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This weekend is the 250th birthday of our country and our democracy.
As we celebrate the 4th of July, we honor the courage, vision, and sacrifices of those who founded our nation, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This historic milestone invites us to reflect on our shared heritage, celebrate the hard fought freedoms we enjoy, and reaffirm our commitment to the American ideals of liberty, equality, and opportunity.
On this Independence Day, let us come together in gratitude, patriotism, and declare a renewed commitment to protecting and upholding the ideals of our democracy. 🇺🇸
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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| Stratford's Alliance for Community Empowerment Child Care Center |
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This Tuesday, I visited Stratford's Alliance for Community Empowerment Child Care Center with Representative Joe Gresko and Senator Herron Gaston. The State Bond Commission recently approved $2 million in funding to complete the renovation project at the child care center.
This is a critical investment for Stratford families who rely on the Alliance of Community Empowerment and their programs for high-quality, affordable childcare. I’m grateful we could provide this additional funding for this childcare facility, ensuring the Alliance of Community Empowerment can stay on track to complete this project by the end of the year. |
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| Stratford Celebrates America250 |
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Thursday morning, the Town of Stratford celebrated the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of America at Town Hall.
Over 75 Stratford residents of all ages and community leaders participated in the event by reading words that have defined who we are as a nation since 1776. Reading selections included the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers, among other works that have inspired thousands of American patriots to serve and protect our nation.
I’m very thankful to have spent the morning together with so many neighbors and friends celebrating our county’s 250th and participate in our town's own historical reading!
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| Stratford Celebrates America with Art will take place on Sunday, July 5th, from 10am until 2pm with a sidewalk chalk art contest at Town Hall. Register at https://forms.gle/kx9iYjtcRiZ9fhoh6. Contest open to all ages |
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Extreme Hot Weather Protocol Activated and
Stratford Cooling Centers |
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| The state has activated the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol due to a long-duration heat wave featuring severely hot and humid weather. The protocol is in effect from now through at least 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5th. During this period, temperatures are expected to get progressively warmer each day, with 90+ highs Wednesday through Saturday. Heat peaks Thursday and Friday with highs between 95-100. |
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Stratford cooling center availability :
- Baldwin Center: 1000 West Broad St, Stratford, CT 06615
- Thursday & Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm
- Birdseye Municipal Complex: 468 Birdseye St, Stratford, CT 06615
- Thursday & Friday from 8:30am to 8:00pm
- Stratford YMCA: 3045 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614
- Thursday 5:30am to 9:00pm
- Friday 5:30am to 6:00pm
- Saturday 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday 8:00am to 2:00pm
Residents who need additional resources, such as overnight sheltering, transportation assistance, or other social services, should call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org for statewide cooling center information.
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| Changes to Federal Government Student Loan System |
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Sweeping changes to the student loan system by the federal government will affect half a million Connecticut residents who carry student debt by narrowing their choices, raising monthly payments for many, and closing off affordable pathways to higher education.Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE Plan are receiving notices to choose a new repayment plan within 90 days. Anyone who does not choose will be automatically moved into the standard repayment plan, which could mean a sharply higher monthly bill. Two long-standing affordable options, Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE), will be phased out entirely by July 1, 2028. And, the Grad PLUS program, which lets students borrow up to the full cost of attendance, is being eliminated. Graduate borrowing for unsubsidized loans is now capped at $20,500 per year and $100,000 over a lifetime. Students in certain professional fields have a higher cap. Still, the practical effect for many will be a turn toward riskier private loans that carry fewer protections and are not available to everyone. No borrower should navigate these changes alone. Connecticut is one of a limited number of states with a dedicated Student Loan Ombudsperson, Michelle Jarvis-Lettman, housed at the state Department of Banking and backed by independent statutory authority under state law.The Ombudsperson’s office can receive and work to resolve complaints against student loan servicers, whether the loan is federal or private. It can help borrowers understand and choose among repayment options and answer questions about switching plans or consolidating. The Office can also step in to address problems such as misapplied payments, incorrect interest calculations, servicer changes, and errors in payment history or credit reporting, and it can connect borrowers to educational resources and help them navigate the transition off SAVE and into a new plan.Borrowers can call the Office at 860-240-8170 or 800-831-7225, and press option 2 or:
Borrowers can also file complaints with the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or by phone at 855-411-2372.
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| Investing $411.7 Early Childhood Education Endowment |
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Governor Lamont has announced that he is directing $411.7 million in state funding to be deposited into the Early Childhood Education Endowment, bringing the endowment’s total value to more than $700 million.
The endowment serves as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system and will deliver the largest expansion of early childhood education services in state history. Combined with the $300 million deposited at the end of fiscal year 2025, this latest investment positions Connecticut as a national leader in creating a sustainable, long-term strategy to expand access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education.
The endowment’s fiscal year 2027 budget also includes a $10 million investment in a health insurance subsidy for the early childhood workforce. Together, these investments advance the state’s comprehensive strategy to strengthen early childhood education while supporting the educators and providers who serve children and families every day.
Connecticut Early Childhood Education Endowment by the numbers:
- FY 2025 deposit: $300 million
- FY 2026 deposit: $411.7 million
- Total invested in the endowment: $711.7 million
- Eligible families receiving free child care beginning fiscal year 2028: Household incomes up to $100,000
- Maximum family contribution above that threshold: 7% of household income
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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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Bridge Deck Replacement on Route 15:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will complete bridge deck replacements for various bridges, including on Route 15 in Stratford, as a follow-up to pavement preservation, which excluded bridges. The project ensures bridges remain in good repair.
MERRIT PARKWAY LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect lane closures at the following locations:
- Route 15 North Exit 33 to Exit 38 in Milford, Stratford, and Trumbull, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday
- Route 15 South from Exit 33 to Exit 38 in Milford, Stratford, and Trumbull, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday
The project's estimated completion date is November 28th, 2026.
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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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| Stratford Community Updates |
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The Stratford Fourth of July Fireworks will take place on Thursday, July 2nd, at Short Beach. The fireworks will begin at sundown, approximately 9 p.m. The rain date will be Monday, July 6th. Parking will be available all day at Short Beach with a Stratford Resident Parking Stick ONLY. Traffic in the area is expected to be impacted from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and all residents are advised to plan accordingly. The fireworks exit plan from the town is below. To enlarge the map and find additional information on the Town of Stratford website click HEREThe Town of Stratford has a hotline for the annual Independence Day Celebrations. Call 203-380-6757 for the most up-to-date event details, including weather and traffic updates.
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Do you need a Town of Stratford beach sticker? Check the flyer below for everything you need to know!
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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