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My heart goes out to the family of the young child who lost their life in the Housatonic River last week at Birdseye Boat Ramp. I can't imagine the pain they must be experiencing. No parent, family, or community should ever have to experience something so devastating.
To the family affected by this tragedy, my thoughts and love are with you. As a community, it is difficult to find the right words in moments like this, but we can hold space for those impacted and keep them close in our thoughts. Let us all continue to offer our compassion and support during this unimaginable time. Thank you to the community members who organized a vigil this past Thursday at Shakespeare Park to offer a welcoming, peaceful space for the family, friends, religious leaders and community members to come together and pray and offer strength to the family.
I'm sincerely thankful to all of the first responders from the Stratford Police Department, Stratford Fire Department, and Stratford EMS for all their search and recovery efforts, as well as the personnel and departments from several surrounding towns for their assistance and support.
Our community is here to lean on for all those involved during this time of healing. If my office can be of any further assistance, please feel free to reach out at any time. |
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| Upcoming Community Office Hours |
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My summer in-district office hours are back this week! Join me Thursday, August 14th, from 5:30-6:30 pm at Blackbird's Nest located at 577 Hawley Ln in Stratford. I want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. I look forward to seeing everyone who can attend!
If you aren't able to make it-don't worry! I will be announcing more opportunities to meet with me in the coming weeks! |
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Last Thursday August 7th, I spent the day in Hartford, where I joined Governor Lamont and my legislative colleagues in the morning for the bill signing of Connecticut's new gun violence prevention law. The new law will require manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to implement and enforce reasonable controls to prevent the sale of guns to those who are prohibited by law from possessing guns and those who are at risk of self-harm or illegal use.
The law, also known as the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, allows victims of gun violence to file civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that fail to implement these reasonable safeguards to ensure their products do not fall into the wrong hands. This law also closes a loophole by preventing individuals with out-of-state criminal offenses from obtaining permits they wouldn't be eligible for if the offenses occurred in-state.
I am proud to support this legislation to help prevent gun violence across our state. This is a significant step in the right direction to help strengthen public safety and protect Connecticut residents and our communities from gun violence. |
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Thursday afternoon, the Human Services Committee met for two committee meetings and public hearings with members from the Appropriations, Public Health, and Energy and Technology committees. Our committees met to discuss the annual allocation of the Community Services Federal Block Grant (CSBG). The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services (OCS). The Department of Social Services (DSS) is designated as the state agency for the allocation and administration of the block grant within the State of Connecticut.
This grant provides assistance to states and local communities, working to reduce poverty and empower low-income families and individuals to become fully self-sufficient. The grant helps to fund various social programs such as: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Services, Community Mental Health, Maternal and Child Health, Preventive Health and Health Services, Social Services, and Community Services. |
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During the Human Services Committee meeting and public hearing with members of the Appropriations and Energy and Technology Committees and the Department of Social Services (DSS) on Thursday (8/7/25) afternoon, we learned that the FY 2026 LIHEAP benefits and anticipated enrollment numbers are projected to increase, and therefore, subsequent funding will also increase. LIHEAP is 100% federally funded and allocated to each state. Here in Connecticut, DSS makes recommendations on the anticipated fiscal year. We learned during the meeting that the proposed increase in allocation for FY 2026 is possible due to last year's Federal Block Grant carry-forward funds.
However, this program is at risk of losing federal funding and or being eliminated due to HR.1 (BBB) passing in Congress several weeks ago and lack of support from the White House. Not all hope is lost. In recent news reports, there is serious consideration from the U.S. Senate working in a bipartisan spirit to not only keep the program funded but to also increase funding. To be clear, there are two ways Congress can fund the program, one is through a continuing resolution, and the other is through the appropriations process.
However, both require the President's signature. There are additional challenges ahead despite the U.S. Senate's ability to agree on the funding, since the President advocated for its complete elimination, and Secretary Kennedy eliminated the staff involved to oversee the federal program. I understand and value LIHEAP because it serves as a lifeline for thousands of Connecticut families as prices continue to rise across the country.
Our committees are committed to advocating and working hard to ensure critical programs like LIHEAP will continue to operate and provide essential services to Connecticut households.
As of right now, applications for LIHEAP are scheduled to open in September with deliveries starting in the beginning of November. For Stratford residents, the partner organization that many residents utilize is The Alliance for Community Empowerment located in Bridgeport. The organization accepts CT energy assistance applications via phone, by appointment, online, and mail-in. To schedule an appointment, call (203) 366-8241 x3005 & follow the prompts. Be sure to look out for my future emails with more information and upcoming community events to help inform the public of this program and other opportunities. |
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| Extreme Hot Weather Protocol Activated |
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| Due to an anticipated stretch of high temperatures, the state is activating its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective at noon on Monday, August 11. The protocol will remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 14. Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org. |
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| Celebrating National Connecticut Day |
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Yesterday, August 10th was National Connecticut Day, which recognizes the contributions of the fifth state to join the United States of America on January 9, 1788. Our great state has a rich history that can be explored in Stratford at the Connecticut Air and Space Center (225 B Main St, Stratford), the National Helicopter Museum (2430 Main St, Stratford), and Boothe Memorial Park (5800 Main St, Stratford).
You can delve into Connecticut's vibrant cultural scene and plan your next adventure through the official state tourism website: CTvisit.com. |
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Every year on August 7th, we honor and remember those who have been wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. military. The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the US military.
The Purple Heart is more than a medal. It’s a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and unshakable courage. Today and every day, we remember and honor those who gave so much in service to our nation. 💜🏅 |
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| Merritt Parkway Exit Renumbering |
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The CT Department of Transportation has started the Exit Renumbering Project along the Merritt Parkway (Route 15) from the New York state border to the Wilbur Cross Parkway. This project is a part of the Exit Renumbering Project across the state to change to a mile-based system in accordance with federal standards. This means exits will now correspond with the mileage from the New York state line. A mile-based system is more driver friendly and is more accurate for emergency response.
The CTDOT has put together an interactive map for this project that shows the highways impacted and the old and new exit numbers. Click here to view |
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| CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Expansion |
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| This session, I was a proud co-sponsor of legislation that expands Connecticut's Paid Family and Medical Leave coverage to as many as 50,000 public and private school employees, such as paraeducators, library support staff, and custodial and food workers. This change will go into effect later this year on October 1st, 2025. The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority is hosting a series of informational webinars throughout July, August, and September to help school staff prepare. Check the flyer below for upcoming session dates and details. |
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| WBDC August Grant Applications |
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The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of its Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for this grant runs from August 5th through September 16th, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
Their Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1st through August 31st, 2025. You can find more information on our Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. |
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| Sterling House is getting ready to support our Stratford students with everything they need to head back to school with confidence, and they need the community's help! They are collecting donations for a Back to School Supply Giveaway now through August 15th. The Back to School Giveaway will take place on August 20th from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Sterling Community Center. |
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The Stratford Health Department is offering Immunization & Physical Clinics for school-aged children to help them get ready for the new school year this August! Check the flyer below for clinic dates. Call 203-385-4090 today to schedule an appointment.
Let’s keep our kids healthy and classroom-ready! |
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It is Paradise Green Farmer's Market Season! Every Monday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Paradise Green. This is a great chance to support our local CT farmers and businesses.
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🎒📚 Stratford Families – Don’t Miss This! 📚🎒
Back to School Community Resource Fair on Saturday, August 16th, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Stratford High School Gymnasium!
✅ FREE backpacks with school supplies for registered students!
✅ Health services, community resources, student activities & more!
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to pre-register!
Let’s get ready for an amazing school year together — please spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors! 💪 |
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The ShakesBeer Festival is back! This year's festival will feature dozens of breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries showcasing their finest libations alongside live music, local food trucks, vendors, and a plethora of games and activities.
A portion of every ticket sold goes towards athletic scholarships for Stratford students, making every sip count towards a brighter future.For more info and tickets, visit: http://shakesbeerct.com
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| Stratford/Trumbull Continuing Education online registration is now open for the Fall 2025 session. The program offers FREE courses for town residents. For more information and to register visit: https://www.stratfordk12.org/page/continuing-education |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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