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This week, we continued doing the people’s work in Hartford as the House was in Session Monday through Thursday, consisting of long days and nights. We passed numerous bills out of the House that will provide additional consumer and patient protections, gun violence prevention measures, standardized public health protections, and more. It has been a very busy and productive week, from debating on the House Floor to meeting with advocates in the final weeks of the session. Next week, we will be back up at the Capitol for Session, Monday through Saturday!
In this week’s email, you’ll find detailed information on bills we passed this week, financial relief on electric bills, CTDOT Stratford road work updates, and more!
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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| This Week Around the Capitol |
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| On Monday, I joined the Police Officer Association of Connecticut (POACT) to the LOB and Capitol for the annual Police Officer Association of Connecticut Lobby Day. It was great to welcome Stratford Police Officers to the LOB for the event. |
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| Tuesday was Nonprofit Alliance Day hosted by the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance which featured nonprofits from across the state including ALS United Connecticut who's office is now located in Stratford. |
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| Early Wednesday morning, I was honored to speak at the United Professional Firefighter Association of Connecticut's Legislative Breakfast held at the Hartford Armory to kick off a busy day of meeting with community advocates and local heroes. |
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| Wednesday afternoon, I was thrilled to speak at the AFSCME Council 4 Legislative Lobby Day with union members from across the state including many from Stratford. |
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| Wednesday was the CT Alliance of YMCA Advocacy Day at the Capitol, and I had the opportunity to welcome Stratford YMCA staff, board members, and supporters into the House Chamber, alongside Representative Gresko. |
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| Later Wednesday afternoon, I stopped by the AARP Legislative Reception and met with two Stratford residents, John Wilson, President of AARP Connecticut, and Margaret, a dedicated AARP advocate. |
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Connecticut House Democrats passed legislation to make sure our 2026 elections are free and fair.
We took steps to:
✅Modernize our absentee ballot laws and vote counting procedures
✅Create more safeguards to ensure your vote counts
✅Protect our elections from corrupt outside forces
In 2024, voters overwhelmingly approved the expanded use of absentee ballots, this legislation will modernize our absentee ballot system by:
✅Replacing the second envelope with a more reliable barcode system
✅Setting up a system to check the status of your absentee ballot online
✅Allowing more people who request a ballot to be automatically sent one for each election
✅Expanding where town-supervised voting by absentee ballot takes place (currently it is only in nursing homes and hospice)
✅Letting anyone who will be 18 by Election Day vote early or by absentee ballot
Additionally, we’ll keep ICE and people with weapons away from our polls, increase penalties for tampering with vote counts and intimidating poll workers, and empower the Attorney General to prevent people from interfering with our elections, among other provisions.
People’s right to vote is under constant attack around the country, but here in Connecticut, we’re making sure elections are free and fair. |
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| Connecticut Establishes Vaccine Standards |
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This week, the House passed HB 5044: An Act Establishing Connecticut Vaccine Standards.
This legislation will allow our State Department of Public Health to create their own standard of care. This will align CT’s vaccine recommendations with the CDC’s science based schedules that were in place for years prior to the Trump administrations politicization and abandonment of public health.
Normally, when it comes to vaccines, Connecticut ties its policies and standards to expert guidelines developed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC, however, has abandoned its standing as the premier resource of medicine and science.
Absent that federal guidance, House Democrats took action on CT’s vaccine policies, which will:
✅Allow CT to buy vaccines from suppliers other than the CDC
✅Allow DPH to promote COVID and flu vaccines
✅Require private insurance companies to cover vaccination costs
✅Tighten loopholes around unvaccinated children and public schools
Under this legislation, the existing process for school vaccine requirements remains unchanged and must still go through the full regulatory processThe bill explicitly states that individuals are not required to receive medical interventions, even during a public health emergency
What this bill does is allow the state to set a “standard of care” that primarily impacts insurance coverage and access, making sure vaccines people choose to receive are affordable and available.
In Connecticut, good medicine and science will continue to guide us.
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| Protecting Connecticut Consumers |
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Across Connecticut and the nation, consumers have reported being encouraged, and even pressured, to sign up for financial products such as medical credit cards, loans, and lines of credit while undergoing treatment, in pain, or under sedation. Many later face unexpected high-interest charges due to confusing promotional terms, leaving them burdened with significant and unforeseen debt. This week, the House passed a measure to protect Connecticut consumers.
HB 5127 addresses these concerns by establishing clear, targeted protections while preserving consumer choice and access to financing options. Key provisions of the legislation include:
✅Targeted safeguards during vulnerable moments: Providers are generally prohibited from advertising, soliciting, or offering third-party financing while a patient is under anesthesia, receiving care, or in treatment areas. Regulated discussion may still occur in waiting rooms and other rooms within health care facilities to ensure transparency
✅Empowering consumer decision-making: The bill prohibits providers from completing or submitting financing applications on behalf of patients, ensuring individuals maintain control over financial decisions.
✅Improved transparency and reduced confusion: Restrictions on co-branding prevent misleading associations between care providers and financial products, while required disclosures ensure patients clearly understand terms and conditions in their primary language.
✅Eliminating conflicts of interest: Providers may not receive financial incentives for promoting third-party financing options.
✅Preventing unexpected costs: The bill limits when charges can be applied to financing accounts and enhances transparency around ancillary products, including return options in certain cases.
✅Mandatory disclosure protections: Patients must sign a standardized disclosure form before engaging in financing discussions, ensuring informed consent.
This measure passed with vast bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate.
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| Closing Homeschooling Loopholes |
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In recent years, a handful of child abusers have exploited loopholes in CT’s homeschooling laws – resulting in horrific crimes of child abuse, kidnapping, and homicide.
In an effort to keep our kids from falling through the cracks when they’re withdrawn from public school, we’ve set up some standard procedures while balancing the rights and privacy of the parents who are responsibly educating their children at home. Connecticut currently has no homeschooling regulations, allowing bad actors to take advantage of the lack of oversight to hide abuse or neglect by withdrawing their children from school.
To help close that gap, HB 5468:
✅Creates an annual form for all students to indicate whether a child will be attending a private school, public school, or be homeschooled.
✅Requires homeschooling families to retain educational records for 3 years to protect parents during an accusation of educational neglect.
✅Prevents a child from being pulled out of public school while an adult in their home is being investigated by DCF or is on the child abuse and neglect registry. |
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| Modernizing Connecticut's Cannabis Laws |
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Connecticut House Democrats are modernizing our cannabis laws—cutting unnecessary costs, expanding access, and strengthening a growing industry.
- Expanding access to medical cannabis, including for out-of-state patients
- Lowering costs for businesses through reduced testing and streamlined regulations
- Aligning potency rules with neighboring states to stay competitive
- Increasing the range of products made and sold in Connecticut, including coffee and tea
- Strengthening consumer protections, including data privacy
Modernizing our laws, leveling the playing field, and supporting a growing industry—this is how Connecticut keeps jobs, investment, and innovation here at home.
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| House Democrats Take Action to Prevent Gun Violence |
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Connecticut is advancing a gun violence prevention bill aimed at strengthening public safety and closing dangerous gaps in current law. House Bill 5043: An Act Concerning Convertible Pistols and Unfinished Frames or Unfinished Lower Receivers.
The proposal would ban convertible pistols, firearms that can be easily modified to function like automatic weapons, sometimes with minimal tools such as a screwdriver or knife. By addressing these modifications, the bill targets a growing concern among law enforcement and public safety officials.
It would also make it easier for individuals to safely surrender firearms to local police. Current law primarily applies to assault weapons, but this change would expand that option, helping to ensure that more firearms can be removed from potentially unsafe situations.
Together, these measures are designed to reduce the risk of gun violence while promoting responsible ownership and safer communities across the state. |
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This Wednesday, April 22nd, we recognized Earth Day.
On Earth Day, we are reminded to protect our environment. Together, we can build a greener future for generations to come. |
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| Here at the Capitol I celebrated Earth Day by attending the Connecticut Earth Day Land Conservation Celebration to highlight the nature we have here in Connecticut and to ensure we do our best to protect it. |
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On Friday afternoon, we had beautiful weather and continued Earth Day Celebrations outside Stratford’s town Hall recognizing the 154th Anniversary of Arbor Day. I joined Mayor Chess, Rep. Gresko, Stratford Conservation Commission members, Stratford Beautification Commission members, DPW staff, students and community environmental advocates for a proclamation reading, flag raising and tree planting.
During the ceremony, The Mayor announced that the town will plant 250 trees this year in recognition of our country’s upcoming 250th Anniversary.
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Celebrate Earth Day in Stratford this weekend at two different events:
The annual Earth Day Longbrook Park Clean-up will take place on April 25th, starting at 8 a.m. on Marcus Drive.
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The annual Earth Day Housatonic River Clean-up Project GreenSweep will take place on April 25th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Birdseye Boat Ramp.
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| Financial Relief on Electric Bills |
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Starting May 1, Connecticut residents can expect some welcome relief on their energy bills. Earlier this week, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved an interim decision to lower residential electricity rates across the state.
Under this change, on average, rates will decrease by approximately 4.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, about $30 per month for the average Eversource customer, and 4.9 cents per kilowatt-hour, or roughly $34 per month, for the average United Illuminating customer.
This reduction is largely driven by a drop in the public benefits charge, which will now appear as a credit on customers’ bills rather than an added cost, at least through September. Much of this shift is tied to long-term energy contracts negotiated by Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. These agreements provide electricity at stable, fixed prices, helping shield ratepayers from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
The state’s continued investment in a diversified energy portfolio has helped cushion the impact of rising natural gas prices this winter, underscoring the value of a balanced and forward-looking energy strategy.
Customers should begin seeing these lower rates reflected in their bills starting May 1, with the reductions expected to remain in place through at least September for most households.
Visit EnergizeCT.com for more ways to save. |
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| Sexual Assault Awareness Month |
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 1 in 6 men (16.9%) and nearly half of women (45.1%) in the United States experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. 41% of women in Connecticut have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime.
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Replacement of Existing Transmission Line Structures on Route 110 in Stratford:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that the replacement of existing transmission line Structures will be performed on Route 110 (River Road) in Stratford. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, May 4th, and be completed on Friday, June 12th, 2026. This project is being performed by Eversource Energy.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
A section of Route 110 (River Road) will be closed near Main Street, starting Monday, May 4th at 6:00 a.m. to Friday, June 12th, 2026, 8:00 p.m. Traffic will be detoured. Traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone.
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Wrong Way Driver Detection Maintenance
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that wrong way driver detection preventative maintenance and recertification will be performed on I-91, Route 15, Route 8, and Route 7, including here in Stratford.
The Wrong Way Driver Detection Maintenance will take place on Route 15 Southbound at Exit 36 in Stratford. The project will occur on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Traffic will follow posted detours and advised to seek alternate routes during the ramp closures listed above.
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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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Noise Barrier Replacement on I-95:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) 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 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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| Upcoming Connecticut Nurses Day at the Capitol |
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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.
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| National Drug Takeback Day |
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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. |
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| Stratford Community Updates |
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| View the calendar below for the weekly Stratford Eats schedule of community meals, food pantries, and other food resources in the Stratford community. |
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| 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. |
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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
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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.
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The Town of Stratford's Veterans Breakfast will take place on May 27th! Veterans and one guest are invited to attend free of charge.
When: 9:00 AM, Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Where: Vazzano’s Four Seasons, 337 Kenyon Street, Stratford
In addition to breakfast, the Town is planning a program that will include speakers, recognition of our veterans, and a traditional performance from the Stratford High School Select Choir.
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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.
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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.
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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