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The Connecticut General Assembly's legislative session will begin the first week of February. As we prepare for the legislative session, I want to hear from you about the issues that matter most in our community. This week has been filled with local community events and meetings where I've had the opportunity to speak with many local organizations and residents. You can find information further down in this email regarding an upcoming Town Hall with State Representative Gresko and me ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session.
In this week's email, you can find information on warming centers around Stratford during this weekend's cold weather, learn about your last chance to apply for Access Health CT Open Enrollment, 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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| 2026 Legislative Town Hall |
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As we prepare for another session, we want to hear directly from you about the issues and priorities that matter most in our community. Your input is essential in helping guide our work at the Capitol, and I value community discussions as an important part of my work.
On Thursday, January 29th, I will be holding a Legislative Town Hall with State Representative Joe Gresko to discuss your concerns and ideas before the 2026 Legislative Session. We hope to answer your questions and hear directly from residents about what we can do in our positions to support you and the community.
We will also be joined by the ACLU of Connecticut and Alliance for Community Engagement to discuss the concerns many of the community members have expressed regarding civil rights, what civil rights protections we have here in Connecticut, and what action can be taken to ensure all Stratford and Connecticut residents are protected and safe.
The Legislative Town Hall will take place on January 29th, starting at 6:00 p.m. at The Baldwin Center (1000 W Broad St, Stratford, CT 06615).
All Stratford residents are encouraged to attend. I hope to see you there!
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| Severe Cold Weather in Effect Through Wednesday |
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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, starting today, Friday, January 23rd, at Noon, through Wednesday, January 28th, 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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Below is a list of warming centers around Stratford:
Baldwin Center (1000 W Broad Street, Stratford, CT 06615)
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Stratford Library (2203 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615)
- Monday -Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Friday - Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Stratford YMCA (3045 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615)
- Monday - Thursday, 5:30 am to 9:00 pm
- Friday, 5:30 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
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In anticipation of the snowstorm, the Town of Stratford has implemented a Parking Ban to facilitate snow removal. Residents need to park on the odd-numbered side of the street. The parking ban goes into effect on Sunday, January 25th, at 8:00 a.m. and will remain in effect until all streets are cleared. We will also make an announcement on social media once the parking ban is lifted. Police will be actively ticketing and towing vehicles that aren’t in compliance.
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| Stratford Winter Storm Resources |
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The storm and low temperatures over the next few days will cause dangerous weather conditions. During any urgent situation and emergency, contact 9-1-1.
The Stratford Police Department has a non-emergency line residents can contact at (203) 385-4100. Contact the non-emergency line to report outages, for information on open warming centers, and other non-emergency services.
If you need to report a power outage in your neighborhood with United Illuminating, click here to submit a report.
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| Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Sterling Community Center's Annual MLK Celebration |
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On Monday, I was thankful for the opportunity to attend Sterling Community Center's Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. It was a meaningful afternoon, spent with many Stratford community members of all ages, reflecting on the life and work of MLK Jr. through thought-provoking programs and workshops. I was thrilled to participate in this event and spend time with community members to recommit ourselves to working to uphold the same values as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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| Arts Alliance of Stratford: LOVE Show Opening Night |
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On Monday night, I had the opportunity to attend the opening night of the Arts Alliance of Stratford's first show of the year, the LOVE show. The show features work from local artists who were invited to express the theme of "Love" through their artwork. Be sure to check out the show at the Sterling Community Center now through February 20th!
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| CWCSEO and United Way Child Tax Credit Forum |
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In preparation for the upcoming 2026 legislative session, legislators were invited to join an informational forum on Wednesday, co-hosted by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO) and United Way of Connecticut. This forum brought together subject-matter experts and legislative leaders to examine policies that advance child and family economic mobility across Connecticut. We heard directly from parents struggling to afford basic needs for their children as the cost of childcare, food, housing, health insurance, and goods continues to rise.
Last session, I joined 60 of my colleagues in supporting this effort, and I will continue to dedicate myself to this issue during the 2026 session. Here in Stratford, 43% of households are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, meaning they earn more than the federal poverty level but less than the basic cost of living across the country. Providing a $600.00/child tax credit could give Connecticut families the financial relief they need.
During the forum, I expressed my gratitude to the families and panelists who attended the forum and shared their experiences. I also stressed that Connecticut has the resources to provide working families with the financial relief they need. Over the next several months, as we head into the 2026 session, I will continue to work with local families, organizations, and my legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find a real solution for families across Connecticut.
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Stratford's Colonel Adele Hodgeson Inducted to Connecticut Veterans' Hall of Fame
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Congratulations to Stratford’s Colonel Adele Hodgeson, who received the tremendous honor of being inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame on Thursday night! We thank Colonel Hodgeson for her service on behalf of our country, fellow citizens, and the cause of freedom. We celebrate the ways she has gone above and beyond for her community after completing her military service in the Marine Corps.
Her legacy is one of courage and compassion, during and beyond 33 years of military service. Colonel Hodgeson’s dedication to her community is evident in the work she has done for her fellow Marines and veterans in Connecticut.
As a member of the board of Homes for the Brave, she has helped our most vulnerable veterans find the housing and support they need. Colonel Adele Hodgeson’s induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame will be a lasting tribute to her hard work for all generations to come.
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Apply for Access Health CT Open Enrollment
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Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for coverage beginning on February 1st, 2026, has been extended to Saturday, January 31.
Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.
Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
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Today, January 23rd, is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a vital resource that helps many working individuals and families. The EITC gives financial assistance and relief to those who need it.
When filing your taxes with VITA, eligible families and individuals can claim their EITC. Book your appointment at a local VITA site at www.211ct.org or call 2-1-1. |
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| Human Trafficking Awareness Month |
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| Human Trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows. This month, we shine a light and step into action to prevent human trafficking in Connecticut. During the 2025 session, we passed bipartisan legislation prohibiting various forms of discrimination by employers and owners of prospective rental units based on someone’s status as a sexual assault or human trafficking victim. |
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| Farmland Property Tax Assessment Update |
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In response to mounting pressure from farmers across the state, Governor Ned Lamont took swift action to prevent dramatic tax hikes on farmland, forests, and open space. The state will reinstate the recommended land use values from 2020, providing immediate relief and stability.
Originally passed in 1963, Public Act 490 was designed to assess farmland and open space based on how the properties were used, not their development potential. Land values vary depending on whether the property is used for crops, livestock, forest, or wetlands. The governor has also directed the state to convene a working group to improve data collection, ensuring tax policies support farmers who preserve our open spaces.
Stabilizing farmland taxes doesn’t just help farmers, it strengthens the entire local food system and the community organizations that depend on it. |
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| Department of Social Services SNAP Update |
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| Connecticut passed new legislation requiring the Department of Social Services to spread out SNAP benefit issuance dates throughout the month rather than concentrating them in the first few days. This change will help reduce congestion at retailers and improve the overall client experience. SNAP users can expect this change to begin on March 1st, 2026. |
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| Women Veteran Farmers Across Connecticut |
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| The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. CT Veteran Grown is recognizing the women veteran farmers across Connecticut. Visit the farms below to support local women veteran farmers this year. |
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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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The Baldwin Center has different clubs and activities happening during each week open to Stratford senior residents. Check out the Baldwin Center Club Schedule below.
Click here for the full Baldwin Center Newsletter for January 2026. |
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| Stratford Public Schools, in collaboration with the Early Childhood Collaborative of Stratford, is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 Early Childhood & Kindergarten Discovery Night from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3rd at Stratford High School. This free event is open to all Stratford families with young children ages 0-5 and those entering kindergarten in September 2026. |
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Take Your Child to the Library Day is Saturday, February 7th. Join the Stratford Library as the Dinos Invade the Library! The Stratford Library will have free books, a craft station (while supplies last), and an iSpy all day, as well as drop-in events.
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| United SEPTSA of Stratford is holding a meeting on Thursday, February 12th, at 6:30 p.m. at Sterling Community Center. United SEPTSA helps create a community support system for families and specialized staff in Stratford. During the meeting, you can hear about the organization's upcoming events and collaborate to plan future events, share ideas, and more. |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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