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I hope this message finds you and your family well! In this week's email, you can read about a new Department of Social Security feature to help residents access resources more easily, learn how you can make sure you are registered for the 2025 Municipal Elections, 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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Exciting news from the Stratford Town Council meeting this week on Tuesday, October 14th! The council began the formal adoption process of two new ordinances, which will strengthen public safety and offer real property tax relief for Stratford Veterans. After the 2025 Legislative session ended in June, I called for a meeting with our town council chair and town lawyers to start the process of figuring out how we could update our Street Takeover ordinance and Veterans Property Tax Relief to those who qualify.
The Town Council began the formal process of amending and adopting Ordinances #191-5.6 through #191-5.8, which expands Veterans tax relief, a new Connecticut Public Act, which I was proud to support in the General Assembly and brings relief to Stratford veterans. This new tax relief will benefit individual veterans, surviving spouses, and Gold Star spouses. The Veterans Property Tax will provide tax relief for those who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to their military service. The council also began to amend Chapter 48 of the Code of the Town of Stratford, sections #48-1 through #48-7, to enact a new law to limit street takeovers. Under the new ordinances, municipalities will be able to seize illegal ATVs, dirt bikes, and mini motorcycles, and towns can fine and impound vehicles used in street takeovers. This new law also requires permanent license revocation after a driver's third offense involving illegal racing or street takeovers.
The council's future adoption of both ordinances is a major win for Stratford veterans and public safety. I am grateful for the council's continued collaboration in considering these ordinances for Stratford residents to benefit. This collaboration between our state and local government is evidence of how government can and should function to provide a better quality of life for our Veterans and their families and strengthen our public safety interventions to keep our community a safe place to live.
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With municipal elections coming up on Tuesday, November 4th, the deadline to register to vote is this Friday, October 17th, and early voting will begin next week on Monday, October 20th.
First, are you eligible to vote? Check HERE.
You can complete registration in a few ways:
- By mail: Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the Registrar's Office by October 17th.
OR
- Online: By using the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System (CVRS), which you can find HERE.
Early voting for the November 2025 Municipal Election will begin on October 20th and will run through November 2nd. 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. Same-Day Registration (SDR) is also available during the early voting period.
Click here for additional information on early voting.
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| Check out our Connecticut 2025 Voting Guide below! |
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We’re making government work faster for you! The Connecticut Department of Social Services just launched Laurel, a new chatbot that cuts wait times and gives residents instant, 24/7 access to benefit information and resources.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services is actively working to be more accessible for people receiving services or those applying for services in other ways besides waiting on the phone or having to visit their office. |
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In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the governor's office and public health officials are reinforcing the critical importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. Regular mammograms remain the most effective method for identifying breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
For Connecticut residents who may not be able to afford regular mammograms, the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Early Detection and Prevention Program offers free breast cancer screenings. This program is available to those with low income and limited or no health insurance, with services provided at various locations across the state.
Click here for more information on whether you qualify for free screenings, if you need assistance accessing a mammogram, or for other available resources. The Department of Public Health can also be contacted directly at 860-509-7804 for more information. |
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| Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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| During this Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight a new law passed by the General Assembly during the 2025 Legislative Session. Public Act 25-70 protects the address and location of survivors of domestic violence or any domestic violence shelter from being released during public meetings. I was a proud cosponsor of this bill this session and was thrilled to see it become law and protect survivors across the state. Safeguarding these locations is a testament to our unwavering support for survivors. |
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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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| 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 October clinic dates below, as well as what insurance is accepted at the clinic. |
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Stratford's Great Pumpkin Festival will take place on October 18th from Noon to 4 p.m. at Booth Memorial Park. Click here for more information, and see below for an event schedule and map.
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| The Stratford Health Department is holding a Kids' Flu Clinic on Wednesday, October 22nd, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and appointments are still available. To make an appointment, call (203) 385-4095. |
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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 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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