State Representative Kaitlyn Shake
Proudly Serving Stratford’s 120th District
Dear Neighbor,
The House was back in session on Wednesday, May 6th, and Thursday, May 7th. After debate ensued, we were able to pass a range of bills tackling key legislation that addresses several residents’ priorities across the state. As we move through the remainder of the legislative session, I will continue to work across the aisle to push for policies that will benefit our communities.
In this week’s newsletter, you will find a recap of legislation we passed, helpful resources, and updates from Stratford. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
This week, we honored many of the essential workers across the state for their commitment to their careers. On Tuesday, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day and Nurses Appreciation Day and recognized International Firefighters Day. Throughout the week, we recognized each profession for its contributions and ensured that their hard work did not go unnoticed. It was an empowering week, and I am grateful for the opportunity to meet and speak with these workers who keep our state running.
Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to attend many events and meet with constituents and advocates around the Capitol.
Tuesday morning, I was on the host committee for this year’s Women-Owned Business Day organized by the Women’s Business Development Council. I was proud to stand alongside all the entrepreneurs who joined us in Hartford and hear about ways we can support them.
Later Tuesday morning, I was honored to join Comptroller Sean Scanlon, my colleagues, and Firefighters from Stratford and across Connecticut during a press conference to recognize National Firefighter Day. We are forever grateful for their service in keeping our communities safe.
Tuesday afternoon, my colleagues and I joined the picket line at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, where we stood alongside IAMAW CANEL Lodge 700 and IAM Local Lodge 1746. Currently, 3,000 members at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford and Middletown are striking to preserve their retirement, good wages, and job security.
Wednesday, I attended the Multiple Sclerosis Society State Action Day, where I had the honor of meeting and speaking with Stratford resident John Falzone. It was inspiring to hear about John’s lifelong advocacy for MS and discuss the action steps that are needed now for medication cost reduction. I look forward to staying connected with John and supporting his advocacy in the future.
Wednesday afternoon, members from Connecticut Association of Nurse Anesthesiology were at the Capitol for an advocacy event. It was pleasure meeting with them and hearing about ways we can support their field.
During Wednesday’s session, I had the opportunity to take a few moments to meet with different groups who are passionately determined to improve people’s lives and their professions here in Connecticut!
I spoke with UFCW 371 Stop N Shop union members advocating for SB 8 for striking workers
ACOG District I OB-GYN providers met with lawmakers at the Capitol this week to advocate for HB 7213 and HB 7214, which support reproductive and maternal health care.
On Thursday, members of the Aging Committee held the first Senior Day at the Capitol. Over a hundred of residents and dozens of organizations from across CT were in attendance. I want to thank AARP-CT members for their advocacy for HB6990, a bill I am proud to cosponsor. I am also thrilled to share that the House passed the bill last night, which will expand protections for seniors!
On Thursday, I joined Representative Martinez to advocate for Nurse Safety and recognize National Nurses Week. We are calling for an increase in the Medicaid medication administration rate. Raising the rate would help fund safety measures and ensure that nurses can return home safe at the end of every shift. I was honored to join my colleagues and advocate for this cause, and we must take action to strengthen workplace protections for our nurses.
House Democrats voted Wednesday to make important changes to the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program, including among other things expanding the types of cancers covered to include skin cancer and authorizing workers’ compensation administrative law judges to handle appeals of any denial of benefits. This bill makes important changes to Connecticut’s Firefighters Cancer Relief Program by: Expanding the types of cancers covered to include skin cancer.
Reclassifies these illnesses as “occupational diseases” rather than personal injuries.
Authorizes workers’ compensation administrative law judges to handle appeals of any denial of benefits.
Extends coverage to state firefighters serving at UCONN and Bradley International Airport.
As a proud cosponsor of this bill, I want to thank all the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut members for their steadfast advocacy and strong public testimony supporting this bill. Taking care of our first responders is always a legislative priority.
House Democrats took action on Wednesday to make sure that warehouse workers are treated with respect by passing legislation that limits and provides clarity when employers use production quotas. Valuing people over profits is good public policy. The legislation also ensures that:
Employers must provide quota information upon hiring an employee
If quotas change, workers must be notified
Employees cannot be retaliated against for requesting work records
Quotas cannot be used to inhibit workers from using the restroom or taking an entitled break
House Democrats voted Thursday to strengthen healthcare for Connecticut’s seniors! I was proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, which reflects our ongoing efforts to support our seniors. Among other things, this legislation:
Require health insurance to cover biomarker testing to diagnose and treat medical conditions
Establish an Alzheimer’s and Dementia task force
Require nursing homes to consider proximity to family members in any transfer of a resident
Prohibit long-term care facilities from discriminating against residents based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or HIV status.
This weekend, we take a moment to celebrate all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures who give so much of themselves each and every day. Whether you’re celebrating with family or simply taking time to reflect, I wish you a joyful and peaceful Mother’s Day filled with love and gratitude.
The Stratford Historical Society is hosting a Centennial Gala next Saturday to celebrate 100 years of preserving and sharing Stratford’s rich history!
The Town of Stratford is hosting a Veterans Breakfast on May 21st at 9 am at Vazzano’s Four Seasons. The event will honor all those who served in our community, and there is no charge for veterans or their guests, who will receive a fully-served breakfast. The Town of Stratford is hosting a Veterans Breakfast on May 21st at 9 am at Vazzano’s Four Seasons. The event will honor all those who served in our community, and there is no charge for veterans or their guests, who will receive a fully-served breakfast.
The Friends of Boothe Park cordially invite you to a FREE day of fun at the 2025 Park Opening and Antique Car Show at 5800 Main Street, Stratford, CT on Sunday, May 18th, 2025.
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.
Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative
