|
|
|
|
|
This week, the House was in Session on Wednesday, April 8th, and Thursday, April 9th. I was honored to join Speaker Ritter during Thursday's session to lead the House Chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance.
|
|
|
The Capitol was buzzing this week with advocates and organizations promoting their priorities to legislators. I was happy to welcome back Mr. Falzone, our fellow Stratford advocate and resident, to the Capitol, who was here with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for their annual State Capitol advocacy day.
|
|
|
During this week's House session, we voted on more executive nominations, as well as numerous bills, including the State Plan of Conservation Development, the Tire Stewardship Program (championed by Representative Gresko), Education of Homeless Children and Youth. One bill we voted on during Thursday's session was H.B. 5406, An Act Concerning Various Measures Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces, which I am a proud co-sponsor of. This policy will help support veterans through expanded dental services, tax relief, establishing an Office of the Veterans' and Military Healthcare Ombudsman, and more.
|
|
|
Be sure to stay updated with committee meetings by checking the weekly CGA calendar here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/. 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
|
|
 |
| Click here to watch the pledge during Thursday's session |
|
| Connecticut Education Association Advocacy Press Conference |
|
|
|
On Wednesday, April 8th, I stood alongside many of my legislative colleagues and members of the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) in support of H.B. 5003 and S.B. 351. These important pieces of legislation aim to strengthen fairness, transparency, and consistency in the teacher evaluation and termination process, ensuring that decisions are guided by clear standards and a commitment to due process.
These proposals would establish a more balanced and equitable framework by creating a clear standard of review for teacher termination decisions and ensuring that any dismissal is subject to a fair hearing before a neutral arbitrator. By putting these safeguards in place, we can help protect due process for educators while maintaining high standards in our schools, supporting both our teachers and the students they serve every day.
|
|
Did you know that we're the only state in our region without a state Child Tax Credit? New York just expanded its to $1,000 per child! It's past time to act. Too many families in Stratford with children are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why I'm proud to support the proposed bill H.B. 5134, An Act Establishing a Refundable Child Tax Credit, this legislative session. At $600 per child, it's a direct, efficient investment in working families across our state.
When families have more financial footing, they spend locally, reduce reliance on emergency services, and build the kind of stability their children need to thrive — and that strengthens our whole community. The numbers in this graphic show what that means right here in the 120th House District.
I am proud to be one of the 60 CT legislators who signed on as a co-sponsor of the CT Child Tax Credit this session!
|
|
| Stratford CTDOT Noise Barrier Replacement |
|
|
|
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will has started noise barrier replacement on I-95 between Exit 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 Exit 32-33 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.
|
|
| Manufacturer ConneCTion Fair |
|
|
The Manufacturer ConneCTion Fair will take place on April 23rd at the State Capitol This free event brings together students and manufacturers for a hands-on, engaging introduction to modern manufacturing careers.
Students from Connecticut’s middle schools, high schools, and technical high schools will explore interactive exhibits hosted by local manufacturers throughout the first floor of the State Capitol. Activities include virtual welding simulators, robotics demonstrations, and other immersive experiences designed to showcase today’s high-tech manufacturing and engineering careers—many of which offer starting salaries of $65,000 or more with no college debt.
A new addition from 2025 includes a College Student & Training Program Graduate Career Fair from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Participation is free for both students and manufacturers. The fair has been incredibly successful, welcoming over 1,000 students last year, and we expect this year’s event to be even larger.
|
|
| Upcoming Connecticut Nurses Day at the Capitol |
|
|
Connecticut Nurses Day at the Capitol will take place later this month, on Wednesday, April 29th!This is a great opportunity to talk directly with legislators, connect with nurses from across the state, and see just how many different voices are shaping our profession here in Connecticut. Make sure to wear red!I hope to see you there!Click here to register.
|
|
| National Drug Takeback Day |
|
|
As you begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed and safe home. National Drug Takeback Day, administered by the DEA, will take place on Saturday, April 25. This event provides residents with a free, convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications at local collection sites. The DEA partners with local law enforcement agencies across the United States to host this event in local communities like ours.
The Stratford Police Department will host a Drug Takeback Site at 900 Longbrook Ave in Stratford from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. on Saturday, April 25th.
Host sites will collect pills and capsules, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The DEA cannot accept liquid, sharps, or needles. Trained volunteers will be present to handle collected materials and ensure safe disposal. Any medication you wish to dispose of should be presented in a clear, sealed bag. Loose pills or capsules will not be accepted.
If you are unable to attend the event, MyOldMeds.com offers a Locator Tool to help you find the nearest disposal site year-round. There are more than 29,000 verified locations in all 50 states that have secure unwanted or expired medicine disposal kiosks, and/ or provide free in-home disposal kits upon request. Additionally, the Locator Tool provides disposal site hours of operation, hours of collection, what is collected, and other helpful information. |
|
| Renters Rebate Program Now Open |
|
|
Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open to eligible renters who are elderly or living with a disability and meet certain income requirements.
Qualified applicants may receive rebates of up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals. The rebate amount is determined using a graduated income scale, as well as the total rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made during the previous calendar year.
Applications must be submitted through your local municipality’s assessor’s office or a designated social service agency. The application period is now open and will run through September 30. Please note that no extensions are permitted, and all applications must be received by the municipality no later than September 30.
Click here for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply. |
|
| Free Tax Assistance Services |
|
|
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 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 |
|
| Stratford Community Updates |
|
|
| View the calendar below for the weekly Stratford Eats schedule of community meals, food pantries, and other food resources in the Stratford community. |
|
| 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. |
|
|
Save the date: The Southwestern CT Agency on Aging will be attending the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities Resource Fair coming up on April 23rd!
|
|
The annual Earth Day Longbrook Park Clean-up will take place on April 25th, starting at 8 a.m. on Marcus Drive.
|
|
The annual Earth Day Housatonic River Clean-up will take place on April 25th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Birdseye Boat Ramp.
|
|
Stratford Library will offer volunteering opportunities for teens this summer. Attend an Open House Information Session on April 30th or May 18th for more information. Applications will be available starting April 30th
|
|
The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA will hold its 25th annual Walk to End Homelessness on May 16th at 9 a.m. at Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport. Click here for more information, to register, or to donate.
|
|
Mayor Chess and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz will honor Stratford Veterans on June 15th at 4 p.m. at Stratford High School. All veterans are welcome. Contact Mayor@townofstratford.com for more information.
|
|
Southern Connecticut State University will honor former Stratford Brakette Donna Lopiano for being a trailblazer and leader in Women's Sports at a reception on June 15th. Click here for more information.
|
|
Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
