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Dear Neighbor,
The cooler temperatures have provided some much-needed relief, but don't get too comfortable. After all, it is Connecticut, and it's summertime. It gets hot here. With the arrival of summer comes new laws.
They become effective on Tuesday, July 1st.
I am proud of the work we accomplished during the 2025 legislative session, especially from the Environment Committee of which I am vice chair. I am also saddened we fell short, too, particularly when it comes to affordable housing, a problem statewide.
I'm encouraged because we'll likely be addressing it again during a special session in the fall. Hopefully, it will lead to legislation everyone can accept.
I have highlighted some of the new laws below, and included the full list as well. The free paddle and nature exploration event at Bluff Point is set for tomorrow. Please see details on that and much more in this week's newsletter.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Free Paddle and Nature Exploration Event @ Bluff Point on Saturday
- New Laws Effective on Tuesday, July 1st
- Groton Public Schools-Electric Boat STEM Summer Camp
- Reminder: CT State Library Offers Summer Reading List
- CT Department of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- A Pride Month Highlight
- Community Events And Notices
Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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Come on out tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Have some fun and learn how to paddle (kayaks and canoes will be available to borrow) with CT DEEP Boating, explore the beach and catch critters with Mystic Aquarium and Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, and enjoy other family fun activities led by the CT Reserve, CT Sea Grant, the Town of Groton, CT DEEP Parks, and NESS. There will be something for everyone! Register for the event HERE.
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| Several new laws that were passed during the 2025 legislative session take effect next Tuesday, July 1. |
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Our two-year, $55.8 billion budget takes effect on Tuesday. This bill reflects our shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. Our budget strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported.
We approved billions of dollars to be used for school construction, transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and many more local initiatives through our annual bond funding package.
Our students will soon learn about three essential topics in the classroom: civics, media literacy, and Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Under two bills passed in 2022 and 2023, students will gain an understanding of what it means to be an active and engaged citizen, how to analyze the modern media landscape, and the rich history of the AAPI community in our state and the entire country.
Our elections will soon be more secure and transparent as video recording technology will be added to every absentee ballot drop box in our state. This new law will record the drop boxes from the first day that ballots are issued up through when the clerk retrieves the final ballots, and all of these recordings will be made available to the public.
A novel, landmark bill supporting public libraries struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks will go into effect on Tuesday. The bill bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers. The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.
Many more bills are going into effect on Tuesday, including one that reforms Connecticut's towing system, one that requires financial literacy instruction in school, and more.
You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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| As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol! |
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Groton Public Schools has officially accepted a generous $17,000 donation from Electric Boat to support the GPS Elementary Summer STEM Camp, which will serve approximately 180 students in grades K–5.
The 4-day camp will run half days from July 7–10, 2025, at Charles Barnum Elementary School, offering hands-on exploration in engineering, computer science, and team building.
The donation helps fund teachers, paraprofessionals, a nurse, a secretary, transportation, and supplies. Families contribute a small $25 registration fee, keeping the program affordable and accessible. |
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| This is a fantastic example of how public-private partnerships strengthen educational opportunities and prepare our young learners for the future. Please reach out to Ben Moon, Director of STEM & Magnet Programs, K-5 at bmoon@groton.k12.ct.us for more information. |
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| I will continue to include this reminder for a bit. Summer reading can be so beneficial for our children. Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels. |
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The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level up at Your Library, an all-ages summer reading program. The suggested list is just that, suggested!
The list has been created with accessibility in mind and it's a guidance that matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists.
Click here to access the list. |
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The CTDOT has announced a series of public meetings and pop-up events to gather input on the proposed fare increases on rail services in Connecticut, including Shoreline East.
The following fare increases are being proposed:
- Proposed 5% fare increase on Metro-North Railroad services in Connecticut (New Haven Line and the New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury Branch Lines), CTrail Hartford Line, and Shore Line East services, effective September 1, 2025.
- Proposed 5% fare increase on Metro-North Railroad services in Connecticut (New Haven Line and the New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury Branch Lines), CTrail Hartford Line, and Shore Line East services, effective July 1, 2026.
The public comment period will run from June 6 to July 6, 2025.
The public meetings will be conducted in person in Stamford and New Haven on June 23 and June 24, and virtually via Zoom on June 30 and July 1. During open house hours on June 23 and June 24, CTDOT staff will be available for informal questions and answers. For the in-person meetings, registration is encouraged; however, it is only required for those who wish to provide a comment during the meetings. Registration is required for the virtual public meetings.
In-Person Meetings:
Stamford Ferguson Public Library | 1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford, CT 06904
DATE
Monday, June 23, 2025
TIME
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open house)
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (public meeting)
ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Kennedy Mitchell Hall of Records | 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510
DATE
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
TIME
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open house)
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (public meeting)
ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Virtual Meetings:
DATE
Monday, June 30, 2025
TIME
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
To register, click HERE.
DATE
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
TIME
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To register, click HERE.
CTDOT staff will also hold pop-ups at the following rail stations to receive public feedback in person:
- Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at New London Union Station.
- Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hartford Union Station.
For more information on how to attend the public meetings and information on proposed changes, click HERE.
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Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton
A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton
A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton. Minor construction and utility work have already commenced.
This project is scheduled to typically occur on Mondays through Fridays with anticipated completion on November 22, 2025.
The project will address the deterioration of the existing headwalls and the separation of the culvert sections spanning Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove on Route 215 in Groton, Connecticut. The project is scheduled to be completed on November 22, 2025.
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| This project is to be completed on Friday, August 22, 2026. At applicable locations, pedestrian control features, such as countdown pedestrian indications, accessible pushbuttons, and sidewalk ramps, will be upgraded to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety. |
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As the State Representative for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington, home to a strong military community and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, I am committed to ensuring Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families have access to the latest updates, resources, and opportunities.
Below are important events, legislative updates, and benefit programs that may be of interest to our district’s Veterans. |
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Upcoming Events for VeteransWreaths Across America – Start Sponsoring Now!Every year, we strive to place a wreath on all requested graves at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery and Col. Gates Cemetery. You can sponsor early to help us reach our goal. Sponsor HereLegislative & Policy Updates
2025 Connecticut General Assembly Session Opened January 8Veterans can track bills related to military benefits, tax relief, and more using the General Assembly’s Bill Tracking Tool: Track Bills HereHow to Get a Copy of Your DD 214
- Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
- Check with your Town Clerk – Many Veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
- Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
- Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
- If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.
Applying for a Discharge UpgradeVeterans with less than honorable discharges due to PTSD, TBI, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or sexual orientation (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) may be eligible for an upgrade. Learn more and apply online: Discharge Upgrade InstructionsMunicipal Veterans Representative ProgramEach town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help Veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for DownloadThe latest edition of the VA’s "Veterans Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" is now available: Download Here
Stay Connected & Get Involved
I encourage all Veterans, military families, and community members to stay informed and engaged. You can sign up for the Connecticut DVA Newsletter to receive future updates: Subscribe Here.For those looking to connect with fellow Veterans, share stories, and access important resources, consider attending a Veterans Coffeehouse near you. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for Veterans to socialize and receive information about benefits and services:
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- Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
- Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
- Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street
For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org | 860-425-6617
If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to Veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.
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| In Connecticut, Trans rights are not up for debate…they’re protected. |
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