|
|
|
|
Happy first week of Summer! Next week is America’s 250th Birthday. I hope you’re able to reflect, participate, and celebrate at local events here in Stratford. Starting next week, please be aware that over 80 new laws will take effect on Wednesday, July 1st. This includes Public Act 26-12, the comprehensive workforce legislation (HB5003) that passed during the 2026 session, which I proudly co-sponsored and worked on to expand protections for CT workers.
Further down in this email, read about several new state laws effective July 1st, learn about a Summer EBT program available to more than 350,000 children across Connecticut, and find a final reminder for the Access Health Special Enrollment Period.
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.
|
|
| Community Discussion with Seniors, Caregivers, and AARP CT at the Baldwin Center |
|
|
Thank you to everyone who joined me on Monday morning at the Baldwin Center for a community conversation with AARP CT! This was a great discussion about what the legislature has done in recent years to support seniors, steps the legislature can take in future sessions, and resources available to seniors and caregivers in Stratford and across Connecticut.
Click here to view the OLR 2026 Report on Acts Affecting Seniors
If you were unable to attend, please reach out to my office at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov with any questions or if you need assistance connecting with the right resources. |
|
| New Laws In Effect Next Week |
|
|
Several new laws that we passed during the 2026 legislative session will take effect next week, on July 1st, bringing important changes for Connecticut residents. Among them is Public Act 26-42, which expands access to voting by allowing any eligible voter to cast an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason. The law removes outdated restrictions that previously limited absentee voting to a narrow set of circumstances. Another new law, Public Act 26-12, strengthens recruitment and retention efforts for Connecticut's first responders. The legislation expands benefits such as tuition waivers and mortgage assistance for police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and National Guard members, while also providing support for the families of certain public safety personnel who die in the line of duty. Public Act 26-1 provides stronger workplace protections for employees at warehouses and fulfillment centers. The law ensures that productivity quotas do not interfere with legally required meal and bathroom breaks and requires employers to clearly communicate any quotas workers are expected to meet.Public Act 26-12 includes a grant program for local and regional boards of education to offer free bus passes to public school students from ninth through 12th grade. The state Department of Veterans Affairs will offer a similar program for veterans. This program allows high school students and veterans across the state to receive free bus passes.Several new tax changes will take effect, including a new research and development tax credit applied to personal income tax for qualifying small businesses, as well as an income tax credit for income-eligible family caregivers. During the annual sales tax-free week in August, the usual $100 exemption will rise to $300 and will now include backpacks and cleated athletic shoes to the list of items that can be bought tax-free.These measures reflect our ongoing efforts to make voting more accessible, support those who serve our communities, and strengthen protections for Connecticut workers.
|
|
| Early Childhood Education Advisory Board Approves Health Insurance Subsidy Through Access Health CT |
|
|
The Early Childhood Education Endowment’s Advisory Board voted this week to approve the new early childhood educator health insurance subsidy program beginning in 2027, available through Access Health CT’s Open Enrollment starting October 23.
Established into law in 2025, the state's historic Early Childhood Education Endowment has already created up to 1,000 new child care spaces, supported an 8% increase in Early Start CT reimbursement rates, expanded Smart Start preschool classrooms, and invested in operational grants for providers across the state. As specified in Public Act 25-93, $10 million of the FY27 Endowment spend is dedicated to a health insurance subsidy program for early childhood educators. Early childhood educators often struggle with access to affordable health insurance, and this subsidy program can help retain and recruit essential workers for our early childhood system to work for families, employers, and our economy.
The subsidy will allow educators to access qualified health plans through Access Health CT and receive a subsidy toward their cost for health insurance through either an individual plan through Access Health CT, an employer’s small employer group plan through Access Health CT, or in conjunction with an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) offered by their employer. Eligible early childcare educators must not be eligible for Medicaid or the Covered Connecticut program.
The subsidy program is income-based and provides a flat subsidy for covered options regardless of which option through which an individual receives their health insurance. Early childhood educators earning between 175% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will receive a subsidy of $1,200 per year; those earning between 250% and 400% of the FPL will receive $1,100 subsidies; and those earning over 400% will receive $1,000.
Approximately 7,200 to 8,800 early child care workers will be eligible for the program. Access Health CT will also receive funding from the Endowment to promote and advertise the program to early childhood educators and providers.
Additional details on the program and how to apply will be shared as they are released. |
|
| Summer EBT for more than 350,000 children |
|
|
|
Families across Connecticut are receiving extra help putting food on the table this summer through the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (S-EBT) program.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services, in partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education, is providing a one-time $120 food benefit for each eligible child to help offset meal costs while school is out of session. More than 350,000 children are expected to get support from the program.
This investment helps families with children pay for food during the summer months while school is not in session. More than $42 million in S-EBT funding is expected to be provided to Connecticut families this summer.
Children may qualify if their family:
- Participates in SNAP, Temporary Family Assistance Program (TFA), or Husky A with an income below 185% of the federal poverty level or
- Was approved for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-26 school year.
Most eligible families automatically received their benefits electronically last weekend. They are being loaded onto existing SNAP or EBT cards, including previously issued Summer EBT cards. Families new to the program will receive an EBT card by mail.
Families who are not automatically enrolled can apply for Summer EBT through August 31, 2026.
|
|
| Access Health CT Special Enrollment Deadline |
|
|
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.
|
|
| CT Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority Graduate Loan Program |
|
|
Back in October 2025, when the federal Department of Education announced plans to drastically limit graduate student loan eligibility and reclassify certain professional degrees, I immediately began pushing for our state to step up. During this legislative session, I worked with the Higher Education Committee Chairs and a strong coalition of professional organizations, unions, and higher ed advocates to include $30 million for CHESLA in the budget. This historic investment in the program is the first of its kind in the country to help combat the federal government's harmful decision and provide financial assistance to graduate students. Now, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan program.
The MyCHESLA Grad Loan is a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1. CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.
Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.
Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.
Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private student loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.
Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process. |
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
| Stratford Celebrates America 250! |
|
|
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a Revolutionary Bus Tour as we retrace General Lafayette’s path through Stratford in 1779 to meet General George Washington.The tour will take place this Saturday, June 27th, at 1:30 pm. Register at https://bit.ly/stfd-tours
The tour will start at the Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad Street, and will last approximately 90 minutes.
|
|
| The Town of Stratford will hold a ceremony at the Town Hall Green on Thursday, July 2nd, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. |
|
| Stratford Celebrates America with Art will take place on Friday, July 3rd from 10am until 2pm with a sidewalk chalk art contest at Town Hall. Our rain date is July 5th. Register at https://forms.gle/kx9iYjtcRiZ9fhoh6. Contest open to all ages |
|
| Stratford Community Updates |
|
|
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.
|
|
Do you need a Town of Stratford beach sticker? Check the flyer below for everything you need to know!
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
