hearing Above |
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| Cradle to Career Panel Discussion |
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What does it take to create real pathways to economic mobility for children and families in Connecticut?
On Tuesday March 3rd, I had the honor of hosting the Connecticut Cradle to Career Coalition’s first Legislative Briefing at the State Capitol, bringing together leaders from Connecticut’s five cradle to career partnerships — Stamford Cradle to Career, Bridgeport Prospers Cradle to Career, Danbury Collective, Norwalk ACTS, and Waterbury Bridge to Success (BTS) Community Partnership — along with parents, young people, and community advocates.
The briefing highlighted why Connecticut must take a true cradle-to-career approach when designing policies and systems that support economic opportunity for children and families. When we connect early childhood, K–12 education, workforce pathways, housing stability, and family economic security, we create stronger outcomes for communities across our state.
Thank you to the advocates, parents, youth, and partners who showed up to share their voices and help advance this work.
Learn more about the Connecticut Cradle to Career Coalition here - ctc2c.org
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| Watch my opening remarks to the panel above |
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Labor and Public Employees Committee
Worker Retention Press Conference |
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On Tuesday, March 3rd, I joined members of the Labor and Public Employees Committee for a press conference in support of S.B. 358 and H.B. 5003, two crucial pieces of legislation with the goal of protecting workers and ensuring they are able to succeed. We need to strengthen Worker Retention Laws to help reduce abrupt job displacement and ensure job security and stability.
These bills would ensure:
- The retention of incumbent workers for 90 days, allowing them to demonstrate their value and service
- Advance notice of 15 days to workers during transitional periods
- Protection of our most vulnerable workers across industries that contract for low-wage service workers
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| Aquarion Press Conference |
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| On Wednesday, March 4th, I joined elected officials, including Attorney General Tong, State Senators and Representatives, Mayors, and First Selectmen and Selectwomen on both sides of the aisle from across Southern Connecticut at a press conference calling on PURA to reject the Aquarion merger. Aquarion is Connecticut’s largest private water utility, and there is currently a proposal for a $2.4 billion sale of the company to the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. This is a major decision that could affect water infrastructure and rates for hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents. If not rejected, customers could face a projected 65% rate hike and will have long-term debt for multiple decades. PURA originally rejected this deal last November, and as a group of leaders, we are encouraging them to do the same now. |
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| Six Triple Eight Commemorative Event |
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| This Wednesday, March 4th, I joined Representatives Foster and Baker along with Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and other legislators for an event to honor the women of the Six Triple Eight Battalion who served during World War II. The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve in World War II, which dedicated their lives delivering mail to soldiers. Their work was greater than delivering mail, as letters from family members were a symbol of hope and was a connection to their families back home. I was grateful to be a part of this event and honor the surviving family members of the 10 brave women from Connecticut who served with the Six Triple Eight. |
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This week, I spent some time in classrooms around Stratford during Read Across America Week. It was a great pleasure to read to the Stratford YMCA Preschoolers and to 2nd and 3rd graders at Eli Whitney Elementary School.
Read Across America hopes to encourage kids to read and keep them excited about reading. I was honored to be able to participate and connect with students across our schools about the importance of reading. You can find resources, book ideas, and ways to participate at nea.org/ReadAcrossAmerica. |
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| Women's History Month and International Women's Day |
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March is Women’s History Month, and this Sunday, March 8th, is International Women's Day. This is a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation. Here in Connecticut, countless women have shaped our history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and perseverance.
While this month offers a special opportunity to reflect, their stories deserve to be honored all year long. From historic homes and museums to landmarks connected to groundbreaking achievements and social movements, our state is rich with places that preserve and share the legacy of women who helped shape Connecticut’s past and future.
Take some time to explore these meaningful sites and learn more about the women behind them. Click here to view a list of historic landmarks across Connecticut that are deeply connected to women’s history and the stories that continue to inspire generations today. |
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March 9–13 is Civic Learning Week in the state of Connecticut. This nationwide initiative highlights the vital role of civic education and engagement in preserving and strengthening our constitutional democracy.
By focusing on deepening public understanding of democratic values, rights, and responsibilities, this effort aims to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to actively participate in democratic processes.
Through diverse educational programs, discussions, and events, Civic Learning Week fosters a collective commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and freedom that are central to a thriving, inclusive society. Ultimately, it seeks to ensure the health and vitality of democracy for generations to come.
Click here for a list of in-person and virtual programs that you can take part in throughout the week. |
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| GPCT Emergency Energy Assistance |
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The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program will open on Monday, March 2nd, and will run through March 10th. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% State Median Income (SMI) gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant. This is the last GPCT Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/
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| Free Tax Preparation Assistance |
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With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator.
AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you.
The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note, that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165
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| Stratford Community Updates |
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| View the calendar below for the weekly Stratford Eats schedule of community meals, food pantries, and other food resources in the Stratford community. |
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| Sterling Community Center has opened their scholarship applications for graduating seniors who plan to continue their education. Click here to for more information and learn how to apply. |
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The Stratford Library will have a Women's History Month Grab and Go bag for grades 6-12. Pick up a bag from the Lovell Room from March 9th to 20th.
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| Arts Alliance of Stratford is holding a production inspired by International Women's Day on Saturday, March 7th, at 3 p.m. at the Sterling Community Center. |
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| The Sterling Community Center Preschool Open House will take place on March 21st from 10 to 11 am. This is an opportunity to learn about the Sterling Center Preschool and what options and programs are offered. |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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