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Dear Neighbor,
This weekend is shaping up to be much warmer than last weekend - and the weekend before that one.
Finally!
Still, it's February, wintertime in Connecticut. So, stay prepared. I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter.
I do want to highlight the Groton Farm to School Fundraiser that's currently underway and runs through Feb. 20. Please consider purchasing a sweatshirt for a very worthy cause. More details are below. This week's topics include:
- Around the 41st District
- Emergency Relief Fund? Good to Go
- SLR Program Good News
- AHCT's Broker Academy
- Groton's Farm to School Fundraiser
- CT History Judges Needed
- A Black History Month Moment
- Dept. of Transportation News
- Vets Resources & Updates
- Community Events
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.
Have a great weekend,
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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Great meeting this week with leadership from the Mohegan Tribe and members of the Southeastern CT Legislative Delegation.
We talked about strengthening state–tribal collaboration on key priorities for our region.
The Mohegan Tribe continues to be a major force for jobs, innovation, and community investment in Southeastern Connecticut.
Conversations like this help ensure our work respects tribal sovereignty and stays aligned with the needs of the Mohegan community. |
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| We voted to extend the state’s Emergency Response Fund that shields Connecticut from federal funding cuts and protects vital health and human services for our communities. |
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| Amid chaos and uncertainty, this fund will be available through the end of the next fiscal year to quickly respond to additional federal funding reductions. |
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| The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year. |
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Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.
Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.
Eligible applicants may qualify if they:
- Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
- Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
- Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
- Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
- Completed required community service or qualified for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances
Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.
Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.
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Access Health CT is committed to reducing health disparities across Connecticut.
To support this mission, a free Broker Academy training program is being offered to empower community members and organizations to drive positive change.
Participants will receive comprehensive training, have their exam fees covered, and be paired with a mentor, ensuring support at every step of the journey. |
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Minimum requirements to apply:
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED
- 1-3 recommendation letters, Community service experience
- Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas
Click here for more information and to sign up for notifications.
For questions, email AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov
Click here to sign up for a virtual Broker Academy Info Session, multiple dates available.
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The fundraiser will run until February 20, 2026!
All proceeds from sweatshirt sales support two important initiatives: helping fund unpaid student meal balances across the district and supporting the Farm to School program at Groton Public Schools.
Your purchase supports student nutrition, healthy food tastings, field trips, and partnerships with local farmers. It also helps cover unpaid meal balances so Food Services can continue providing healthy meals for all students. Farm to School programs help students build positive relationships with food.
Orders can be placed by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by visiting the direct ordering link HERE.
It is recommended to size up when ordering sweatshirts, and the website vendor adds a small processing fee to each purchase. |
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Bridge Joint repairs Over Mystic River on I-95 in Mystic
Bridge joint repairs over the Mystic River on I-95 in Mystic, with single lane closures, are scheduled through Thursday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that bridge joint repairs will be performed over the Mystic River on Interstate 95 in Mystic. The bridges are located between Exits 89 and 90.
The work is scheduled through Thursday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This project is being performed to maintain the structural integrity of the bridges and ensure the continued safety of the traveling public.
The repairs will be performed by Hammonasset Construction.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be a single lane closure on I-95 northbound and southbound, between Exits 89 and 90, during the scheduled work hours. Traffic control signing patterns and crash units will guide motorists safely through the work zone.
CTDOT urges motorists to maintain a safe speed, follow posted signage, and be alert to construction personnel and equipment when traveling through the area.
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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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How 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 a.m. – 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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