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It was another busy week at the Capitol as we continued to make progress on legislative priorities and discussed important issues in committee meetings and public hearings. Below, you can read more about what I was up to this week, and further down, you'll find resources and local updates that may be useful to you and your family.
On Tuesday March 11, I attended the SEIU 1199 New England COVID-19 five-year anniversary day of remembrance and action alongside healthcare workers, community members, and other legislators. I was proud to stand in solidarity with healthcare workers in the fight for livable wages, affordable healthcare, and retirement benefits. These workers showed up every day, risking their lives to help others during a global pandemic. We must take care of them, as they have and continue to do for some of our most vulnerable residents across the state. |
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In our Public Safety and Security public hearing on March 11, we heard testimony on many bills, including those concerning law enforcement training and firefighter recruitment, training and retention; paramedics; and the establishment of a state wildfire commission.
The Human Services Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday March 11 and a committee meeting on Thursday March 13. During our public hearing, we heard testimony about the Department of Aging and Disability Services and various issues concerning Medicaid coverage and costs. During our committee meeting, my colleagues and I reviewed our committee bills addressing fertility health care, maternal and infant health care, medical debt, and several other key issues we have discussed this session.
During the Labor and Public Employees committee public hearing on March 11, we heard testimony on AI protections for employees, unemployment for paraeducators, and paycheck transparency. The committee also held a meeting on Thursday March 13 to review our committee bills including H.B. 6954, An Act Adding Witnessing a Serious Physical Injury as a Qualifying Event for Purposes of Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Workers' Compensation Coverage and S.B. 1371 An Act Establishing a Just Cause Standard for Teacher Contract Terminations.
As committee meetings begin to wrap up, I am excited to continue discussions about these bills on the House Floor and work across the aisle to pass legislation that will have a positive impact on residents across the state. |
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| National K-9 Veterans Day |
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March 13, 1942 marks the official birthday of the U.S Army K9 Corps! To honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Military Working Dogs, March 13th is now recognized as National K9 Veterans Day.
Special shout-out to K9-Bocci of the Connecticut State Capitol Police Department K-9 Unit, who keeps us safe in the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building.
…and yes! You can follow him on Instagram. @k9_bocci_ctcapitolpolice 🐾
📷: @harlowsheroes |
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| Governor Lamont Press Conference on Medicaid |
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| This week, Governor Lamont held a press conference discussing cuts to Connecticut's Medicaid program. I know many of you are concerned about the potential impact these cuts may have on the programs and services you and your family rely on. Here in Connecticut, we will continue to fight to protect access to healthcare for all residents across the state. |
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| Click the video above to watch Governor Lamont during the press conference |
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| State Comptroller Economic Update |
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| This week, State Comptroller Scanlon released the March 2025 Connecticut Economic Update. This is a great resource for learning more about the economic issues that impact you directly. |
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| Job Assistance For Federal Workers |
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If you are a Connecticut resident who has been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know this…CONNECTICUT HAS YOUR BACK.
The federal government may have turned its back on you, but Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers here are eager to benefit from your expertise.
The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time.
Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol. |
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Don’t forget - you only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can tune in and watch them live on the committee’s YouTube channel.
Register to testify and learn more about this week’s schedule, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s CGA Bulletin. |
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| I was honored, along with several of our Stratford women elected officials, by the Town Council on Monday in celebration of Women's History Month. We took this time to recognize Sterling Community Center's Girls on the Run, a running club composed of girls from across Stratford that encourages them to be inspired by their leaders and peers. |
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There are many St. Patrick's Day events happening in and around Stratford!
The Irish flag will be raised in a ceremony on the green in front of the Stratford Town Hall at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 17. They will also host an Irish soda bread contest open to all Stratford residents. |
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| This Saturday is the annual Milford St. Patrick's Day Parade at 1:00-2:30 p.m. starting at Wasson Field in Milford. This parade is one of the states' largest St. Patrick's Day Parades. |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has been busy in Stratford! I would like to thank them for spending time in Stratford this week cleaning up litter and debris by the Exit 33 on- and off-ramps.
CTDOT also announced that a pavement preservation program will begin on Route 7 and 15 in Norwalk, Trumbull, Stratford, and Milford. This project is scheduled to begin Friday, March 21 and be completed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Lane and ramp closures and detour information is below.
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 through the work zone.
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| Mark your calendars! Stratford Recreation Summer Camps registration opens March 31st at 8:00am. Stratford Recreation is offering multiple camps this summer from Playground, Teen-Squad, Sports, Pre-school, Swim, Tennis, Performing Arts, and much more! |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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