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I hope this message finds you and your family enjoying a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year. With the winter season and cold temperatures upon us, the state's severe cold weather protocol is in effect through January 4th. Find information on what this means for you and your family, and how to stay warm further down in this email. In this message, read about several new laws going into effect, learn how you can apply for Generation Power CT during this assistance cycle, 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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| Severe Cold Weather Protocol |
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With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol is now in effect from Monday, December 29th, at 6 p.m., through Sunday, January 4th, at noon.
Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
Click HERE to learn more.
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| GPCT Emergency Energy Assistance Program |
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The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program will open on Friday, January 2nd, and will run through January 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. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season:
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/
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| New Laws Effective January 1st, 2026 |
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As we welcome a new year, several laws passed in the 2025 legislative session will take effect on January 1, 2026.
These new measures address key issues impacting our state and its residents, including expanded incentives for farmers, strengthened protections for workers in sensitive professions, and improved reporting requirements to better track higher education enrollment, post-secondary credits, and student opportunities. |
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We took a major step forward in advancing policies that support new, diverse housing options across Connecticut. With some of the highest housing costs in the region, too many individuals and families are being priced out of the communities where they work, where they grew up, and where they hope to retire.
Preventative health care continues to be a priority because early detection saves both lives and long-term costs. To support this, we now require health insurers to cover certain high-priority biomarker tests that aid in early detection, prevention, and treatment. Additionally, we have prohibited the substitution of lower-priced drugs for higher-priced medications for individuals living with multiple sclerosis and arthritis, and we have made this ban permanent for medications used to treat mental health disorders.
You can click the link below to see the full list of new laws taking effect on January 1, 2026. Feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is inviting residents and visitors to attend one of the many First Day Hikes planned at parks across the state on January 1st, to welcome the new year. First Day Hikes are an easy, affordable way for families, friends, and individuals of all ages to connect with nature right here in Connecticut. Visit ctparks.com/events/first-day-events-hikes-and-walks to find a First Day Hike near you. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is reminding everyone to take some time to care for themselves this holiday season. That includes taking care of your overall mental and behavioral health. Learn some ways to take care of yourself to help de-stress at samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope. |
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| Department of Agriculture CT Grown |
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| The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has released the newest edition of Connecticut Grown magazine. Read the digital edition online at ctgrown.org/magazine/. |
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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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Stratford Recreation will hold a Kids Night (Parent's Night Out) this Friday, January 2nd, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Birdseye Complex. Parents can enjoy a night to themselves while kids enjoy arts, crafts, games, and more. Registration is $10 per child, and the event is open to kids ages 5 to 12.
Click here for more information and to register. |
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| United SEPTSA of Stratford is holding a presentation on Thursday, January 8th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Getting to Know Your Child's IEP in collaboration with Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center. Parents can learn more about IEPs, ask questions, and connect with other families navigating special education together. RSVP at UnitedSEPTSA@gmail.com. |
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| Stratford Parents' Place will open applications for Winter/Spring Parent-Child Activity Groups on January 12th through the 14th. Parents and children ages 1-5 engage in fun learning activities, arts & crafts, circle time with books, music, and snack time, with time to learn about child development and share experiences with other parents. View the flyer below for information on the different age groups. |
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| The Sterling Community Center will host an annual MLKL Day event on January, 19th from 9 am to Noon at the Baldwin Center. The event will feature a series of artistic breakout workshops, each offered twice during the program. You’ll have the opportunity to select and attend two workshops, allowing for an immersive experience. |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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