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Dear Neighbor,
We're closing out another week of extremely hot weather. I've included some safety tips and resources to beat the heat in the future.
By the way, Saturday looks like it will be a great day. I hope you get out and enjoy it. I want to thank you for coming out to our coffee hour at the Ditty Bag last week. As always, I enjoy our conversations. Thanks go out as well to those who attended the end-of-session Groton Town Hall.
These opportunities to connect with residents help us represent you in Hartford.
I've included a CT Mirror article that highlights cuts in federal funding that will affect hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and what my colleagues and I in the legislature did to combat these pending cuts.
Our community health centers are an invaluable resource for residents statewide, and we're committed to keeping them that way. Scroll down for more details. The governor also signed legislation recently that prioritizes patients and holds insurance companies accountable.
A closer look at what SB10 does is among many bits of information in this week's newsletter. Topics include:
- Around and About the 41st
- Hot Weather Safety Tips & Resources
- In Support of Connecticut Foodshare, Local Pantries
- Our Community Health Centers
- New Legislation Signed into Law
- CT Department of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- Community Events and Notices
I hope you have a great weekend!
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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Thank you to everyone who joined us at our End of Session Town Hall at Thrive 55+!
It was a great evening of thoughtful dialogue with our constituents as we recapped major legislative wins for the 2025 session.
Proud to stand alongside my colleagues Rep. Dan Gaiewski and Rep. Anthony Nolan as we listened to your ideas and concerns.
Your voices continue to shape our work at the Capitol — and last night proved how powerful community input can be. Let’s keep the conversation going. |
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| We had great conversations at our coffee hour at the Ditty Bag. Thanks for joining us! |
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| We beat the heat this week. It's summertime in Connecticut. It will be back. Please take a look at some safety tips and resources you may find useful in extreme hot conditions in the future. |
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This last legislative session, I was proud to support a bipartisan effort to increase funding for Connecticut Foodshare and local pantries. We didn’t get the full $10 million, but we did help grow the state’s investment from $900,000 to $3 million in FY26 and $6 million in FY27. That’s meaningful progress.
At the same time, as Jason Jakubowski from Connecticut Foodshare and I note in this article, federal cuts to critical programs like LFPA and TEFAP are putting real strain on our food security system and local farms. Connecticut farmers lost millions in revenue, and food pantries lost access to fresh, local food that families rely on.
This is a growing crisis. I’ll continue working alongside our community partners to ensure Connecticut steps up where Washington is falling short. Read the full story HERE. |
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We’re putting our values into action. Connecticut is committed to keeping care accessible and affordable for all. With community health centers in every corner of the state, quality care is always within reach.
You can find a center near you HERE. |
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Governor Lamont recently signed legislation that puts patients first and holds insurance companies accountable.
Here’s what SB10 does:
- Caps excessive premium hikes. Allows the Connecticut Insurance Department to limit rate increases for insurers that have a track record of hiking costs.
- Enforces mental health parity with real consequences. Insurers must treat mental health like physical health, and those who don’t comply can face fines up to $625,000 and must publicly report how they’re doing.
- Ends harmful “step therapy” delays. Patients with MS, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression will no longer be forced to try cheaper meds first while their condition worsens, and trial periods are also cut from 60 to 30 days.
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The governor also signed legislation establishing a range of new incentives and protections for farm owners in the state.
Among the provisions:
- 20% tax credit for “farm investment property”
- Crop loss reimbursement️
- Drone regulations to boost innovation
- Support for shellfish, agritourism & more️
- Expanding land access grants
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In-Person Public Information Meeting on Replacement of Bridge in Stonington Slated for July 31st
An in-person public information meeting concerning the replacement of Bridge No. 03906 carrying Alpha Avenue over the Amtrak rail line and local roads in Stonington will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Stonington High School at 176 S Broad Street in Pawcatuck at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting facility is ADA accessible. The meeting will be broadcast on the Southeastern Connecticut Television station and uploaded to the town’s YouTube channel. The recording will also be posted following the meeting in CTDOT’s public meeting playlist HERE.
The public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation. For additional information, please click HERE.
Right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements may include partial or full acquisitions and easements.
Construction is anticipated to begin by 2028 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $48 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% federal funds, $1 million from the town of Stonington, and the remaining balance coming from state funds.
Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Individuals may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Francisco Fadul at Francisco.Fadul@ct.gov or (860) 594-2078.
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days before the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please submit comments and questions by Thursday, August 14, 2025, to DOTProject0137-0164@ct.gov, or (860) 594-2020, or Francisco Fadul at Francisco.Fadul@ct.gov, or (860) 594-2078. Please reference Project No. 0137-0164 in the email or voicemail.
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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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