Update from State Representative Kaitlyn Shake

Proudly Serving Stratford
Legislative Office Building, Room 4024

Hartford, CT   06106-1591
860-240-8585, 1-800-842-8267
Kaitlyn.Shake@cga.ct.gov

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and holiday weekend! It is a privilege to work for you and I thank you for trusting me to represent our district!

Last week I was busy in and out of Hartford, where I attended the CEA Legislative Breakfast, Senator Murphy & Blumenthal’s Town Hall, CT Nonprofit Alliance Press Conference and most importantly spent time helping Stratford residents in need of assistance during these uncertain times. If you or your family have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or call my office 8602408585. 

I wanted to take a moment to share what we have been up to during my legislative committee meetings and public hearings. There is a lot for my colleagues and me to discuss as we continue our work on proposed bills this legislative session. 

And please join Deputy House Speaker Joe Gresko, State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston and me Saturday, March 1st at 3:00 P.M. for our Legislative Preview and Meet & Greet, at the Stratford Library Lovell room. We look forward to seeing you.

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On Tuesday 2/11, the Public Safety & Security committee held a public hearing where we heard compelling testimony regarding several bills: 

S.B. No. 1239 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING A FALLEN OFFICER AND FIREFIGHTER FUND AND PROVIDING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE TO SURVIVORS OF A FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY This bill expands health insurance coverage to firefighter survivors who lost their life in the line of duty. Our Comptroller Sean Scanlon made the suggestion during his testimony to also include EMS/EMT and I wholeheartedly agree. During my Human Services committee meeting there were several concepts raised and I encourage you to follow the progression of some of these bills: 

• Proposed S.B. No. 804 AN ACT EXPANDING LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS FOR MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES. (HS) 

• Proposed H.B. No. 6089 AN ACT REDUCING BARRIERS TO FOOD SECURITY. (HS) 

• Proposed H.B. No. 6085 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO STUDY A

HUSKY FOR ALL SINGLE PAYER, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM. (HS).

The Labor & Public Employees committee raised several concepts, committee bills and bills moved to be considered for a public hearing. 

• Proposed S.B. No. 1206 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PILOT PROGRAM TO TRAIN ADDITIONAL WOMEN TO WORK IN THE BUILDING TRADES. (GL)

• Proposed H.B. No. 5609 AN ACT CONCERNING RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS. (LAB)

• Proposed H.B. No. 6407 AN ACT REQUIRING EMPLOYERS TO DISPLAY A POSTER CONTAINING INFORMATION ON VETERANS’ BENEFITS AND SERVICES. (LAB)

On Thursday 2/13 after almost 9 hours of public testimony from day to night, the Labor & Public Employees Committee heard from over 100 Connecticut workers who overwhelmingly voiced their support for strengthening workers rights and protections via the following bills:

• S.B. No. 8 AN ACT CONCERNING PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS AND ENHANCEMENTS TO WORKERS’ RIGHTS.

• H.B. No. 6904 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR STRIKING WORKERS.

• H.B. No. 6907 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF QUOTAS BY WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION CENTERS.