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I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday season. In this week's message, you can learn about an opportunity to share your thoughts during the annual Early Childhood Education Endowment Public Hearing, find information on how to apply for Access Health CT for coverage starting in 2026, read about an opportunity for high school-aged students to apply to CT technical schools, 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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| Federal Dept of Education Graduate Student Degree Reclassification Proposal |
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The Federal Department of Education recently shared its proposal plans to make changes to which graduate degrees are considered professional, with plans to exclude nursing, education, social work, and many other essential career fields. I released a statement on November 25th in response to this announcement and have spoken with various advocacy groups for the impacted professions about what can be done to keep the professional graduate degree status. The outcome of this proposal will have an impact on the amount of federal funding students pursuing these graduate degrees qualify for, and the shortage of workers will continue to increase. I remain dedicated to continuing to support all these essential career fields, the professionals working these jobs, and the status of graduate degrees required to enter the field.
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| Severe Cold Weather Protocol In Effect |
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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 will go into effect for the first time this year, beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, through Tuesday, December 9, 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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The Town of Stratford has initiated its Warming Center protocol upon receiving a Cold Weather Advisory notice from the State of Connecticut.
Warming Centers:
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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| Join the Conversation on Early Childhood Education |
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Early childhood education was one of the House Democrats’ priority bills during the 2025 legislative session. The newly formed Early Childhood Education Endowment is already making a difference for families and educators in Connecticut. Beginning in January 2026, the state will add spaces for up to 1000 new children in the Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, we are increasing funding for operational costs and improved staff compensation.
You’re invited to join the conversation and help shape the future of early childhood education in Connecticut by offering your feedback. Attend the ECE Endowment Board’s Annual Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 10th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Legislative Office Building.
Click here for additional information, to register to testify, and to submit written testimony. |
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| Access Health CT Open Enrollment |
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Access Health CT open enrollment is now open for health and dental coverage! The deadline to enroll in plans starting at the beginning of 2026 is approaching on December 15th. For plans starting February 2026, residents can continue to enroll through January 15th.
Access Health has numerous locations across the state where residents can schedule appointments to meet one-on-one with trained professionals for free guidance and assistance with the enrollment process. Click here to find a location and schedule an appointment. |
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For those looking to enroll, please have the following information and documents prepared for you and anyone else in your household, even if they don't need coverage:
- Dates of Birth
- Social Security Numbers
- Visa, green card, or immigration documents
- Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, 1099
- Pay-stubs, Profit & Loss Statements, or other employment information
- Current insurance coverage (policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household)
Click here to view the enrollment checklist.
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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| CT Dept of Public Health Reaffirms Hep B Vaccine Recommendations |
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| Amid the discussion of vaccine schedule changes at the national level, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reaffirming its position that all newborns should receive a dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of delivery. Additionally, all children should complete the full vaccination series within 18 months. Hepatitis B can cause lifelong liver disease, liver cancer, or even death. The vaccine provides strong, long-term protection and has been safely used for decades. These recommendations align with the AAP’s Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. |
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| Connecticut Technical Education and Career Systems Applications Now Open |
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The Connecticut Department of Labor and Department of Transportation celebrated the completion of the CTDOT's inaugural class of Transportation Maintainers Registered Apprentices. After over 2,000 hours and a year of training, the apprentices are prepared for work with the DOT.
Registered apprentices earn while they learn: they master a trade through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Thousands of companies across Connecticut have benefited from a customized Registered Apprenticeship training program. These programs increase workforce recruitment and proficiency, help employers transfer occupational skills to a new generation of workers, and ensure succession planning. Depending upon the trade, apprenticeship programs may last 1-4 years.
When participants complete their program, the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training provides an industry recognized, portable credential that:
- Certifies completion of the program
- Distinguishes the apprentice as a master of their craft
- Makes the apprentice eligible to take any occupational licensing exams
For more information on how you can become a Registered Apprentice, visit portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/apprenticeships.
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| Connecticut Technical Education and Career Systems Applications Now Open |
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The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is now accepting applications for students entering grades 9 and 10 in the 2026-2027 school year.
CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting, NEASC-accredited technical high schools serving approximately 11,500 high school students, including many from our community. Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day program that combines academics with an advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum.
Students can choose from 31 programs of study in areas such as Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM); and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. View a complete list of CTE programs.
Graduates of CTECS are well-prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or further education at two- or four-year colleges. Students also have opportunities to earn college credit while in high school through College Career Pathways (CCP) partnerships with community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs with universities. In addition to academics and technical training, schools offer athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities.
The CTECS application closes on January 25, 2026. Applications submitted by this deadline will be included in the lottery for on-time placements. Applications submitted after January 25 will be added to the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. No new applications for incoming grade 9 students will be accepted after March 1, 2026. For more information or to apply online, visit the CTECS admissions webpage. |
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| National Older Driver Awareness Week |
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During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 1–5, 2025, Connecticut is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage families and caregivers to begin open, proactive conversations about safe driving as loved ones age.
State law allows drivers 60 and older to take an approved crash-prevention course and receive an insurance discount, providing an important opportunity to refresh skills and stay safe on the road. For more information and a list of providers, visit portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/insurance-discounts.
Families are encouraged to work with older adults to develop a transportation plan, which may include the following:
- Keeping up with vision and hearing checkups
- Reviewing medications for side effects that may affect driving
- Choosing daytime or less complex routes, considering adaptive vehicle equipment
- Identifying alternative transportation options if driving becomes difficult
Free resources are available through NHTSA to help older adults stay safe and to assist families and caregivers in supporting safe mobility for everyone.
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| AARP Care for the Caregiver |
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United Way of Connecticut is reminding families and caregivers this holiday season, that as a caregiver, your personal self-care and well-being are also a priority. Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming on days, and United Way is here to help you access resources and local services for caregivers. Call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org to find resources available to you.
AARP has created the Care for the Caregiver guide, which discusses the importance of supporting your personal physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This guide offers steps caregivers can take to prioritize their health and wellness with ways to make self-care manageable while also caring for a loved one. |
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| CT Office of The Healthcare Advocate Resources |
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| Explanations of Benefits, denial letters, insurance policies, and medical bills can be confusing and difficult to understand. If you don't understand what a document means or what you're supposed to do next, the Office of the Healthcare Advocates can explain it in plain English. OHA can help you make sense of healthcare paperwork so you can make informed decisions about your care and your rights. Learn more at portal.ct.gov/oha/ |
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| Connecticut hospitals have different financial assistance policies and income thresholds. Some provide free care at minimum wage levels, while others offer discounts for households earning $80,000 or more. The only way to know if you qualify is to apply. Click here to learn about hospital financial assistance programs across the state. |
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| The Stratford Health Department will be holding Flu Clinics throughout December and January. Check out the clinic dates below, as well as what insurance is accepted. |
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The Stratford PAL and Stratford Police Department will be at Stratford Walmart every weekend throughout the month, collecting toys for kids in need. The Stratford Police Explorers will be collecting toys at the same location on Thursday nights.
If you're unable to visit Walmart in Stratford, you can drop off toys at the Stratford Police Headquarters located at 900 Longbrook Ave, Stratford, CT. |
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| The Stratford Junior Women's Club is collecting toys and books for children in need this holiday season. Giving trees and the toy and book drop-off locations are located across Stratford. |
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The Stratford Fire Department's annual Toys For Tots collection is underway for this year.
If you are out shopping this weekend, please consider picking up a new, unwrapped toy and dropping it off at one of the four firehouses. |
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| The Booth Memorial Holiday At The Homestead will take place all weekend long, starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday night. Decorated wreaths will be for sale, and 3-foot trees will be auctioned off. Visit the Museum this weekend to celebrate the holiday season. |
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| The Stratford Library Association is hosting an event on December 9th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for high school students in partnership with Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. Teens can learn about what academic and workforce programs, financial aid opportunities, and more. |
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| The Stratford Library Association is holding a young adult job and resources info session from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on December 10th. This event is open for young adults ages 19 to 26. Attendees will learn about training opportunities, job placement assistance, career guidance, and more. |
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The Stratford Police Department will hold a Hidden in Plain Sight Presentation on December 10th at 6:30pm brought to you by SPD Narcotics Unit Detectives & CT Department of Consumer Protection.
The presentation focuses on THC usage amongst children, how to identify, recognize, and make yourself aware of any warning signs/symptoms of use. If you’re interested in attending please RSVP to Detective Creatore at: JCreatore@townofstratford.com
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| The United SEPTSA of Stratford is holding a United We Craft event on December 11th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sterling Community Center. Register by emailing unitedSEPTSA@gmail.com. |
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| Stratford's 12th Annual Holiday Decorating Contest is now taking place until December 14th. Nominate your home or a neighbor's home that you think is worthy of receiving the award. |
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| The Celebrate Stratford Annual Menorah Lighting will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16th at Stratford Town Hall Green. The lighting is sponsored by the Chabad Lubavitch of Southern Connecticut. |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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