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| 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. |
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During Monday’s House session, I took a moment to honor Workers Memorial Day and remember the workers who lost their lives on the job. Stratford labor members were in the building advocating for workers rights from IBEW Local 488 and Teamsters Locals 443, 1150, and 1035. Executive members from the Connecticut AFL-CIO also met with Governor Lamont to discuss unemployment benefits for striking workers and to urge his support. I’m deeply grateful for their continued advocacy on these critical issues.
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| This Wednesday, I had the honor of standing alongside Representatives Rochelle and Martinez, Co-Chairs of the newly formed House Democrats’ Blue Collar Caucus. I’m excited to be a member of this caucus and to fight for the issues that matter most to Connecticut’s working- and middle-class residents. We are a group of passionate legislators committed to making it possible for all Connecticut residents to get a good-paying job, raise a family, and retire with dignity. I look forward to the work we will accomplish together as a caucus. |
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| To start Mental Health Awareness Month, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon held a press conference to reaffirm our state's commitment to breaking the stigma and improving care for those living with mental illnesses. I am proud to stand alongside many of my colleagues in this fight and support HB 6145. This bill aims to strengthen the enforcement of mental health parity laws and ensure that mental health services are covered equally to physical health services. Click the link below to watch the full press conference. |
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| Capitol News Briefing to Recognize Mental Health Awareness Month |
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This week the House passed many critical bills while in session including:
✅ Passed House Bill 6442 the HERO Act to better serve our veterans
✅ Passed House Bill 7042 to create greater gun violence prevention by allowing victims of violence who are harmed by irresponsible actions by gun manufacturers, gun dealers and gun sellers to sue
✅ Passed House Bill 7081 AN ACT CONCERNING LICENSURE PORTABILITY FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
✅ Passed House Bill 7102 AN ACT CONCERNING MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health
✅ Passed House Bill 7213 to support reproductive health care by allowing minors to access birth control, prenatal care, or pain management during their labor and delivery without parental consent.
✅ Passed House Bill 5004 takes climate action by creating more aggressive emission reduction goals, incentivizing businesses and municipalities to engage in environmentally friendly practices, preparing workers for clean energy jobs, and preserving more marshlands and forests.
You can read more about some of these bills below, or click the link for each bill to learn more.
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| Firearm Industry Responsibility Act |
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I am pleased we passed HB 7042, a critical firearm industry responsibility measure. This legislation provides a civil remedy for individuals harmed by the irresponsible actions of gun manufacturers, dealers, and sellers. It also closes a significant loophole in our background check laws and clarifies key language in our statutes related to the unlawful discharge of firearms.
This bill extends firearm permit ineligibility in Connecticut to individuals who have committed disqualifying crimes outside of the state. Specifically, individuals who move to Connecticut and have been convicted of offenses that would otherwise preclude them from obtaining a firearm permit—had the offenses occurred within Connecticut—will also be deemed ineligible. This applies to out-of-state convictions within the past eight years.
Finally, this bill clarifies a section of our unlawful discharge of a firearm statute—a Class C misdemeanor—by explicitly stating that a person cannot be convicted under this law if the firearm was discharged in lawful self-defense or in defense of another person.
Connecticut’s strong laws have helped make our state one of the safest in the nation, and this bill represents a meaningful step forward in promoting accountability and enhancing public safety. |
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On Wednesday during the House session, we unanimously passed HB 6442, what we call the “HERO Act.”
The HERO Act is the result of a bipartisan effort and is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country. Representative Gresko and I worked diligently on part of this bill which creates a commemorative license plate to honor women veterans.
Among the bill’s components:
- Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service
- Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors
- Free license renewals for veterans
- The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans
- Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans
- Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services
Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.
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| A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill |
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This week, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.
As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.
This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability. |
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Key provisions of the bill include:
- Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
- Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
- Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
- Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
- Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
- Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals
The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change. HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor. The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.
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| Senior Day at the Capitol |
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| Mark your calendars for May 8. Come learn about senior programs and resources throughout the state of Connecticut. More information to come! |
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| May is National Bike Month! This month, take a photo while using the new bikes lanes on Main and Elm Street for a chance to receive free safety gear! All submissions must be sent to the Mayor's Office. |
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| This weekend the Stratford Animal Rescue Society is holding their annual plant sale and pet boutique. They will have annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, deco pots, herbs, garden veggies and more! The Pet Boutique will have pet items, candles, T-shirts, Bubble Bead pet necklaces and more! |
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| The Town of Stratford is hosting a Veterans Breakfast on May 21st at 9 am at Vazzano's Four Seasons. The event will honor all those who served in our community and there is no charge for veterans or their guest, who will receive a fully-served breakfast. |
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| The Friends of Boothe Park cordially invite you to a FREE day of fun at the 2025 Park Opening and Antique Car Show at 5800 Main Street, Stratford, CT on Sunday, May 18, 2025. |
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Registration is open for the The Stratford Veterans Museum and Stratford Seniors Men's Club Golf Tournament!
Check out the flyer below to see how you can reserve your spot! |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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