Kaitlyn Shake

The House was busy in session again this week on Tuesday, May 13th, Wednesday, May 14th, and Thursday, May 15th. The speed of session is picking up, as most days, we stay late into the night and pass more legislation each day. In this week's newsletter, you will find information on several key bills passed this week, resources for Seniors, and local Stratford updates.

The House was back in session on Wednesday, May 7th, and Thursday, May 8th. After debate ensued, we were able to pass­­ a range of bills tackling key legislation that addresses several residents' priorities across the state. As we move through the remainder of the legislative session, I will continue to work across the aisle to push for policies that will benefit our communities.

This week at the Capitol, the House was in session on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday to discuss and vote on numerous bills. Over the next few weeks, my colleagues and I will be working diligently to advocate for policies we support and that will benefit residents across the state. If you have any questions during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out. In this week's newsletter, you will find information on some of the bills passed this week, resources for you and your family, and local updates. 

It's been a productive week at the Capitol as my colleagues and I continue to prepare which bills will be discussed and debated on the House floor. During this time, the Appropriations and Finance Committees continue to work diligently in meetings and public hearings on the budget.

I hope this message finds you and your family well. We are officially halfway through the 2025 Legislative Session!

Last Saturday 04/12, I had the pleasure of joining State Representative Joe Gresko to deliver a $25,000 check for the Boothe Memorial Railway Society (BMRS)! This additional state funding will allow them to continue showcasing Stratford’s railroad history. I am excited and proud to see BMRS continue to thrive and bring our community together to learn about our history. The dedicated volunteers at BMRS have worked hard to educate our community, and their efforts do not go unnoticed. The Railroad Museum at Boothe Park will open in May!

It was a productive week at the Capitol with the House back in session on Wednesday 4/9/25. During our session, we debated and voted on executive and legislative nominations including on the Utility Commissioners of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Airport Authority. During Wednesday's session, I was proud to recognize Stratford's 2025 Bunnell Boys Basketball team in the chamber and congratulate them on their back-to back State Championship WIN! Go Bulldogs!

I am happy to share that Stratford has received $544,583 in state funding from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Materials Management Infrastructure (MMI) Grant Program. This funding will help our town lower waste disposal costs and increase recycling and food scrap diversion. This grant is a huge step in making our community more sustainable and building a cleaner future.

The work at the Capitol continues as my colleagues and I are moving through the legislative process. Committees are working through the Joint Favorable (JF) process where legislation is reviewed, amended, and voted on. This is an important step in shaping the legislation that will impact our communities.