Aundré Bumgardner

Dear Neighbor,

I want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July. I have included some notable statistics related to this holiday, as well as some helpful safety tips. Governor Lamont signed two pieces of environment-related legislation into law this week.

As Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, I was proud to stand with several colleagues who spearheaded the passing of the bills in the House and Senate. Congratulations to all.

These bills will help protect our environment and shape how Connecticut responds to the climate crisis. Our coffee hours at the Ditty Bag have been well-attended. Thank you. Our next gathering will be on Saturday, July 11th, from 10 a.m. to noon. I hope to see you there.

This week's newsletter topics include:

• Delivered and Signed: Significant Environment Legislation
• Happy 4th of July, Enjoy, Please Be Safe
• Join me for Coffee @ The Ditty Bag on Saturday, July 11th
• Groton End of Session Town Hall on Tuesday July 15th
• Groton Public Schools-Electric Boat STEM Summer Camp
• Reminder: CT State Library Offers Summer Reading List
• CT Department of Transportation News
• Veterans Resources & Updates
• 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


 

We’re already seeing more frequent flooding in downtown Mystic. Saltwater is intruding into our wetlands and septic systems. Our fishing industry, historic homes, and the critical infrastructure at Electric Boat and the Submarine Base are at risk.

• HB 5004 commits Connecticut to net-zero emissions by 2050—with real, enforceable targets and a pathway to grow green jobs and build climate-smart infrastructure.
• SB 9 ensures flood risk transparency, gives towns tools to fund local resilience, and protects pollinators and native ecosystems critical to coastal health.

This isn’t theoretical—it’s about protecting our way of life.

I’m proud to have helped lead and shape this legislation. Thank you to Governor Lamont, OPM, DEEP, Co-Chairs Parker and Lopes, our legislative leadership, and all the advocates and activists who worked so hard to get us here.
Let’s keep pushing forward. Our coastline—and our future—depends on it.

Please click on the video below to hear my remarks from the press conference.

Always ensure pets have proper identification, like microchips, in case they get spooked and run away. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Create a Safe Space:

• Familiar Items:
  Include familiar toys, blankets, and bedding in the safe space to provide comfort and a sense of security.
• Indoor Confinement:
  Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays. Close windows and curtains to minimize noise and visual stimulation.
• Safe Haven:
  Designate a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat. This could be a crate, a corner with their bed, or a room with minimal windows. 

Provide Distractions and Comfort:

• Calming Music/TV: Play calming music, white noise, or turn on the TV to help mask the loud sounds of fireworks.
• Treats and Toys: Offer puzzle toys or chew toys to keep your pet occupied and distracted.
• Physical Comfort: Cuddle, pet, and talk to your pet in a calm, soothing voice to reassure them. 

Safety Measures:

• Walks Earlier:
  Take dogs for walks earlier in the day before the fireworks start, as some pets may be too frightened to go out later.
• Secure Identification:
  Ensure pets have proper ID tags and are microchipped with up-to-date information. This is crucial if they happen to escape.
• Avoid Fireworks:
  Keep pets away from fireworks, sparklers, and any open flames. Pets may try to sniff or eat them, leading to injury or burns. 

Consider Calming Aids:

• Anxiety Wraps: Consider using a compression shirt like a ThunderShirt or a swaddling blanket to help reduce anxiety. 

Pheromone Diffusers/Sprays: Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) can help reduce anxiety by mimicking calming pheromones. 

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. 

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.