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| In this week's email, you can learn about National Voter Registration Day and how to register before municipal elections this fall, read about Hispanic Heritage Month, and find information on other state and local resources that I hope are useful to you and your family. 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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On Wednesday, September 17th, I attended Optimus Health Care’s Legislative Breakfast with corporate and community leaders to discuss the potential effects of impending Medicaid cuts due to HR-1 on their clinics and operations.
Optimus Healthcare serves over 45,000 patients at its clinics in Stratford, Bridgeport, Milford, and Stamford. We were also briefed on the Women’s Health and Pediatric Clinic’s need for infrastructure upgrades and renovations. I had the opportunity to speak with doctors and staff about the day-to-day operations and clinical demands. I sincerely appreciate their commitment to provide dignified, quality care for all their patients and will continue to advocate alongside them for affordable and accessible healthcare impacting our residents. |
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This week, Stratford received exciting news when the State officially conveyed the Ella T. Grasso Regional Center property to the Town of Stratford. I was proud to support Representative Joe Gresko and Mayor Hoydick in their efforts to get this project across the finish line.
The plans for the land include 100 units of senior housing managed by the Stratford Housing Authority. This project will bring real, affordable, and accessible housing to senior residents. The center is located in the 120th District, and I am excited for the future of this senior housing project. |
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| National Voter Registration Day |
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Are you #VoteReady? 🗳️
This fall, local elections are taking place here in Stratford. Voting is one of the most important civic responsibilities and allows you to be involved in the process. On September 16th, 2025, we recognize National Voter Registration Day. Take a few minutes on National Voter Registration Day to get registered to vote, check your registration status, and get your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.
➡️ voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do
This fall, take the time to learn about all the candidates up for election and have the necessary conversations to make an informed decision ahead of Election Day. If you have any questions about voting and Election Day, including about your polling location, absentee ballots, or to view sample ballots, visit: www.stratfordct.gov/o/stratford/page/election-year-2025 |
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This week marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us in celebrating the history and culture of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th through October 15th!
From music and food to science, business, and public service—Hispanic and Latino communities shape Connecticut and our nation every day.
Let’s honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions that continue to inspire generations. |
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| Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day |
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Every year on September 19th, we pause to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.
As a legislator and a fellow American, I carry deep gratitude for the families who live with uncertainty every day. Your strength reminds us of the cost of freedom and the promise we owe: to never forget.
Here in Connecticut, we join the nation in remembering the names, the stories, and the faces behind the uniform. Their absence is felt, their service remembered, and their return always hoped for.
To every Connecticut family who bears this burden: always remember that you are seen, you are honored, and we will always keep the light on. 🎗️ |
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| State Bond Ratings Upgrade |
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Connecticut received notification from Moody’s and Fitch this week that both rating agencies are upgrading the state’s bond ratings.
Moody’s is upgrading Connecticut from Aa3 to Aa2. Fitch is upgrading the state from AA- to AA. These upgrades mark the seventh and eighth credit rating increases during the Lamont administration. Prior to that, the most recent General Obligation bond rating upgrade the state received was in 2001.
These ratings upgrades will result in even greater demand for state bonds, creating both immediate and long-term savings for taxpayers, while freeing up resources for Connecticut to make critical investments in programs and people. |
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| Northeastern Public Health Collaborative |
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This week, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) joined Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York City in officially forming the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. This voluntary regional partnership aims to strengthen public health coordination, share expertise, and improve preparedness across state lines.
The collaborative's shared purpose is to work together in new ways to optimize the use of shared resources to innovate and reimagine core services to ensure trust in public health. The group’s shared goal is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all residents by providing information based on science, data, and evidence, while working to ensure equitable access to vaccines, medications, and services.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that a vegetation management safety improvement operation will be performed on Route 15 and 8 interchange ramps in Trumbull, Shelton, and Stratford. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, September 22nd, and be completed on Friday, November 14th, 2025.
To ensure the safety of the public, CTDOT is removing dead, diseased, and decaying trees. Additionally, trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the roadway, are also being removed. This work helps save lives in the event of a crash or a vehicle leaving the roadway.
The ramps affected are:
- Route 15 southbound Exit 34 on-ramp to Route 8 northbound
- Route 15 southbound Exit 34 on-ramp to Route 8 southbound / Nichols Avenue – Route 8 southbound to the Route 127 turn around
- Route 8 southbound Exit 4 – Route 127 off-ramp
- Route 108 on-ramp to Route 15 northbound
- Route 108 on-ramp to Route 8 northbound
- Route 8 southbound Exit 5 off-ramp to Route 108
- Route 108 Exit 5 on-ramp to Route 8 southbound
- Route 8 southbound to Exit 6 off-ramps to Route 15 southbound
- Route 15 northbound to Exit 34 – Route 8 northbound on-ramp
- Exit 4 (Route 127) on-ramp to Route 8 northbound
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect partial lane closures on the Route 15 – Route 8 interchange ramps in Trumbull, Stratford, and Shelton from Monday, September 22nd to Friday, November 14th, 2025, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Traffic control signing patterns, State Troopers will guide motorists through the work zone.
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| As a reminder, there is a harmful algal bloom at Longbrook Pond & Brewster Pond at Longbrook Park. Everyone is currently advised not to come in contact with water in the area. |
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| September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Visit the Stratford Library (or click here) to get your card today! |
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The Baldwin Center is holding its annual The Big B event on September 26th from 11 a.m. - 1p.m. at the Baldwin Center. The event will feature various dishes and snacks that you can find at the State House at the New England Expo of The Big E and have a chance to win a state themed prize!
Click here for additional events happening at the Baldwin Center this month. |
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Stratford Animal Rescue Society Fall Flower Plant Sale will take place this weekend. They will have Pumpkins, Hardy Mums, Fall Annuals, Combo Planters, Perennials, Houseplants, Cornstalks, Straw Bales and more! They will also have the Pet Boutique with items for your pets!
When:
Saturday, Sept. 20th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 21st 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
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| The Stratford Health Department will be holding Flu Clinics throughout October, November, December, and January. Check out the October clinic dates below, as well as what insurance is accepted at the clinic. |
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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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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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