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With the 2025 legislative session behind us, I've had the opportunity to spend more time here in Stratford, attending local events and engaging directly with residents. In case you missed last week's email, I wanted to thank you all for your support this session. We were able to pass meaningful legislation benefiting our residents that will deliver real results for working families, children, seniors, veterans, and communities like Stratford.
This session, we passed transformative investments that reflect our core priorities: making life more affordable, expanding opportunities, and supporting the people and organizations that make our state strong without increasing state taxes.
✅ Historic Child Care Investment – The largest in state history, helping more families access affordable childcare and supporting early childhood educators.
✅ Special Education Support – $40M annually for Excess Cost Grants, $30M for SEED, plus bonding for facilities and services — because every student deserves what they need to succeed.
✅ Aging in Place – A new program helping seniors stay in their homes and communities with dignity, support, and independence.
✅ Town Aid Road (TAR) Increase – A 33% increase to help towns fix roads and invest in infrastructure.
✅ Tax Relief for Working Families – A $250 EITC refund, $500 credit for home daycare providers, and new savings incentives for employers and employees.
✅ Support for Nonprofits & Healthcare – $150M for group homes and nursing homes, plus $60M+ in Medicaid rate increases to stabilize vital services.
✅ Bipartisan Energy Reform - Saving CT families $780 million on electric bills
In this newsletter, you will find useful information on preventing senior scams with Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, the 2025 Public Acts that will go into effect this year and local Stratford updates. |
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| Join Me For a Teatime Chat |
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| This coming Monday, June 16th 10A.M., Let’s Talk Over Tea at Open Door Tea in Paradise Green to discuss bills that passed and what they mean for the 120th District. I want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. If you aren't able to make it-don't worry! I'll be hosting additional constituent events throughout the summer or you can always reach out to my office. |
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| Preventing Senior Scams Recap |
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This Tuesday, June 10th, I had the opportunity to hold a community forum on Preventing Senior Scams with Attorney General Tong and Representative Gresko. Thank you to everyone who attended the How to Prevent Senior Scams event! It was wonderful to see so many of you in person and hear from you directly. We learned important tips on how to protect yourself and your personal information in today’s ever-changing world. We’re thankful to our Stratford Police Department Detective Halper and John Willson from AARP-CT for participating and sharing additional tips/local resources to help protect Stratford’s senior population.
If you were unable to attend the event, you can find tips and information on how you can prevent these scams below. |
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This Sunday, June 15th, is Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and I would like to share some useful resources for you and the seniors in your life.
In Connecticut, the top 3 reported categories of scams are:
- Imposter Scams
- ID Theft
- Online Shopping
In approximately 60% of cases, the perpetrator is a family member. Here in Connecticut, we have many resources available to help you report fraud and stop a scam attempt early.
Connecticut Elder Justice Hotline number: 1-860-808-5555
The hotline is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. This hotline provides Connecticut seniors and their families with an easy and effective tool to lodge complaints, or connect with appropriate resources to meet any needs.
You should contact the hotline when:
- You are the victim of fraud
- You received messages demanding payments and aren't sure where it's from
- When you or a loved one are a victim of abuse or neglect
- When you or a loved one needs help accessing benefits or assistance
The Department of Social Services Protective Services for the Elderly number: 1-888-385-4225
After Hours or State Holidays, call: 211
For consumer issues, visit: portal.ct.gov/ag/common/complaint-form-landing-page
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| Many of the bills we passed this legislative session are now Public Acts and a number of them will go into effect this year. Read the Office of Legislative Research's Major Public Acts report here and learn more about how they will impact you. If you have any questions about the Public Acts included, please feel free to reach out to my office for clarification. |
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| Connecticut's First Women Veterans Recognition Day |
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Thursday, June 12th, marked Connecticut’s first-ever Women Veterans Recognition Day — a powerful step forward in honoring the courage, service, and sacrifice of women who have served in our country’s armed forces. I was a proud cosponsor of this bill, SB 721, and many others that support veterans.
June 12th marks the anniversary of the 1948 Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which allowed women to serve as permanent members of the military. Join me in honoring the generations of women who have served our nation with strength and resolve across every branch of the military. |
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This Father's Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures who play such an important role in our families and our community.
Being a father is not just about providing - it's about showing up. It's about guidance, patience, and unconditional love. Whether it's helping with homework, cheering from the sidelines, or simply being there to listen - your presence matters deeply.
Wishing all the incredible fathers and father figures in our community a peaceful, joyful, and well-deserved Father's Day. |
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| Congrats to our Stratford Graduates |
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Congratulations to the Stratford High School and Bunnell High School Class of 2025. Our community is beyond proud of your achievements and academic accomplishments. I wish you the best in all your future endeavors!
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This coming Monday (June 16th) kicks off the 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. View a list of vendors here: www.paradisegreenmarket.com/monday-market-members
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Stratford Professional Firefighters IAFF 998 is holding its annual softball game against the Stratford Brakettes on Thursday June 26th. This year the game will benefit Linked- Autism Safety Project to go along with their T Shirt Fundraiser. This year's pregame will feature a kickball game against Stratford Police Union Local 407. Individual tickets are $15Family of four for $20Tickets can be purchased at the gate or ahead of time at the link below.https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/KDNPCFC29MJCW
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| Registration is open for 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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Date: June 19th
Time: 6:00 PM (Walk starts at 6:15 PM)
Location: Bunnell High School Track, 1 Bulldog Blvd, Stratford, CT
