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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you're doing well. I've packed quite a bit of news, alerts, updates, and resources I believe will at least be of interest to you or helpful to you. The weather has been delightful. I hope you get out and enjoy some of what the 41st District has to offer.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Priority Bill HB5003 Early Childhood Care and Education Fund
- SB4: Voted Out of Committee
- Mission Accomplished: $40 Million in Funding for Special Education
- Community Funding
- Public Hearings, Get Involved
- Beware: CT State Police Scam Alert
- Groton Park Clean-Up April 11th
- Reminder: Baker Cove Watershed Committee's 4th Annual Rain Barrel Sale is on Now
- Upcoming: Environment Public Workshops
- Reminder: DEEP Funding Opportunities
- Raising Autism Awareness Event @ Capitol on April 28th
- Happy St. Patrick's Day
- Community Events and Notices
Have a great weekend,
Aundré
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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, establishing 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 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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| CT House and Senate Democrats voted to address energy affordability and utility accountability by passing SB4, An Act Concerning Energy Affordability, Access and Accountability, out of the Energy & Technology Committee on Thursday. This bill, which I certainly support, is aimed at improving service and reducing costs for electricity ratepayers in the state. |
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| I'm proud to share that Governor Lamont and the legislature agreed on $40 million in much-needed special education funding for schools across the state. For Groton schools, that means $1,124,803 for an increase of $203,686 (22 percent). Now, Stonington will receive $513, 478, which includes a $90,581 boost (21.4 percent). |
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| For me, it's about investing in our students, not dismantling their future. I was proud to vote for this immediate relief. |
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| House Democrats have sent a clear message that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and its targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity - and legislate that way, too. |
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| Two of my bills will be part of Monday's Environment Committee Public hearing, including HB6222, An Act Concerning Agriculture in the State, and HB6229, An Act Concerning A Reduction Of Single-Use Plastics and Polystyrene Waste. To register to speak at this public hearing, please click HERE. You can submit written testimony HERE. |
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The Central District Major Crime (CDMC) Headquarters has received multiple reports from Connecticut residents about phone calls from unknown male callers claiming to be members of the Connecticut State Police (CSP) or the U.S. Marshal Services.
The scammers, who speak with a thick accent, tell the victims they are under investigation for “money laundering” and request personal information over the phone. The calls appear to be coming from 860-706-5652, which is the CDMC main landline. However, these calls are NOT made by CDMC, and it's believed to be a scam attempt. |
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While these scam attempts are being investigated, we want to inform the public that these calls are NOT from the Connecticut State Police. Please note that Troopers and Law Enforcement Agencies will never ask for money or personal information over the phone.
If you receive a call that claims to be from the police or any other government agency, DO NOT provide any personal information. Hang up immediately and verify the call by contacting the organization directly using an official phone number.
If the call seems suspicious, report it immediately by calling 911. |
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| Here's an opportunity to get outside on April 11th and give back to the community, too! |
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| The Baker Cove Watershed Committee (Bacwac) has announced that its fourth annual RAIN BARREL SALE is ON now. |
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| Please note: You don’t need to be a Groton resident to take advantage, but Public Works encourages locals to embrace it! |
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| Public workshops on environmental and health indicators are coming up soon. For more details. please take a look at the flyer below. |
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- To register for the Virtual Workshop on March 25th, please register HERE.
- To register for the In-person Workshop on March 27th, please click HERE.
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| The CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is providing updates on funding and other opportunities, since they may be of interest to municipalities. |
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Funding Opportunities for Municipalities
- Environmental Justice for New England: Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program Request for Proposals: This groundbreaking initiative will distribute $48 million in grant funding to advance environmental justice across six New England States as well as the federally and state recognized Tribal Nations of EPA Region 1. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with quarterly reviews until all funding is awarded. All grants will be fully expended by Spring 2027.
LEARN MORE
- EPA UPLIFT Climate and Environmental Community Action Grant: The UPLIFT Grant will support the development of a community of practice that will bring together institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, government entities, and other minority-serving institutions to learn from one another about the climate and environmental justice challenges that disadvantaged communities face, identify solutions, develop partnerships, and engage with government through a variety of public processes to ensure that their vital voices are a part of and help to inform decisions that impact disadvantaged communities. Applications are due 2/25/25.
LEARN MORE
- USDA Forest Service 2025 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program: The USDA Forest Service is seeking proposals to identify or develop successful sustainable green workforce development programs for urban and community forestry/green infrastructure for disadvantaged communities. This year's Notice of Funding Opportunity will be addressing Goals 3 & 5 in the National Ten Year Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan (2016-2026):
- Goal 3: Cultivate Diversity, Equity, and Leadership Within the Urban Forestry Community.
- Goal 5: Improve Urban and Community Forest Management, Maintenance, and Stewardship.
Local governments may apply if their proposed messaging includes other local governments/eligible entities around the country that can implement their process and demonstrate national application within the grant period. Applications are due 2/27/25.
LEARN MORE
- USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grant FY25 for Tribes: The purpose of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant is to assist at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes with planning and mitigating the risk created by wildfire. There are two primary project types for which the grant provides funding: The development and revising of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and the implementation of projects described in a CWPP that is less than ten years old. Applications are due 2/28/25.
LEARN MORE
- US DOT Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program: Funding is available for planning and design phase activities for developing transportation projects in rural or tribal communities. Grants will support hiring staff or expert firms to provide technical, legal, or financial assistance to advance transportation projects that would be reasonably expected to be eligible for select DOT discretionary grants or credit programs. There is no local match required to participate in this program. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants with an eligible project who meet the merit criteria, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. The application portal will close on 4/3/25; however, award funding may be committed before this date.
LEARN MORE
- US DOE 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize: The DOE’s Renew America’s Schools program provides investments to transform decaying public school infrastructure into healthier, more energy-efficient learning environments. The program supports the implementation of infrastructure improvements in schools, with a focus on local educational agencies (LEAs) that qualify as rural and/or high poverty. Through Renew America’s Schools, DOE will help create healthier learning environments, lower utility costs, and redirect funds to support students and teachers. The application submission deadline is 4/3/25.
LEARN MORE
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This event aims to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and address challenges faced by the autism community while advocating for legislative action and supportive policies. This event is open to the public.
The Program will feature insights from medical professionals, personal stories from individuals with autism and parent advocates, and discussions with legislators on current legislative efforts supporting the autism community.
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Program (Room 310)
Organizations from across the state will participate by sharing information about the resources and services they provide to the autism community. Of note: Resource tables will be set up as early as 9 a.m.
- 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Information & Resource Tables
Of note: Resource tables will be set up as early as 9 a.m.
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Since last year, the number of women in the Connecticut State Legislature has dropped more than 3%.
If women make up about half of the population, doesn’t it make sense that they should have an equal voice in decisions that affect their lives? We cannot continue in the wrong direction.
Women bring different perspectives, priorities, and experiences to governance. Diverse leadership and representation lead to more well-rounded policies, which reflect the needs of the entire community and strengthen democracy. |
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| I hope you have a great and Happy St. Patrick's Day! |
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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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