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It was another exciting week at the Capitol as committee meetings and public hearings are taking place and the House was back in Session on Wednesday, March 5th where I was proud to vote in favor restoring the $40 Million dollars in Special Education, funding for nonprofits impacted by federal cuts, the 2025-2030 Conservation and Development Plan and Judicial and Executive nominations. It is always an honor to continue to serve our community and to be able to have critical conversations with my colleagues about the work we are doing.
This week I had the opportunity to attend two events around the Capitol, including CEA’s Champions of Public Education Day of Action on Tuesday where I was honored to be recognized alongside Connecticut legislators committed to strengthening public education. I also had the opportunity to attend the Bi-Partisan Women's Caucus Breakfast on Wednesday morning. It is a privilege to serve with so many incredible women in our legislature. I am honored to be able to collaborate across party lines to advocate for polices that empower women across the state. |
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Committee meetings and public hearings are in full swing as bills move through the legislative process. This week the Human Services committee held a meeting on Tuesday 03/04 and held a public hearing Thursday 03/06. We discussed bills concerning Medicaid-covered funding for dental care, nutrition assistance, and expanding long-term care options. The Labor and Public Employees committee heard testimony on and discussed bills addressing workers' compensation, amending the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program to expand coverage to conditions of cancer affecting skin, and additional protections for warehouse workers. During the Public Safety and Security public hearing on Tuesday 03/04, my colleagues and I heard testimony on many bills, including S.B. 1389, which would authorize certain ordinances for street takeovers. I’m thankful to our Stratford Police Chief Joe McNeil for submitting testimony to the Public Safety committee and I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation that will help keep Stratford and residents across Connecticut safe.
As bills continue to move through the legislative process and will soon be voted on, I will continue to give you updates on the work we are doing in the legislature and ways you can continue to be involved. |
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March is Women's History Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions women have made to our nation's history. From those who fought for equal rights and the right to vote to the leaders shaping our future today, women have played a key role in every aspect of society. Their achievements remind us of the progress we've made and the work that still needs to be done.
As your state representative, I am committed to supporting policies that promote equality, opportunity, and empowerment for all women. Let's take this month to celebrate all the women in our lives and recommit to building a future where every woman and girl can thrive. |
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Today I attended an event honoring our women warriors at the Capitol in the Hall of Flags. Governor Lamont declared March 7, 2025 “She Served Too Day”, honoring our Connecticut Women Veterans and active service members. I was proud to celebrate the remarkable milestones women in our military have achieved and the paths they have and continue to forge.
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| Tomorrow the CT Women's VetNet is hosting a meet and greet at the Rocky Hill Veterans Home. Find more details about the event below. |
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| Priority Bill 5003 Early Childhood Care and Education Fund |
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Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.
This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year, and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending. |
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Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.
By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state. |
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| Job Assistance For Federal Workers |
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If you are a Connecticut resident who has been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know this…CONNECTICUT HAS YOUR BACK.
The federal government may have turned its back on you, but Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers here are eager to benefit from your expertise.
The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time.
Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol. |
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| WBDC Ignite Grant Applications Closing Soon |
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The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of our Ignite Grant Programs. Applications for this program closes on Monday, March 10th.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for this grant runs from February 3 through March 10, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here. |
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Don’t forget - you only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can tune in and watch them live on the committee’s YouTube channel.
Register to testify and learn more about this week’s schedule, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s CGA Bulletin. |
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| It’s Read Across America Week and I was happy to spend the early part of my morning with the Stratford YMCA’s preschool class encouraging literacy, reading and imagination! |
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Thank you to all those who spent their Saturday afternoon attending the #Stratford Delegation Legislative Session Meet and Greet! It was wonderful to spend time with you discussing legislative issues and community concerns that matter to you. We hope to do this again before end of session and will keep you updated! As always, if my office can be of help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office:
860-240-8585,
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| It's Restaurant Week here in Stratford! From March 1st to March 8th, 31 different restaurants around town will be having special meals and deals. Get out there and treat yourself before the event is over! What restaurants are participating? What are their deals? Find out more below! |
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| The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer a session of the “AARP Driver Safety Program” on Saturday, March 8 from 10 am - 2 pm. The one-day class program will be held in the Library’s Lovell Room. Persons 50 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the library program and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of instruction. The course is limited to 20 participates only and there is a nominal fee of $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members charged by the AARP. Reservations are required and can be made here: https://stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/13791986 |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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