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| Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for attending my Coffee Hour at The Ditty Bag on Saturday! We had great attendance and even better discussions about your concerns, and as your State Representative, my role is to make your lives in CT a little easier. Our meeting times are the first Saturday of every month. I will let you know the details of our next meeting when they are confirmed. Today's newsletter is a full one. I hope you enjoy it. Topics include:
- Around the Capitol, Out & About in the 41st
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Priority Bills for 2025
- Special Education Listening Tour
- Expanding Access to Contraception in CT
- Co-Sponsor: HB5986, An Act To Establish A Refundable Child Tax Credit
- 2025 LEARN Student Support Services disABILITY Summit is Saturday
- Car Insurance Discount For Seniors
- DEEP Funding Opportunities
- CT Humanities Awards James Merrill House $7K Planning Grant
- Reminder: Apply Now For Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Community Events and Notices
Have a great weekend,
Aundré |
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| I attended Governor Lamont’s budget address this week, where he proposed adjustments to Connecticut’s fiscal guardrails, particularly the volatility cap. His plan would direct $300 million annually into a Universal Preschool endowment, making early childhood education more accessible.
While this marks a shift from past strict adherence to these guardrails, it’s a conversation worth having about balancing savings with smart investments. As a member of the Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee, I’ll be reviewing the details closely, especially the impact on Groton, Mystic, and Stonington. Looking forward to working with my colleagues to ensure a budget that prioritizes our communities! |
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| This week, I attended the General Dynamics Electric Boat Legislative Breakfast, where we heard updates on construction activities and initiatives at EB’s shipyard in Groton. Key topics included the importance of AUKUS, the Columbia-Class program, and accelerating Virginia-Class production to keep pace with China’s naval expansion. We are so grateful to have a tried and tested Congressman in Joe Courtney committed to supporting our submarine fleet, service members, and the men and women that build these ships.
We know that workforce development efforts led by EWIB like MPI are crucial to training the next generation of shipbuilders, and investments in student housing at Avery Point will help attract and retain talent. These initiatives are essential for our national security and regional economy. I remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen our defense workforce and sustain submarine production here in Groton! |
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| I’m always humbled and grateful for the incredible people I represent in the 41st District comprising of Groton, Mystic, and Stonington.
Every month, we discuss local and broader issues, and I love hearing what truly matters to our community. Today was another great turnout—thank you to everyone who joined, took the time to hear my update, and shared what’s happening in their lives. These conversations are what make our communities stronger. |
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| These priorities reflect our recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families, and protecting our environment has never been more critical. |
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| The Special Education Committee will hold a listening tour across the state to inform the public about its work this session. A Zoom option is available for Feb. 13th. |
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The training program, developed by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, received final approval this week from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The continuing education program is expected to take four hours to complete and is optional for all pharmacists. There are 671 licensed pharmacies and more than 6,500 licensed pharmacists in the state who are eligible to complete the course and begin offering this service.
In addition, the state’s first vending machines providing access to emergency contraception and other over-the-counter medications are also now available in Connecticut. |
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| Nearly 40 percent of Connecticut families are unable to make ends meet. HB5986, An Act To Establish A Refundable Child Tax Credit, will benefit 550,000 children in the state. That's why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation and joined many others in support of the bill at a press conference last week. The complete list of co-sponsors is below. |
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| Connecticut is the only high-cost-of-living state with a broad-based personal income tax that does not adjust for the number of children or childcare expenses. HB5986 establishes a permanent refundable child tax credit against the personal income tax for up to three children, for $600 per child, for tax filers with a federal adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less for single filers or $200,000 or less for married individuals filing jointly. For every $1 in child tax credits, a family spends $1.38 in the local economy. |
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| Reminder: Here's your invitation to the 2025 LEARN Student Support Services disABILITY Summit, a unique event designed to empower parents, caregivers, students, and the broader community. The summit is a gathering dedicated to initiating meaningful dialogue, sharing insights, and cultivating a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with a range of unique capabilities. |
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Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions, hear from experts, and connect with others who are passionate about creating more equitable systems of education and accessibility for all. Whether you are looking to learn, share your experiences, or engage in thoughtful conversations, this event is designed to be a space where caring, knowledge, and action intersect. Advanced registration is not required.
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| Affordable car insurance is a necessity for people of all ages, but it holds particular significance for individuals who are 60 and older. Because this demographic often faces unique challenges and mobility needs, ensuring access to reasonably priced car insurance is vital. |
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Driving is often key to maintaining independence, especially in areas where public transportation is unreliable. For older adults, a car often represents a lifeline to healthcare appointments, grocery stores, social engagements, and visits with loved ones. Ensuring affordable car insurance allows seniors to remain active in their communities.
Many people aged 60 and older live on fixed incomes, and rising insurance premiums can strain their budgets. Locking into an affordable insurance rate would provide financial stability for seniors.
By prioritizing and offering car insurance affordability, we can create a more inclusive society that values the mobility and independence of all its members, regardless of age. |
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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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| (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons) |
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| The James Merrill House is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $7,000 Planning Grant by CT Humanities. This grant will support the planning phase of an exciting new literary festival scheduled for 2026 to commemorate the centennial of James Merrill’s birth. The festival aims to celebrate James Merrill’s contributions to literature and poetry, bringing together readers, writers, and scholars from across the globe. For more information, please click HERE. |
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| Women-owned and childcare businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. |
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The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today! |
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| The contributions and experiences of Black people are not just relevant to the past but are actively shaping the present day. Black history is now. |
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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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