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I hope this message finds you and your family well! In this week's email, you can read about the Access Health CT letters customers will be receiving, learn how to apply for energy assistance with Generation Power CT, and find information on state and local resources I hope you find useful. 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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Within the last week, there has been an increase in public safety concerns in our community, with the shooting at Penders Practice Fields at Longbrook Park, a fatal car crash impacting our youth, and a deadly domestic violence incident. Our community is rightfully concerned and uneasy following these three incidents, and we are all awaiting answers about what occurred and thinking of the following steps Stratford can take to make our community safer. The safety of Stratford and our neighborhoods is one of my top priorities as State Representative. I promise to maintain open communication with our Police Department and collaborate with the Town Council's Public Safety Committee to discuss how we can work towards preventing violence in the community moving forward and advocating for prompt communication with the public. Residents in the area appreciate the increase in police presence in the Longbrook Park area, and it is one step we can take in the community to increase public safety.
As our community moves through these incidents, please be aware that there are resources here in Stratford that offer support in times of crisis. As always, if you see something of concern, say something. The Stratford Police Department has a non-emergency line which can be reached at (203) 385-4100 or call 9-1-1 in an emergency. If you or a loved one is in a domestic violence situation, the Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport provides emergency services and more to residents experiencing domestic violence, sexual abuse, or child abuse. My office is also here as a resource and can help connect you with the right services. During this time, as we reflect, grieve, and heal as a community, let's lean on each other and offer support to our neighbors. My condolences are with all the family and community members impacted by these tragic events.
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| In-District Office Hours are back! |
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My in-district office hours are back next week! Join me Thursday, October 30th, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Blue Sky Diner located at 273 Ferry Blvd in Stratford. I want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. I look forward to seeing everyone who can attend!
If you aren't able to make it-don't worry! I will continue to hold opportunities to meet with me, or feel free to reach out to my office at any time. |
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This Wednesday, October 22nd, I joined several of my legislative colleagues and healthcare advocates for a press conference on the ongoing threat to Access Health CT coverage. Due to changes made by the federal government under H.R. 1, Access Health users may be seeing a monthly cost increase of up to 300% or 400% if Congress does not take action to provide the necessary funding. Families across Connecticut need accessible, affordable healthcare. 138,000 residents, including many households here in Stratford, are at risk of a significant increase. We know that healthcare, groceries, and rent are already too high for families in Connecticut. This increase in insurance may result in families having to choose between paying rent, groceries, prescriptions, and more. And that is unacceptable.
Access Health CT began sending letters this week to customers highlighting their current plan, how much it currently costs them, and what the expected monthly cost increase will be. This is alarming to many families, but there is time for the federal government to act. Open enrollment for Access Health CT will begin on November 1st and will continue through January 15th. |
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| Federal Government Shutdown Resources |
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With the uncertainty around the federal government shutdown, there is a lot of discussion about how services and benefits will be impacted. The updates from the federal government regarding the shutdown and how resources will be impacted are changing daily, so to help you understand these updates, United Way of Connecticut 211 has released a new resource to provide up-to-date information about the shutdown.
The guide can be found HERE and outlines the current status of federal programs. During the shutdown, 211 is not directly impacted and continues to operate 24/7/365.
If my office can help connect you with state and local resources during this time or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at (860) 240-8585 or email me at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov. My office will continue to provide updates and resources that could be useful to you and your family. |
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This week, DSS released a new FAQ page on SNAP benefits and their current status during the government shutdown. Click HERE to learn more.
If you need to check your EBT balance for the remainder of October 2025, you can call 1-888-328-2666 or use MyDSS.ct.gov.
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Over the coming weeks, if you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, the Sterling Community Center Food Pantry will continue to provide services to Stratford residents. The Food Pantry hours are:
- Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evening appointments are available upon request at (203) 378-2606.
If you are interested in supporting our neighbors who have SNAP benefits pausing in the coming weeks, the Sterling Center has shared a guide on how you can help continue to keep the food pantry shelves full.
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| Generation Power CT Energy Assistance Program Cycle 2 |
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The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program opens on Sunday, November 2nd, and will run through November 10th! This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses 🏠💡
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. GPCT has three remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycles for this winter season:
- November 2nd-10th, 2025
- January 2nd-10th, 2026
- March 2nd-10th, 2026
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: https://gpct.org/gethelp/
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With municipal elections coming up on Tuesday, November 4th, Early Voting is happening now through November 2nd! During the first week of Early Voting, Stratford had the HIGHEST voter turnout across the state every day. Let's continue to get out to the polls and use our voice in this election!
📍 Early Voting will take place at the Baldwin Center, located at 1000 West Broad Street.
⏰ The polling site will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28th, and Thursday, October 30th.
If you are not registered to vote, Same-Day Registration (SDR) is available at the Baldwin Center during Early Voting.
Click here for additional information on Early Voting.
Check out the 2025 Connecticut Voting Guide below. |
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The drug epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. When they do - it has dangerous and often tragic consequences.
You can help fight that epidemic by participating in DEA Takeback Day. It's an opportunity for anyone to remove unneeded medications from their homes, preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction.
On October 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can turn in excess drugs at the Stratford Police Department. This is just one of the many locations that will be open across the state. You can find details on the drop-off process and locations by using the DEA Collection Site Locator. Click HERE for more info. |
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| 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are invited to participate in the National Civics Bee, an opportunity to gain knowledge about American democracy, strengthen critical academic skills, learn how to engage respectfully and constructively, and form connections with other young community leaders. To apply, students must respond to a 4-question essay prompt outlining ideas to improve their communities. Students will be selected to advance to compete in regional competitions taking place in the spring. All students from public, private, charter, and homeschools are eligible to apply. It is free to apply, and applications are due February 3rd, 2026. Click HERE for more information. |
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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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| The Stratford Health Department will be holding Flu Clinics throughout October, November, December, and January. Check out the November clinic dates below, as well as what insurance is accepted at the clinic. |
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The annual Longbrook Park Cleanup will take place on October 25th, starting at 8 a.m. on Marcus Drive. Supplies and breakfast will be provided for the volunteers.
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The Stratford Library will host a reading of "The Write to Vote", three original short plays on October 25th.
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| The Town of Stratford is holding a FREE Adult Mental Health First Aid Training Program on November 6th and 7th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Baldwin Center Library. Participants must attend both days to receive certification. |
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| The Bunnell High School PTO Holiday Fair will take place on November 8th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bunnell High Gym. Entry to the fair is free, and it will feature over 25 vendors. |
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| A Manufacturing Career and Internship Fair for companies in the area will take place on November 12th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Wheeler Rec Center at the University of Bridgeport. The fair will feature over 40 companies hiring for a variety of roles. Click HERE for more information. |
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| The Sterling Community Center has begun collecting donations for its Thanksgiving Food Drive. Bring donation items to Sterling House now through November 19th. |
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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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